Start the Discussion

LOCK YOUR MEDS, Be Aware, Don't Share!

2012-01-17T12:46:00.000-08:00

During the month of January, Holcomb actively supports and promotes the LOCK YOUR MEDS campaign which targets educating parents on the risk of prescription drug abuse while aiming at reducing the use among teens.

To learn more about Lock Your Meds, or to sign a pledge card to support the cause, please contact Kevin at the Holcomb Office 484-444-0412

or via email at Kgallagh@holcombbhs.org!

ROSE TREE PARENTS KNOW! to talk about PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION!

2012-01-17T12:12:00.002-08:00

Among young people ages 12-17, prescription drugs have become the second most abused illegal drug, behind marijuana. Nearly half (47%) of teens who use prescription drugs say they get them for FREE from a relative or friend (Office of National Drug Control Policy).

*1 in 5 teens abuse prescription medications

*Prescription medications are now being abused more than cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, and methamphetamines combined.

INFORM YOUR TEEN:

*While prescription drugs may be cheap and easy to obtain, they are far from safe.

*Prescription medications can be just as addictive and dangerous as illicit drugs bought off the street (with a wide range of negative side effects, including death)

*Though prescription drugs may be legal, it is illegal and unacceptable for you to ever use them without a docto's (and my) permission.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Monitor: Keep tabs on your medications and be the controller (personally handing out the medicine) if your child is prescribed a drug.

Secure: Lock up your prescription and over-the-counter medications. (stay tuned for next blog entire on you can get involved with the Lock-your-meds campaign.)

Dispose: Discard expired and unused prescriptions by mixing it with kitty littler or coffee grounds in a can or bag and placing it in the trash (for environmental purposes it is not safe to flush down the toilet...or find out when the next drug take back day is!)

KNOW! is a program of Drug-Free Action Alliance with funding provided by the United Way of Central Ohio to empower parents to raise their children substance-free. Presented by Holcomb and funded through the Delaware County Office of Behavioral Health Diviosion of Drug and Alcohol.

You're Invited!

2012-01-11T05:32:00.000-08:00

You're Invited...

to Parenting Wisely, a FREE interactive program for parents with Young Children or Teens!

This workshop will help you learn how to reduce problem behaviorals, increase communication and conflict resolution. The ultimate goal of this day is to increase family unity.

When:

January 22 & 29th, 2012 @ 1-3pm

Where:
Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems
126 E. Baltimore Ave. Media, Pa 19063

How:

Please call 484-444-0412! (registration is required to attend)

Parenting Wisley is funded by the Delaware County Office of Behavioral Health, Division of Drug and Alcohol Programs.

Have you missed us? NEW YEAR, NEW BLOG!

2012-01-10T09:28:00.000-08:00

Start the Discussion has gotten a face lift for 2012 and we want to hear from you!

We hope to explore more of the common drug trends in our area as well as other behavioral health topics. Want to see something specific? Feel free to comment on one of our blog entries!

After-School Snacking: Making Healthy Choices

2011-09-12T13:16:00.000-07:00

It's a scene that plays out daily in homes everywhere. Kids come in from school and head straight to the kitchen looking for something to eat. How can you can make sure your child gets nourished but still has room for a healthy dinner? Read on.

Helping Kids Deal With Bullies

2011-09-12T08:22:00.000-07:00

A bully can turn something like going to the bus stop or recess into a nightmare for kids. Bullying can leave deep emotional scars that last for life. And in extreme situations, it can culminate in violent threats, property damage, or someone getting seriously hurt.

If your child is being bullied, there are ways to help him or her cope with it on a day-to-day basis and lessen its lasting impact. And even if bullying isn't an issue right in your house right now, it's important to discuss it so your kids will be prepared if it does happen. Click here to continue reading the rest of this article.

Homework: A Guide for Parents

2011-08-08T09:33:00.000-07:00

By Peg Dawson, EdD, NCSP
Seacoast Mental Health Center, Portsmouth, NH

Homework has been around as long as public schools have, and over the years considerable research has been conducted regarding the efficacy of homework practices. While the results are not uniform, most experts on the topic have drawn some common conclusions.

Background

Harris Cooper, a leading homework researcher, examined more than 100 studies on the effects of homework and concluded that there is little evidence that homework at the elementary school level has an impact on school achievement. Studies at the junior high school level have found some modest benefits of homework, but studies of homework at the high school level have found that it has clear benefits.

Despite mixed research on homework effects, many teachers believe that assigning homework offers other benefits besides contributing to school achievement. Homework teaches children how to take responsibility for tasks and how to work independently. That is, homework helps children develop habits of mind that will serve them well as they proceed through school and, indeed, through life. Specifically, homework helps children learn how to plan and organize tasks, manage time, make choices, and problem solve, all skills that contribute to effective functioning in the adult world of work and families.

Reasonable Homework Expectations

It is generally agreed that the younger the child, the less time the child should be expected to devote to homework. A general rule of thumb is that children do 10 minutes of homework for each grade level. Therefore, first graders should be expected to do about 10 minutes of homework, second graders 20 minutes, third graders 30 minutes, and so on. If your child is spending more than 10 minutes per grade level on work at night, then you may want to talk with your child's teacher about adjusting the workload.

Strategies to Make Homework Go More Smoothly

There are two key strategies parents can draw on to reduce homework hassles. The first is to establish clear routines around homework, including when and where homework gets done and setting up daily schedules for homework. The second is to build in rewards or incentives to use with children for whom "good grades" is not a sufficient reward for doing homework.

Homework Routines

Tasks are easiest to accomplish when tied to specific routines. By establishing daily routines for homework completion, you will not only make homework go more smoothly, but you will also be fostering a sense of order your child can apply to later life, including college and work.

Step 1. Find a location in the house where homework will be done. The right location will depend on your child and the culture of your family. Some children do best at a desk in their bedroom. It is a quiet location, away from the hubbub of family noise. Other children become too distracted by the things they keep in their bedroom and do better at a place removed from those distractions, like the dining room table. Some children need to work by themselves. Others need to have parents nearby to help keep them on task and to answer questions when problems arise. Ask your child where the best place is to work. Both you and your child need to discuss pros and cons of different settings to arrive at a mutually agreed upon location.

Step 2. Set up a homework center. Once you and your child have identified a location, fix it up as a home office/homework center. Make sure there is a clear workspace large enough to set out all the materials necessary for completing assignments. Outfit the homework center with the kinds of supplies your child is most likely to need, such as pencils, pens, colored markers, rulers, scissors, a dictionary and thesaurus, graph paper, construction paper, glue and cellophane tape, lined paper, a calculator, spell checker, and, depending on the age and needs of your child, a computer or laptop. If the homework center is a place that will be used for other things (such as the dining room table), then your child can keep the supplies in a portable crate or bin. If possible, the homework center should include a bulletin board that can hold a monthly calendar on which your child can keep track of longterm assignments. Allowing children some leeway in decorating the homework center can help them feel at home there, but you should be careful that it does not become too cluttered with distracting materials.

Step 3. Establish a homework time. Your child should get in the habit of doing homework at the same time every day. The time may vary depending on the individual child. Some children need a break right after school to get some exercise and have a snack. Others need to start homework while they are still in a school mode (i.e., right after school when there is still some momentum left from getting through the day). In general, it may be best to get homework done either before dinner or as early in the evening as the child can tolerate. The later it gets, the more tired the child becomes and the more slowly the homework gets done.

Step 4. Establish a daily homework schedule. In general, at least into middle school, the homework session should begin with your sitting down with your child and drawing up a homework schedule. You should review all the assignments and make sure your child understands them and has all the necessary materials. Ask your child to estimate how long it will take to complete each assignment. Then ask when each assignment will get started. If your child needs help with any assignment, then this should be determined at the beginning so that the start times can take into account parent availability. A Daily Homework Planner is included at the end of this handout and contains a place for identifying when breaks may be taken and what rewards may be earned.

