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Phone 203-736-8566

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October

2012

www.vsaac.org

The month of October is a month for recognizing prevention

awareness causes. Gil Kerlikowske, Director of the Office of NationalDrug Control Policy, reminds us that, millions of Americans struggle withsubstance abuse..... The resulting negative consequences of their addiction alsoimpact their families, friends, neighbors, and communities. In fact, substance abusetouches every sector of our society, straining our health care and criminal justicesystems - costing the U.S. as much as $139 billion annually. Prevention is the key

to reducing this financial burden and building healthy and safe communities acrossthe country.

NATIONAL MEDICINE ABUSE AWARENESS MONTH is an effort to getprescription drug abuse and over-the-counter drug abuse on the radar of familiesacross the country.One in 10 youth ages 12-17 has abused cough medicine to get high from the

dextromethorphan ingredient.Thirteen percent of youth say that prescription drugs are easy to get; and easier to

get this year than in 2011.One in five young adults has abused a prescription drug; the second most abused

drug after marijuana.Nearly one third of people 12 and over who used illegal drugs for the first time in

2009, began by using a prescription drug non-medically.In 2002, two percent of active duty military personnel said they misused

prescription drugs compared with 11% in 2008. The problem continuesto increase.

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Things we can do to keep safe:Lock up medications.

Be sure both you and your doctor know allthe medications and herbal supplements

you take, what they are for, and, any side effects.Find out how medications (including over-the-counter, and herbal supplements)

interact with each other and with alcohol.NATIONAL SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH encourages talkingto children about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs to increase theirchances of living long, healthy and productive lives. Substance abuse damagescountless families and communities. Relationships are destroyed, crime andviolence blight communities, and dreams are shattered.

Through national collaboration, community programs and the help ofengaged youth, parents, guardians, educators, law enforcement, clergy and others;we can build a stronger, healthier America. (Presidential Proclamation)

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Treatment admissions facts: Admissions for primary abuse of marijuana have increased16% to 18.4% from 2007 to 2010. Admissions for legal opiates- oxycodone, hydrocodone,

and codone have increased from 1% to 8.6% from 1997 to 2010.

An estimated three million fewer people smoked last year compared with 2009. Witha 22% federal cigarette tax increase, the smoking rate dropped most sharply among teens, poorpeople and those who are dependent on government health insurance. (USA Today)

People who have three or more alcoholic drinks a day may have a higher risk of strokeat a much younger age, compared with those who dont drink heavily. (drugfree.org)

A growing number of colleges have enacted bans on smoking this year. According toAmericans for Nonsmokers Rights, 774 campuses in the US had banned smoking as of July 1.(USA Today)

Drug overdoses now surpass car crashes as the leading cause of accidental death in theUS.

NATIONAL BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH is a campaign in the UnitedStates founded in 2006 by Pacers National Center for Bullying Prevention. The

campaign is held to unite communities nationwide to educate and raiseawareness about bullying.

Bullying is a form of abuse. Bullying happens when one child or a group of children engagein actions or activities that are purposely mean and hurtful - emotionally, psychologically and/orphysically.

Historically, bullying was viewed as a rite of passage and bullying made kids tougher.The reality is that bullying could be devastating and may negatively affect those who are bulliedwell into adulthood.

Bullying has three characteristics that set it apart from joking around:1. There is a power difference between the bully and the victim.2. The bully intends to hurt, embarrass or humiliate the other person,.3. The behavior is repeated.

Bullying could be indirect being excluded, being ridiculed or having rumors spread aboutyou. It could be verbalbeing teased to the point of distress or shame. Finally it could be direct orphysicalhitting, kicking, pushing, tripping, biting, hair pulling, etc. Another action that may beconsidered bulling is non-action by bystanders not taking part in the actual bullying, but allowing

it to happen and not taking any action to stop it or prevent it from happening again.With the advent of sophisticated technology, cyberbullying has become a major issue.

Spreading rumors or sending offensive pictures by phone or by posting on Facebook or Twitter,can reach hundreds of people instantly. The enormity of being the focus of this type of harassmentcan cause extreme stress, helpless feelings and depression that has led some to take their own lives.

Some signs of bullying are very noticeable. A child/teen may be unhappy, fearful, depressedor withdrawn. She or he may invent mysterious illnesses, have mood swings and sudden outbursts ofanger. There may be sleeping problems. Other signs could be missing belongings, torn or dirtyclothing, cuts, bruises, refusal to attend school or taking a new route to school, needing money tobribe a bully, and the need to carry a weapon for protection.

You can help a child/teen who is being bullied by being supportive, listening and

believing, talking about options, and building self-worth. Also, be sure those being bullied knowthat it is not their fault. If bullying continues, talk to proper authorities.