Incentive Systems

Many children who are not motivated by the enjoyment of doing homework are motivated by the high grade they hope to earn as a result of doing a quality job. Thus, the grade is an incentive, motivating the child to do homework with care and in a timely manner. For children who are not motivated by grades, parents will need to look for other rewards to help them get through their nightly chores. Incentive systems fall into two categories: simple and elaborate.

Simple incentive systems. The simplest incentive system is reminding the child of a fun activity to do when homework is done. It may be a favorite television show, a chance to spend some time with a video or computer game, talking on the telephone or instant messaging, or playing a game with a parent. This system of withholding fun things until the drudgery is over is sometimes called Grandma's Law because grandmothers often use it quite effectively ("First take out the trash, then you can have chocolate chip cookies."). Having something to look forward to can be a powerful incentive to get the hard work done. When parents remind children of this as they sit down at their desks they may be able to spark the engine that drives the child to stick with the work until it is done.

Elaborate incentive systems. These involve more planning and more work on the part of parents but in some cases are necessary to address more significant homework problems. More complex incentives systems might include a structure for earning points that could be used to "purchase" privileges or rewards or a system that provides greater reward for accomplishing more difficult homework tasks. These systems work best when parents and children together develop them. Giving children input gives them a sense of control and ownership, making the system more likely to succeed. We have found that children are generally realistic in setting goals and deciding on rewards and penalties when they are involved in the decision-making process.

Building in breaks. These are good for the child who cannot quite make it to the end without a small reward en route. When creating the daily homework schedule, it may be useful with these children to identify when they will take their breaks. Some children prefer to take breaks at specific time intervals (every 15 minutes), while others do better when the breaks occur after they finish an activity. If you use this approach, you should discuss with your child how long the breaks will last and what will be done during the breaks (get a snack, call a friend, play one level on a video game). The Daily Homework Planner includes sections where breaks and end-of-homework rewards can be identified.

Building in choice. This can be an effective strategy for parents to use with children who resist homework. Choice can be incorporated into both the order in which the child agrees to complete assignments and the schedule they will follow to get the work done. Building in choice not only helps motivate children but can also reduce power struggles between parents and children.

Developing Incentive Systems

Step 1. Describe the problem behaviors. Parents and children decide which behaviors are causing problems at homework time. For some children putting homework off to the last minute is the problem; for others, it is forgetting materials or neglecting to write down assignments. Still others rush through their work and make careless mistakes, while others dawdle over assignments, taking hours to complete what should take only a few minutes. It is important to be as specific as possible when describing the problem behaviors. The problem behavior should be described as behaviors that can be seen or heard; for instance, complains about homework or rushes through homework, making many mistakes are better descriptors than has a bad attitude or is lazy.

Step 2. Set a goal. Usually the goal relates directly to the problem behavior. For instance, if not writing down assignments is the problem, the goal might be: "Joe will write down his assignments in his assignment book for every class."

Step 3. Decide on possible rewards and penalties. Homework incentive systems work best when children have a menu of rewards to choose from, since no single reward will be attractive for long. We recommend a point system in which points can be earned for the goal behaviors and traded in for the reward the child wants to earn. The bigger the reward, the more points the child will need to earn it. The menu should include both larger, more expensive rewards that may take a week or a month to earn and smaller, inexpensive rewards that can be earned daily. It may also be necessary to build penalties into the system. This is usually the loss of a privilege (such as the chance to watch a favorite TV show or the chance to talk on the telephone to a friend).

Once the system is up and running, and if you find your child is earning more penalties than rewards, then the program needs to be revised so that your child can be more successful. Usually when this kind of system fails, we think of it as a design failure rather than the failure of the child to respond to rewards. It may be a good idea if you are having difficulty designing a system that works to consult a specialist, such as a school psychologist or counselor, for assistance.

Step 4. Write a homework contract. The contract should say exactly what the child agrees to do and exactly what the parents' roles and responsibilities will be. When the contract is in place, it should reduce some of the tension parents and kids often experience around homework. For instance, if part of the contract is that the child will earn a point for not complaining about homework, then if the child does complain, this should not be cause for a battle between parent and child: the child simply does not earn that point. Parents should also be sure to praise their children for following the contract. It will be important for parents to agree to a contract they can live with; that is, avoiding penalties they are either unable or unwilling to impose (e.g., if both parents work and are not at home, they cannot monitor whether a child is beginning homework right after school, so an alternative contract may need to be written).

We have found that it is a rare incentive system that works the first time. Parents should expect to try it out and redesign it to work the kinks out. Eventually, once the child is used to doing the behaviors specified in the contract, the contract can be rewritten to work on another problem behavior. Your child over time may be willing to drop the use of an incentive system altogether. This is often a long-term goal, however, and you should be ready to write a new contract if your child slips back to bad habits once a system is dropped.

Involving Siblings

Parents often ask how they can develop one kind of system for one child in the family and not for all children, since it may seem to be "rewarding" children with problems while neglecting those without. Most siblings understand this process if it is explained to them carefully. If there are problems, however, parents have several choices: (a) Set up a similar system for other children with appropriate goals (every child has something they could be working to improve), (b) make a more informal arrangement by promising to do something special from time to time with the other children in the family so they do not feel left out, or (c) have the child earn rewards that benefit the whole family (e.g., eating out at a favorite restaurant).

Adaptations and Further Support

Suggestions provided in this handout will need to be adapted to the particular age of your child. Greater supervision and involvement on the part of parents is the norm with children during the elementary school years, while, by high school, most parents find they can pull back and let their children take more control over homework schedules. Middle school is often the turning point, and parents will need to make decisions about how involved to be in homework based on the developmental level of their children. If problems arise that seem intractable at any age, consult your child's teacher or a school psychologist.

Click here to download the homework planner and incentive sheet.

Back-to-School Transitions: Tips for Parents

2011-08-08T09:07:00.000-07:00

By Ted Feinberg, EdD, NCSP, & Katherine C. Cowan
National Association of School Psychologists

Getting a new school year off to a good start can influence children’s attitude, confidence, and performance both socially and academically. The transition from August to September can be difficult for both children and parents. Even children who are eager to return to class must adjust to the greater levels of activity, structure, and, for some, pressures associated with school life.

The degree of adjustment depends on the child, but parents can help their children (and the rest of the family) manage the increased pace of life by planning ahead, being realistic, and maintaining a positive attitude. Here are a few suggestions to help ease the transition and promote a successful school experience.

Before School Starts

Good physical and mental health. Be sure your child is in good physical and mental health. Schedule doctor and dental checkups early. Discuss any concerns you have over your child’s emotional or psychological development with your pediatrician. Your doctor can help determine if your concerns are normal, age-appropriate issues or require further assessment. Your child will benefit if you can identify and begin addressing a potential issue before school starts. Schools appreciate the efforts of parents to remedy problems as soon as they are recognized.

Review all of the information. Review the material sent by the school as soon as it arrives. These packets include important information about your child’s teacher, room number, school supply requirements, sign ups for after-school sports and activities, school calendar dates, bus transportation, health and emergency forms, and volunteer opportunities.

Mark your calendar. Make a note of important dates, especially back-to-school nights. This is especially important if you have children in more than one school and need to juggle obligations. Arrange for a babysitter now, if necessary.

Make copies. Make copies of all your child’s health and emergency information for reference. Health forms are typically good for more than a year and can be used again for camps, extracurricular activities, and the following school year.

Buy school supplies early. Try to get the supplies as early as possible and fill the backpacks a week or two before school starts. Older children can help do this, but make sure they use a checklist that you can review. Some teachers require specific supplies, so save receipts for items that you may need to return later.

Re-establish the bedtime and mealtime routines. Plan to re-establish the bedtime and mealtime routines (especially breakfast) at least 1 week before school starts. Prepare your child for this change by talking with your child about the benefits of school routines in terms of not becoming over tired or overwhelmed by school work and activities. Include pre-bedtime reading and household chores if these were suspended during the summer.

Turn off the TV. Encourage your child to play quiet games, do puzzles, flash cards, color, or read as early morning activities instead of watching television. This will help ease your child into the learning process and school routine. If possible, maintain this practice throughout the school year. Television is distracting for many children, and your child will arrive at school better prepared to learn each morning if he or she has engaged in less passive activities.

Visit school with your child. If your child is young or in a new school, visit the school with your child. Meeting the teacher, locating their classroom, locker, lunchroom, etc., will help ease pre-school anxieties and also allow your child to ask questions about the new environment. Call ahead to make sure the teachers will be available to introduce themselves to your child.

Minimize clothes shopping woes. Buy only the essentials. Summer clothes are usually fine during the early fall, but be sure to have at least one pair of sturdy shoes. Check with your school to confirm dress code guidelines. Common concerns include extremely short skirts and shorts, low rise pants, bare midriffs, spaghetti strap or halter tops, exposed undergarments, and clothing that have antisocial messages.

Designate and clear a place to do homework. Older children should have the option of studying in their room or a quiet area of the house. Younger children usually need an area set aside in the family room or kitchen to facilitate adult monitoring, supervision, and encouragement.

Select a spot to keep backpacks and lunch boxes. Designate a spot for your children to place their school belongings as well as a place to put important notices and information sent home for you to see. Explain that emptying their backpack each evening is part of their responsibility, even for young children.

Freeze a few easy dinners. It will be much easier on you if you have dinner prepared so that meal preparation will not add to household tensions during the first week of school.

The First Week

Clear your own schedule. To the extent possible, postpone business trips, volunteer meetings, and extra projects. You want to be free to help your child acclimate to the school routine and overcome the confusion or anxiety that many children experience at the start of a new school year.

Make lunches the night before school. Older children should help or make their own. Give them the option to buy lunch in school if they prefer and finances permit.

Set alarm clocks. Have school-age children set their own alarm clocks to get up in the morning. Praise them for prompt response to morning schedules and bus pickups.

Leave plenty of extra time. Make sure your child has plenty of time to get up, eat breakfast, and get to school. For very young children taking the bus, pin to their shirt or backpack an index card with pertinent information, including their teacher’s name and bus number, as well as your daytime contact information.

After school. Review with your child what to do if he or she gets home after school and you are not there. Be very specific, particularly with young children. Put a note card in their backpack with the name(s) and number(s) of a neighbor who is home during the day as well as a number where you can be reached. If you have not already done so, have your child meet neighbor contacts to reaffirm the backup support personally.

Review your child’s schoolbooks. Talk about what your child will be learning during the year. Share your enthusiasm for the subjects and your confidence in your child’s ability to master the content. Reinforce the natural progression of the learning process that occurs over the school year. Learning skills take time and repetition. Encourage your child to be patient, attentive, and positive.

Send a brief note to your child’s teacher. Let the teachers know that you are interested in getting regular feedback on how and what your child is doing in school. Be sure to attend back-to-school night and introduce yourself to the teachers. Find out how they like to communicate with parents (e.g., through notes, e-mail, or phone calls). Convey a sincere desire to be a partner with your children’s teachers to enhance their learning experience.

Familiarize yourself with the other school professionals. Make an effort to find out who it is in the school or district who can be a resource for you and your child. Learn their roles and how best to access their help if you need them. This can include the principal and front office personnel; school psychologist, counselor, and social worker; the reading specialist, speech therapist, and school nurse; and the after-school activities coordinator.

Overcoming Anxiety

Let your children know you care. If your child is anxious about school, send personal notes in the lunch box or book bag. Reinforce the ability to cope. Children absorb their parent’s anxiety, so model optimism and confidence for your child. Let your child know that it is natural to be a little nervous anytime you start something new but that your child will be just fine once he or she becomes familiar with classmates, the teacher, and school routine.

Do not overreact. If the first few days are a little rough, try not to over react. Young children in particular may experience separation anxiety or shyness initially but teachers are trained to help them adjust. If you drop them off, try not to linger. Reassure them that you love them, will think of them during the day, and will be back.

Remain calm and positive. Acknowledge anxiety over a bad experience the previous year. Children who had a difficult time academically or socially or were teased or bullied may be more fearful or reluctant to return to school. If you have not yet done so, share your child’s concern with the school and confirm that the problem has been addressed. Reassure your child that the problem will not occur again in the new school year, and that you and the school are working together to prevent further issues.

Reinforce your child’s ability to cope. Give your child a few strategies to manage a difficult situation on his or her own. But encourage your child to tell you or the teacher if the problem persists. Maintain open lines of communication with the school.

Arrange play dates. Try to arrange get-togethers with some of your child’s classmates before school starts and during the first weeks of schools to help your child re-establish positive social relationships with peers.

Plan to volunteer in the classroom. If possible, plan to volunteer in the classroom at least periodically throughout the year. Doing so helps your child understand that school and family life are linked and that you care about the learning experience. Being in the classroom is also a good way to develop a relationship with your child’s teachers and classmates, and to get firsthand exposure to the classroom environment and routine. Most teachers welcome occasional parent help, even if you cannot volunteer regularly.

Extracurricular Activities

Go for quality, not quantity. Your child will benefit most from one or two activities that are fun, reinforce social development, and teach new skills. Too much scheduled time can be stressful, especially for young children, and may make it harder to concentrate on schoolwork. When evaluating extracurricular activities, consider your family schedule and personal energy level. Multiple activities per child may be too much to manage, particularly if the activities have overlapping times, disparate locations, require your attendance, or disrupt the dinner hour.

Select activities where you have someone with whom you can carpool. Even if you are available to drive most days, you will need backup sometimes. Choosing activities that occur on-site after school will also minimize driving.

Find out from the school or teacher which days will be heavy homework or test study days and schedule extracurricular activities accordingly.

If your child does not want to participate in regular, organized extracurricular activities, you may want to consider other options to help build interests and social skills. For example, check out the local library for monthly reading programs, find out if your local recreation or community center offers drop-in activities, or talk to other parents and schedule regular play dates with their children.

When Problems Arise

These recommendations can contribute to a positive and productive school experience for most children. Some children may exhibit more extreme opposition to or fear of school or may be coping with more specific learning or psychological difficulties.

If your child demonstrates problems that seem extreme in nature or go on for an extended period, you may want to contact the school to set up an appointment to meet with your child’s teachers and school psychologist. They may be able to offer direct or indirect support that will help identify and reduce the presenting problem. They may also suggest other resources within the school and the community to help you address the situation.

While children can display a variety of behaviors, it is generally wise not to over-interpret those behaviors. More often than not, time and a few intervention strategies will remedy the problem. Most children are wonderfully resilient and, with your support and encouragement, will thrive throughout their school experience.

Parent Involvement Happens Everyday

2011-08-08T08:49:00.000-07:00

How can you as a parent be more involved in your child’s education? It’s not as hard as you think!

Many of the traditional avenues of parent involvement – attending parent-teacher conferences, volunteering in the classroom, and getting involved with the PTA – are of course wonderful activities that will make a lasting difference in your child’s educational experience while increasing the quality of the school. But there are simpler things that parents can do in the course of day-to-day life that can also have a great impact on their children’s academic success. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Let your child know that school is important. Be sure to ask questions about school and homework, and set up a quiet place for your child to work.

• Read everything that is sent home from school – report cards, homework assignments, school lunch plans, vacation and bus schedules. Show your child that you are well informed.

• Encourage your child to read at home. Set a good example by choosing to read instead of watching a TV program.

• Explore ways to interact with your child by sharing facts, perceptions and opinions related to things you are reading.

• Challenge your child to read the book before seeing the movie based on the book.

• When your child asks for help with homework, provide guidance, not answers. It’s not your job to know your child’s classroom material. You can help best by asking questions, giving encouragement, and having your child review class notes, previous homework and completed tests. You can always call or write a note to the teacher if your child is struggling.

• Learn to ask questions and share thoughts that promote critical thinking. Some good questions might be: “What is the purpose of that?” “Why did that happen?” “What do you think the solution might be”? “Is there another way to look at that problem or issue?”

• Be willing to learn from your child, and express your appreciation for the gift of his or her knowledge and enthusiasm.

For more information, go to: http://www.nhparentsmakethedifference.org/everyday.htm

2011-07-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

STRENGTHENING FAMILIES
Strengthening Families Program
The Strengthening Families Program is a component of Power of Parents, It’s Your Influence a nationally and internationally recognized family skills training program found to significantly reduce problem behaviors, delinquency, and alcohol and drug abuse in children and to improve social competencies and school performance. The program was developed by Dr. Karol Kumpfer at the University of Utah and has been proven effective in 17 countries. Click here to learn more about the program or click on the picture to the right to sign up!

2011-07-21T06:23:00.000-07:00

Want to Learn how to Prevent Teen Abuse of Prescription Drugs?

Then click here to get a great fact sheet with helpful tips on how to effectively communicate with your child, and what the warning signs of teen prescription drug abuse look like.

Be Your Child's Best Advocate!

2011-07-15T07:26:00.000-07:00

The Parents Involved Network of Chester County will be hosting FREE parent workshops from July through August to help parents become their childs best advocate. More information can be found by clicking here!

Keeping Your Teen Out of Trouble This Summer

2011-06-14T08:56:00.000-07:00

The transition from school to summertime provides new opportunities for teens — and it can be challenging for some adolescents to cope with the change. Studies show that teens who haven’t tried drugs or alcohol are more likely to start during times of transition in order to deal with stress. But don’t worry — while change is a part of life, risky behavior, like drug and alcohol use, doesn’t have to be.

You can’t control the changes that impact your teen, but you can pay attention to his or her feelings, concerns and needs. Conversations are one of the most powerful tools parents can use to connect with — and protect — their children. Here are seven ways parents can help deter their teen from engaging in risky behaviors during the free time they’ll have this summer:

1. Work Up a List of What They Can Do Without Asking Permission

It can be frustrating for teens when they’re not being able to reach a parent at work in order to ask permission to go to a friend’s house, the movies or the beach. It can be equally frustrating for the parent whose employer frowns on personal phone, text or email interruptions. To address this conflict, sit down with your teen to talk about the kinds of activities they may do without your explicit permission. The condition is they leave a note or send you a text that tells you where/what they are doing, with whom, the time of departure and their estimated time of return.

2. Install Computer Controls

With some 200 million websites worldwide, Facebook, YouTube, and any number of other internet enticements, telling your teen that you are adding controls and a history tracker to your computer can help. This allows you to check (and them to know you are checking) where they are and have been online.

3. Know What’s in the Cabinet

It’s important to track the alcohol you have in the house - whether that’s in the fridge, liquor cabinet, garage, hall cupboard or wine cellar. Not necessarily because you are concerned your teen will consume alcohol (or collect quantities from various liquor bottles to fill their 12 ounce water bottle) but to help him or her avoid peer pressure to do so. The same is true of the medicine cabinet, your purse or the bathroom drawer. Also, with one in five teenagers abusing pain medication, it’s important for parents to monitor and secure all prescription bottles and pill packets in the house. As well as dispose of all expired medications to decrease the opportunity for your teen or their friends to abuse your medications.

4. Establish That Periodically Throughout the Day You Must “TALK”

Not text, but talk. A parent can tell when there is a change in their child’s voice, which likely will not come through in a text, and that voice change can be a signal that something is amiss.

5. Take the Spare Car Keys to Work (or track the mileage)

Just like the computer controls, knowing that you are tracking the mileage (or taking the spare keys to work) removes the temptation to “borrow” the family car.

6. Know Who Your Teen’s Summer Friends Are

Friendships can change once school is out. Some friends may go off to camp or at a summer job, while new kids are suddenly available to hang out. Knowing who your teen’s current friends are will give you the opportunity to talk to those friends’ parents in order to coordinate oversight while you’re both at work.

7. Follow-up on Statements That Don’t Ring True

“It’s not mine. I’m just keeping it for a friend.” Never believe these kinds of statements outright. Talk to that friend’s parents. A friend that asks your teen to hold drugs or alcohol for them is not a friend to have because obviously that teen knows it’s wrong, or they would hold it at their own house. Trust your instincts — chances are if you suspect your child is using drugs then she probably is or something else is going on.

Some of these suggestions may feel like you’re sending the message that you don’t trust your teen. But, in actuality, by reducing the opportunities for your teens to lie or go along with the crowd during adolescence, we strengthen trust all around.

What do you plan on doing to keep your teen out of trouble this summer?

Do you know what % of addictions start in the teen years?

2011-06-10T08:33:00.000-07:00

If your answer is 90%, unfortunately you're right. That 's a disturbing statistic when you take into consideration that today over 11 million young people have problems with drinking and drugs, and only 15% of them are getting the help they need.

If you think that someone you care about is addicted to drugs or alcohol, recognizing the problem is the first step in getting help.

Many people think they can kick the problem on their own, but that rarely works. Unfortunately, overcoming an addition is not easy. Quitting drugs or drinking is probably going to be one of the hardest things. Most people who try to kick a drug or alcohol problem need professional assistance or a treatment program to do so.

Visit SAMHSA's website to find a treatment location near you: http://dasis3.samhsa.gov/

Less Than One-Third of High School Students Perceive a Great Risk in Drinking Daily

2011-05-24T13:05:00.000-07:00

This study highlights the perceptions of high school students as it relates to alcohol consumption. Some shocking statistics show us that over 60% do not see any risk associated with drinking one or two drinks nearly every day. Have you talked to your teen about alcohol? Tell us about it in the comments section.

High school students are less likely to report a great risk in drinking nearly every day than in the regular use of illicit drugs, according to data from the 2010 Partnership Attitude Tracking Study. Less than one-third (27%) of high school students report that they think there is a great risk in drinking one or two drinks nearly every day and only 55% see a great risk in drinking four or more drinks nearly every day. One-half of students perceive a great risk in using marijuana reguarly. The perceived risk of regular use of other illicit drugs is much higher, ranging from 72% to 84%. The survey also found that only 31% of students disapprove of teens their age getting drunk. Previous research on high school students has shown that teens' decreased perceptions of risk and disapproval of alcohol and drug use are related to increases in use.

New Study Finds: Teen Drinking Not "Just a Phase"

2011-03-04T07:43:00.000-08:00

Problem drinking during the late teenage years is a real problem, not just a phase, and can signal problem drinking in young adulthood, according to a new study CNN Health reported recently.
The findings are published in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research.

Lead study author Richard R. Rose of Indiana University stated, "The key finding was that the more drinking-related problems experienced by an adolescent at age 18, the greater the likelihood that adolescent would be diagnosed with alcoholism seven years later, at age 25." He went on to explain, "The analysis of co-twins ruled out factors such as parental drinking and household atmosphere as the source of the association, because twins jointly experience these." Rose said that because twin teens in the study had the same parental, environmental and genetic factors, the results provide strong evidence that drinking behavior at age 18 is a strong predictor for drinking behavior at age 25.

The study involved 597 twins enrolled in long-term Finnish study of twins. At age 18 the twins took the Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index (RAPI), which is a self-administered questionnaire designed to measure alcohol drinking related problems. Rose said the RAPI is one of the most widely used assessments of problematic teen drinking. Study participants were later interviewed in-person at age 25 to assess alcohol dependence.

The study found that 52% of teens had RAPI scores reflecting problematic drinking at age 18, and those results held at age 25 when the young adults were tested for alcohol dependence. 46.2 % met the criteria for alcohol dependence and 1.5% for alcohol abuse. RAPI scores in late teen years "robustly predict alcohol diagnoses in early adulthood. Accordingly, our results also provide new evidence that one pathway to problem drinking in early adulthood is a direct one from problem drinking in adolescence," according to the study. Rose says the findings show that teen drinking problems can chart a course to problems with alcohol in young adulthood.

Research Supports Current Legal Drinking Age of 21

2011-01-27T07:13:00.000-08:00

As some of you may know, over the past two years about 100 college presidents and administrators in the U.S. have been supporting the Amethyst Initiative, which advocates lowering the legal drinking age to 18 years. The argument is that if the legal drinking age is lowered, young adults, specifically those on college campuses, won't be so tempted to binge drink. Well, a recent study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs recently found that lowering the drinking age did NOT lower the amount of binge drinking on college campuses. Hooray for research! Keep reading for the full story from CADCA:

A group of researchers have successfully debunked the myth that lowering the drinking age would reduce underage drinking, at least amongst college students.

Prompted by speculation by the two-year-old Amethyst Initiative— a group of more than 100 college presidents and other high-ranking administrators who want to reduce the Minimum Legal Drinking Age from 21 to 18, claiming that reducing the legal drinking age could result in less alcohol use on college campuses—researchers at BioMedware Corporation in Ann Arbor, Mich. extended the model previously developed by Dr. Richard Scribner of the Louisiana State University School of Public Health to conclude that lowering the drinking age would not cause students to drink less.

The study, “Heavy Episodic Drinking on College Campuses: Does Changing the Legal Drinking Age Make a Difference?” published this month in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, used data available from 32 U.S. campuses nationwide. Researchers took a cross-section geographically, some were primarily commuter campuses, some students lived in dorms and some campuses and even the surrounding communities were “dry,” researcher Robert G. Rommel says.

Lead author, Jawail Rasul, Ph.D., says, “Our goal was to reduce binge or “heavy episodic drinking” among college students.”

Since 2006, the group of epidemiologists and mathematicians has been working on modeling student drinking in terms of drinking types (abstainers, social, “heavy episodic” and problem) and reasons students transition between these types—processes of individual risk, social interactions and social norms. The group had built up a model where campuses are characterized by alcohol availability, which they call “wetness.”

The team, including Dr. Scribner, who returned for the new analysis, organized the underage students from the legal-age students on campus and assigned them different “wetnesses” (higher for legal age). They also altered the social interactions between social and “heavy episodic drinkers” for underage drinkers to model the misperception effect emphasized by the Amethyst Initiative. They then measured the effects of policy change by focusing on total “heavy episodic drinkers.”

Researchers discovered that the wetness increase on the campuses for the expanded legal age drinkers always outweighed the effects of misperceptions.

“The imbalance became even worse for drier campuses with strong enforcement of underage restrictions, where the Amethyst initiative says the misperceptions are the strongest,” Dr. Rasul says.

Authors say other alcohol-related problems such as impaired driving, tend to increase as access increases, as well.

Rasul concluded, “Since there was no evidence that high misperceptions of peer drinking are the norm, it was highly unlikely that lowering the drinking age would reduce student “heavy episodic” or binge drinking.”

Parenting Style Can Influence Teen Drinking

2011-01-07T06:34:00.000-08:00

CADCA reported this week that teens may be more likely to drink alcohol if their parents are extremely strict OR extremely laid-back. Keep reading for the full story:

Researchers at Brigham Young University have found that teenagers who grow up with parents who are either too strict or too permissive tend to binge drink more than their peers. The study was published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.

"While parents didn't have much of an effect on whether their teens tried alcohol, they can have a significant impact on the more dangerous type of drinking," study author Stephen Bahr, a professor of sociology at BYU, told National Public Radio.

As part of the survey of 5,000 teens, researchers asked 7th- to 12th-grade students a series of questions about their alcohol such as how frequently they binge drink, how often they communicated, in general, with their parents, and what kind of parenting style did they think their parents possessed.

The teens being raised by “indulgent” parents who tend to give their children praise and warmth, but who don’t monitor bad behavior were among the biggest alcohol abusers.

"They were about three times more likely to participate in heavy drinking," Bahr said.

This was also true for teens whose parents were strict.

"Kids in that environment tend not to internalize the values and understand why they shouldn't drink," Bahr said. They were more than twice as likely to binge drink.

The parenting style that led to the lowest levels of problem drinking struck a balance between both styles: accountability and support.

10 Resolutions for a Happy New Year!

2010-12-27T08:45:00.001-08:00

2011 is days away, and you may be trying to decide your New Years resolution. For inspiration, see this wonderful email below from the Partnership for tips to start the new year off on a positive note. Happy New Year from all of us here at Holcomb and Start the Discussion!

For the coming New Year, resolve to talk more often with your family about healthy decisions and choices. Our research shows that kids who learn a lot about the dangers of drugs from their parents are up to 50 percent less likely to use than those who do not get those important messages at home.

The Partnership at Drugfree.org celebrates the positive influence of parents in the lives of their kids. Together, we can help you start the New Year with "10 Resolutions That Show Your Kids You Care."

10 Resolutions That Show Your Kids You Care:

Teach your children to trust you by seeing you as a role model.

Be patient, not just tolerant. Apologize when you make a mistake or do something you regret.

Ask teens what they need from you - and do whatever you can to meet those needs.

Listen to your teens, a lot. Avoid interrupting.

Teach your children about ethics, values and principles they can apply in choices and decision making.

Help them discover the feeling of gratitude, not just to say thank you.

Keep the promises you make. If you do not keep your word, acknowledge that. Help your teen understand the circumstances or choices that precipitated the change in your plans.

Answer your teen's questions and be consistent. When you notice behavioral changes in them, make yourself available and encourage them to talk about what is going on in their life.

Be understanding when they have a difficult time and let them know you will love them no matter what.

Be diligent. Have ongoing conversations with your kids about the risks of drugs and alcohol.

Best Wishes for a safe, happy and healthy New Year,

-- Your friends at The Partnership at Drugfree.org

What You Say and Do Matters to your Kids

2010-12-16T14:35:00.000-08:00

As the holidays, a time of celebration (and some stress!), are quickly approaching, remember that you are your child's #1 role model...even if it sometimes feels like you are last on list. See this great article below from The Partnership at Drugfree.org about how important your actions are in modeling healthy behaviors:

Kids learn a lot from their parents, who are the number one influence in the lives of their children, and the way parents talk about and handle their own alcohol use affects their kids and teens. Parents’ “model behavior” may have a direct impact on the choices teens make for themselves about alcohol and or other drug use.

Sobering Fact: One in five parents acknowledges that sometimes they drink too much alcohol in front of their children or teen (21 percent of parents surveyed agree or agree strongly when asked the question, “I sometimes drink too much alcohol in front of my child or teen.” Source: PATS 2009, sponsored by MetLife Foundation.)

You might also be surprised to learn that only one-third of parents safeguard alcohol in their own homes, even though they have underage children living with them. (34 percent of parents agreed with statement, “I keep alcohol in a locked cabinet in my home.” Source: PATS 2009, sponsored by MetLife Foundation.)

What you do and what you say matters in the lives of your children and it’s important to think about how your drinking may influence your child’s attitudes about drug and alcohol use. Please remember that keeping your alcohol safely locked away in your home – and telling the parents of your child’s friends to do the same – can help prevent your child from engaging in risky behavior.

Parents have more influence over their child than friends, music, TV, the Internet and celebrities.

Kids who learn a lot about the risks of drugs and alcohol from their parents are up to 50% less likely to use than those who do not.

Help your teen stay safe and make healthy choices by:

Talking and listening regularly
Being directly involved in your child’s everyday world

Making it clear that you do not want him or her drinking or using drugs
Setting limits

Adult Chocolate Milk: "Re-taste Your Youth at 40 Proof"

2010-12-03T09:57:00.000-08:00

Yes. Really.

Adult Chocolate Milk is the newest "adult" beverage on the market from the aptly named manufacturer Adult Beverage Company. Developed by one of the company's founders, the chocolate milk is the first flavor in a whole line of "throw back" beverages including Orange Cream, Limeade, and Fruit Punch. The chocolate milk is 40 proof in alcohol content and comes in 1 liter bottles.

The website features cartoon characters surrounding an angel-devil theme, and many references to "bringing back the good ol' days, one sip at a time".

Adult Chocolate Milk is not available in Pennsylvania yet, but it is available to order online. Keep your eye-out for this product turning up among adults, and especially underage drinkers.

Look Out Four Loko! Make Room for Whipped Lightening!

2010-11-29T12:27:00.000-08:00

The good news is the dangers of Four Loko have been addressed by the government, health professionals, the media and communities. The bad news is the wine and spirits business has moved on to...are you ready?...

Alcohol Infused Whipped Cream!

Yup. As in spiked Reddi-Whip. Whipped Lightening and Cream Alcohol Infused Whipped Cream are the newest cocktail garnishes to hit shelves. Here are some important facts you should know:

These whipped creams are shelf stable and can be stored at room temperature up to 9-12 months
Most flavors are 30+ proof and contain 15% or more alcohol by volume
The cost runs around $13 per bottle, and Cream is available to order online
The marketing is believed to be targeting young/underage consumers--Cream's Myspace page advised topping jello-shots with their whipped topping
It is difficult to gage serving sizes, therefore one may not regulate how much of the product they are actually consuming

For more information check out Time Magazine's article on their Healthland page. We will keep you posted as the controversy continues!

We are Thankful for Parent Resources and Federal Action!

2010-11-23T08:43:00.000-08:00

Happy Almost Thanksgiving! We at Holcomb are thankful for all the wonderful communities and people we are able to support and work with, and also for other helpful Prevention resources including....The Partnership for a Drug Free America's newest parent resource Time to Get Help!

This online community is "a first-of-its kind, multi-faceted, online resource for parents and caregivers who are seeking a community of support and advice on treatment options for a child who has a problem with drugs or alcohol."

Eleven million young people in America need help for substance abuse and addiction. Parents of these children often feel ashamed, worried, angry, overwhelmed and uncertain what to do. The Partnership at Drugfree.org listened and has created this resource to help parents gain a better understanding of teen and young adult alcohol and drug abuse, dependence and addiction; get support from experts and other parents who have been there; and help them find the right help for their child and family.

Are you a parent or caregiver of a teen or young adult struggling with a drug or alcohol problem? Then this site is for you. Here you’ll find learning experiences, expert guidance and support from parents and families who understand the challenges and emotions you may be facing.

Click HERE to visit Time to Get Help. You'll also notice a new link to blog Intervene: A Community for Parents on the right sidebar--check it out!

AND IN OTHER NEWS....FOUR LOKO UPDATE!

The FDA and FTC target alcoholic energy drinks! Keep reading for a summary on the latest news surrounding Four Loko from Join Together:

Advocates Urge State and Local Action on Alcoholic Energy Drinks

By Benjamin Chambers

Since three federal agencies acted together on Nov. 17 to shut down the manufacturing, marketing, and shipment of caffeinated alcoholic beverages -- popularly dubbed "blackout in a can" and linked to numerous injuries and fatalities-- you'd think that would be the end of the matter.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Treasury Department's Trade and Tax Bureau gave four manufacturers of the drinks 15 days to respond to the notices.

According to a Nov. 18 story in the Washington Post, three companies have already indicated they will comply. Phusion Projects, Ltd., the maker of Four Loko, said Nov. 16 that it would remove caffeine from its alcoholic beverages. United Brands Co., the maker of Joose, disagreed with the rulings but said it would obey them; Charge Beverages Corporation, which makes Core High Gravity, said it had already decided to stop making the drink. New Century Brewing did not respond.

Even so, alcohol policy advocates argued that more should be done at the state and local level - and fast. "It is unclear what action the federal government will take after the 15-day period, so enforcement will therefore need to come from state and local governments," said James F. Mosher, an alcohol policy consultant who has worked with several state and national public health groups on the issue. "Since the products have now been found illegal under federal law, all states now have the authority and responsibility to take immediate action."

Marin Institute, which has campaigned against alcoholic energy drinks since 2007, issued a press release praising federal action and calling on state governments to ban the drinks. "State-level product bans will continue to be necessary to get the products off of store shelves," said Michele Simon, who directs research and policy at the institute. "States are the primary regulators of alcoholic beverages and have full authority to ban alcoholic energy drinks whether by regulatory or legislative action, or through attorney general enforcement."

Several states have already banned or moved to limit the drinks, including Connecticut, Michigan, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Washington.

The same day the FDA issued its announcement, the California Department of Public Health notified the beverage industry that under state law, "the manufacturing, sale, delivery, holding or offering for sale of adulterated food is a crime. Violation of this provision can result in suspension or revocation of your license or registration, civil penalties, and/or criminal penalties that upon conviction could result in a sentence of up to one year in jail and a one thousand dollar fine for each violation."

On Nov. 18, the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission announced that it was prohibiting the sale of alcoholic energy drinks, effective immediately. "This means that alcoholic beverages that contain caffeine as an added ingredient, including Four Loko, must be removed from store shelves in Massachusetts today," officials wrote. Vendors there are now prohibited from "selling, storing, importing or transporting" the drinks; the commission directed wholesalers to pick up retaining stock from retailers.

Other states may follow suit. Advocates are now looking to state governors, health departments, attorneys general, and alcohol regulators to put pressure on wholesalers, retailers, and distributors to get the drinks off the market.

"If we don't act quickly, there may be a run on the products at the retail level, elevating the risks to young people," Mosher said.

Four Loko Update and Facts!

2010-11-12T12:38:00.000-08:00

Four Loko has been making headlines in local and national news including reports of alcohol poisoning, hospitalization, and in an instance in Florida, death.

Locally, State Representative Vanessa Lowery Brown (Phila.) is planning on introducing legislation to ban alcoholic energy drinks. See her press release below PLUS facts about Four Loko provided by the Council of Southeast Pennsylvania.

State Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown, D-Phila, said she will introduce legislation next term that would ban the sale of alcoholic energy drinks that have sickened some throughout the country, particularly college students.

"We are seeing more and more circumstantial evidence that these products, which have earned nicknames such as 'liquid cocaine' and 'blackout in a can,' are dangerous," Lowery Brown said. "Combining alcohol and caffeine leads to people who don't realize how drunk they are, and the outcome could be tragic."

Jerry W. Waters Sr., the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board's regulatory affairs director, recently asked retailers to voluntarily halt the sale of alcoholic energy drinks until the U.S. Food and Drug Administration can determine if they are safe.

Lowery Brown noted that Ramapo College in New Jersey banned all caffeinated alcoholic beverages from campus, and nine Central Washington University freshmen were hospitalized after consuming the drinks at an off-campus party.

"These beverages are being sought out as a quick and inexpensive means of becoming intoxicated and are being marketed as such, sadly at the expense of the consumer’s own health and welfare, Lowery Brown said. "They are very popular with young people, and they are being consumed by inner-city working folks as well as college students. It's time to take a proactive approach here in Pennsylvania before there is a tragedy."

FACTS ABOUT FOUR LOKO

What is it?

Four Loko is an alcohol/energy drink produced by Phusion Projects Inc.

Developed by three alumni of Ohio State University in 2005

Available in eight flavors

Sold in the US as a 23.5 oz product in aluminum can

Contains 12% alcohol

Also contains: caffeine, carbonation, sugar, and natural and artificial flavoring

As well as: Taurine, Guarana and Wormwood--Wormwood is an active ingredient in absinthe

Its name is derived from the combination of the “four main” ingredients

Where is it sold?

There are 28 locations within a 10 mile radius of Doylestown, PA that sell this product, most are retailers that only sell alcohol.
In some states that allow sales of alcohol in convenience stores, it is located in the same cooler as Red Bull and Monster; many clerks do not even realize it contains alcohol

The Problem:

It looks like an energy drink, tastes like an energy drink and is viewed by youth and young adults as an energy drink with alcohol as an added “bonus”

It is not recommended to mix stimulants (caffeine) with depressants (alcohol)

Studies show people put themselves in high risk situations when alert and intoxicated at the same time due to not feeling “drunk”

One can is the equivalent to the alcohol content of four bottles of beer, the caffeine levels of three 8 oz. cups of coffee, and the sugar content of one king size Kit Kat bar

It has been termed “liquid cocaine” by the media

There are currently 165 Facebook sites dedicated to the promotion of Four Loko

1 in 4 US Teens and Young Adults Binge Drink

2010-10-25T10:53:00.000-07:00

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently published a report that found 1 in 4 teens and young adults in the US binge drink. Keep reading for USA Today's article highlighting this report:

More than one in four U.S. teens and young adults admit they are binge drinkers, according to a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In the United States, binge drinking is defined as having four or more drinks for women, and five or more drinks for men, over a couple of hours — numbers that are different because men and women metabolize alcohol differently.

And it's not just teens who are affected, more than 33 million adults have reported binge drinking in the past year, according to the report. "Binge drinking is a very large health and social problem" and one that has gone largely unnoticed, CDC director Dr. Thomas Frieden said during a noon press conference Tuesday. "Most people who binge drink are not alcoholic. It may be because binge drinking has not been recognized as a problem (that) it has not decreased in the past 15 years."

Nonetheless, the toll of binge drinking is enormous. More than 79,000 deaths each year in the United States result from drinking too much, with about half of these attributable to binge drinking, according to Dr. Robert Brewer, alcohol program leader at CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Binge drinkers also put themselves and others at risk for alcohol-related car accidents, violence, HIV transmission and sexually transmitted diseases, and unplanned pregnancy, according to the CDC.

Moreover, drinking too much can lead to liver disease, certain cancers, heart disease, stroke and other chronic diseases. Pregnant women who binge drink can also harm their developing fetus, resulting in permanent mental retardation and other birth defects, the CDC says.

And among teenagers, damage from regular binge drinking may far outlast a hangover the next morning. An earlier study found that in MRI scans, the brains of teens who drank heavily showed damaged nerve tissue compared to those who did not. These findings are particularly worrisome in light of the current CDC report, which reveals that high school students tend to binge drink whenever they consume alcohol. "Ninety percent of the alcohol consumed by high school students is consumed in the course of binge drinking, and more than half of the alcohol consumed by adults is consumed in the course of binge drinking," Frieden said.
Among drinkers, one-third of adults and two-thirds of high school kids binge drink, Frieden said.

"If excessive alcohol consumption every day is problem drinking, what is the occasional stint of up to five drinks at one sitting? The answer for many might be 'a party,' and that's just what makes binge drinking so dangerous," said Dr. David L. Katz, director of the Prevention Research Center at Yale University School of Medicine. "While it resides in the realm of social acceptability, it is, in fact, a major cause of alcohol-related death, and the major cause of such deaths among adolescents and young adults. No party is worth the cost of a young life, full of promise," Katz added.

"Avoiding that cost starts with awareness. Adults need to know, and show, that a drink or two is fine — five or six is not. They need to pass on that awareness to their children. The tragic problem with not knowing when to say 'when' ... is that you may never get another chance," according to Katz.

Men are more than twice as likely to binge drink as women (21% compared with 10%). In addition, binge drinking is more common among whites (16%) than among blacks (10%).
While the report indicates that binge drinking is common, it is probably even more widespread than this report found.

"There really is a substantial under-reporting of binge drinking and alcohol consumption," said the CDC's Brewer. "Even though we are reporting high rates of binge drinking among adults and youth, there is good reason to believe it is significantly under-reported," he said. Interestingly, binge drinking becomes more common as incomes rise. In fact, adults with incomes of $75,000 or more were more likely to be binge drinkers. About one in five reported binge drinking, Brewer said. A possible reason that binge drinking increases with income is because it is not recognized as a risky health behavior, Frieden said. "Another possibility is simply with more money, people are able to afford more alcohol and do so," he said.

For the report, the CDC used the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and the National Youth Risk Behavior Survey to collect data on self reports of binge drinking during the past month for 412,000 adults aged 18 and older and over 16,000 high school students. Binge drinking also varies from state to state, ranging from 6.8% of adults in Tennessee to 23.9% in Wisconsin. Binge drinking is most common in the Midwest, North Central Plains, lower New England, Delaware, Alaska, Nevada, and the District of Columbia, according to the report.

Four Loko Alcohol Energy Drink leads to ER Visits

2010-10-15T13:35:00.000-07:00

We have previously posted about Four Loko, the malt liquor beverage that is dangerously spreading like wildfire, and it seems it has spread to Lancaster County. The drink (available in very "adult" flavors like fruit punch, orange blend and blue raspberry) contains 10%-12% alcohol and comes in 23.5 ounce cans making one can the equivalent of about 4 beers!

Lancaster's local news recently reported on nine ER visits for alcohol poisoning at Lancaster General Hospital over a recent weekend. Check out the news report below, and see the video by clicking HERE!

Alcoholic energy drink sending people to hospital

Contributor: David Beitzel, CBS21 News

Four Loko is a popular alcoholic energy drink that's flying off local store shelves, but it's also keeping hospitals busy.

During a recent weekend at Lancaster General Hospital, at least nine people were brought in with alcohol poisoning after drinking Four Loko. The drink is 12 percent alcohol, compared to 5 percent for most beers. Combined with the caffeine and sugar of an energy drink, doctors believe one Four Loko is the equivalent of four alcoholic beverages.

"You're kinda tricking the body and adding the caffeine and other stimulants," said Dr. Michael Reihart of LGH. "Now you're in the game longer and it's truly a recipe for disaster and, possibly, death."

Drinkers have come into harm's way by participating in an informal challenge to drink four Four Lokos, the equivalent of 16 beers or shots.

Pediatricians Just Say No to Ads for Tobacco, Alcohol and Prescription Drugs

2010-10-05T13:57:00.000-07:00

Marketing is a key factor in selling any product, but the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) recently stated in the October 2010 journal Pediatrics that drug and alcohol ads play a key role in teen's decisions to use or misuse substances.

Keep reading below for the full story from Join Together:

Saying the measures could help reduce adolescent substance abuse, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has called for an end to all tobacco ads, limits on alcohol and prescription drug ads, and for the entertainment industry to stop glamorizing smoking and drinking, HealthDay reported Sept. 27.

The AAP said in a policy statement that companies spend about $25 billion a year on ads for alcohol, tobacco, and prescription drugs. The AAP cited research indicating that advertising is responsible for up to 30% of alcohol and drug use by teens.

Pediatricians said they are concerned because over 400,000 people die from tobacco-related illnesses every year in the United States, and over 100,000 die because of “excessive alcohol consumption,” including about 5,000 under the age of 21. Their statement cited a meta-analysis of 51 research studies showing that teens exposed to tobacco marketing are more than twice as likely to smoke. Other research showed a correlation between exposure to alcohol ads and drinking by adolescents and young adults.

The pediatricians also criticized the frequency with which smoking and drinking are shown on television and in the movies where children and teens can see it. They cited studies showing that exposure to smoking and drinking in the movies is a powerful factor in why teens initiate use.

"All of the top-15 teen-oriented shows (see scene from popular series Gossip Girl below, which frequently features teens underage drinking) contain alcohol ads," said the AAP. "Currently, teenagers are 400 times more likely to see an alcohol ad than to see a public service announcement (PSA) that discourages underage drinking."

According to the authors, prescription drug advertising sends a message that "there is a pill to cure all ills and a drug for every occasion, including sexual intercourse." Between January and October of 2004, drug companies spent about $500 million advertising erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra, yet contraceptive advertising was rare and controversial.

The statement concluded with 17 recommendations, such as: pediatricians should ask about media exposure during children's routine health checkups; schools should educate all students in media literacy; the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) should launch anti-smoking and anti-drinking public service campaigns; ads for erectile dysfunction drugs should not be aired until after 10 pm; and the entertainment industry should acknowledge and address the health impact of TV shows and movies on teens and children.

The AAP policy statement, "Children, Adolescents, Substance Abuse, and the Media" was published in the October 2010 issue of the journal Pediatrics."

SPOT Network Open House Today 5-7pm!

2010-10-04T10:18:00.000-07:00

Have You Been S.P.O.T.ted?

Make sure to stop by the S.P.O.T. Network Open House!
(Supervised Programs Organized for Teens)

DATE: Monday, October 4, 2010
TIME: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Rocky Run YMCA, 1299 W. Baltimore Pike, Media, PA 19063

Meet local youth-serving organizations!
Learn more about free and low-cost activities for middle and high school youth!

All parents, youth, and community members welcome!

For more information, please visit: http://www.thespot.vpweb.com/ or call 484-444-0412!

The Corner S.P.O.T. at Holcomb is part of the S.P.O.T. (Supervised Programs Organized for Teens) Network which is coordinated by Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems and Healthy Communities Initiative (HCI) and funded by the Delaware County Office of Behavioral Health, Division of Drug and Alcohol.

National Drug Take Back Day-September 25th!

2010-09-08T08:40:00.000-07:00

By Christine Dziembowski

Got Drugs? Turn in your used or expired medications for safe disposal on September 25th during National Drug Take Back Day!

This nation-wide campaign provides an opportunity for the public to surrender expired, unwanted, or unused pharmaceutical controlled substances and other medications for destruction. These drugs are a potential source of supply for illegal use and an unacceptable risk to public health and safety.

This one-day effort is intended to bring national focus to the issue of increasing pharmaceutical controlled substance abuse. **Please note: All submissions are anonymous. Prescription and over the counter solid dosage medications, i.e. tablets and capsules will be accepted. Intra-venous solutions, injectables, liquids and needles will not be accepted. Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine are not a part of this initiative.

Did you know?:

12 to 17 year olds abuse prescription drugs more than they abuse ecstasy, crack/cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine combined

60% of teens who have abused prescription painkillers did so before age 15

There are as many new abusers age 12 to 17 of prescription drugs as there are of marijuana

Prevent Prescription Drug Abuse! Take Back Your Drugs from 10am to 2pm at one of the following Delco. locations:

Aldan Borough Police Department
1 West Provicence St., Clifton Heights, PA

Brookhaven Municipal Center
2 Cambridge Rd, Ste 100, Brookhaven, PA

Eddystone Lighthouse Hall Community Center
1401 East 9th St., Eddystone, PA

Glenolden Borough Building/Police Dept
36/38 Boon Ave., Glenolden, PA

Media Police Dept
301 N Jackson St, Media, PA

Media State Police Barracks
1432 W. Baltimore Pike, Media, PA
Radnor Township Municipal Bldg., 301 Iven Ave., Wayne, PA

Ridley Park Borough Police Dept.
230 West Chester Place
Ridley Park, PA

Sharon Hill Borough Hall
250 Sharon Ave., Sharon Hill, PA
Springfield Township Building
50 Powell Road, Springfield, PA
Tinicum Township Police Department
629 North Governor Printz Blvd, Essington, PA

Upper Chichester Twp Police Dept
8400 Furey Rd., Boothwyn, PA
Upper Darby High School
601 Lansdowne Ave., Drexel Hill, PA

Upland Police Dept.
222 Castle Ave., Upland PA

Wayne Senior Center, 108 Station Rd., Wayne PA

For more information and to check for other locations, please visit www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/takeback

For more information on how to prevent prescription drug abuse/misuse with your child, visit Not in My House, a site created by Abbott and The Partnership for a Drug-Free America. Here you'll learn how to monitor, secure and dispose to protect your child.

Four Loko: Teens Are Loco for New Alcohol Energy Drink

2010-08-13T06:25:00.000-07:00

By Chrissie Dziembowski

You may have heard of the newest caffeinated malt beverage on the market, Four Loko. This alcoholic drink is quickly gaining popularity, especially among teens--and it is easy to see why.

Four Loko, available in various fruit flavors including grape, orange, blue raspberry and watermelon, is sold in bright aluminum cans and prices per can start as low as $2. The 23.5 ounce cans contain 10%-12% alcohol--the equivalent of about 3 beers--combined with high amounts of caffeine. The exact amount of caffeine is undisclosed, though it is one of the four primary ingredients (hence the name "Four Loko"): caffeine, taurine, guarana and alcohol. Taurine and guarana are also stimulants.

What are the dangers of mixing alcohol and caffeine?

When alcohol is mixed with caffeine, it masks the effects/feelings/influence of the alcohol and sends mixed signals to the nervous system. Since one feels less intoxicated than they actually are, they are likely to consume more alcohol, leading to black outs, alcohol poisoning, and even death from overdose. Additionally, both caffeine and alcohol are diuretics, therefore mixing them can cause dehydration. A dehydrated body is slow to process alcohol, and that can interfere with coordination, balance and ability to regulate body temperature. CBS News recently reported on the serious health implications of this dangerous combination, citing a Wake Forest University study which found college students who combine alcohol and caffeine are more likely to suffer alcohol-related injuries and accidents.

Legislators and public health officials are also taking action to prevent possible tragedies that could come from the Loko craze. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is urging the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate the safety of the product as well as the manufacturer's marketing practices.

Locally, community organizers and politicians have been working to eradicate Four Loko since early summer. Rev. William Rocky Brown III, a candidate for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, said that the new drink "is having our young people black out.” Nafis Nichols of Chester Youth Collaborative called it "legalized liquid cocaine."

Four Loko is considered an "alco-pop", an alcoholic beverage made with fruit juices and other flavorings which tend to conceal the alcohol content of the drink behind a sweet, fruity flavor. The colors, the flavors, the website, and the language used to market this product clearly targets teens, i.e. underage drinkers.

If you see your son or daughter is a fan of a Four Loko group on Facebook--which states in their information section: "mission: to get us all drunk :)"--or you find a neon can in the trash/in a picture/in a backpack--talk to your teen about the dangers of alcohol, especially when mixed with caffeine. Explain that they are the target for these products--and do they really want to be "told what to do"? Use the sites in the right sidebar for tips to start the discussion. You'll be glad you did!

Teens smoking incense and new web resource!

2010-08-03T16:48:00.000-07:00

By Chrissie Dziembowski

CBS news ran an article this spring about an herbal mixture (actually to be used as incense) called "K2" that mimics the symptoms of smoking marijuana. This legal product is on the verge of being banned, but in the meantime teens are using it to get high "legally". Side effects include vomiting, elevated heart rates, seizures, and other effects to the cardiovascular and central nervous system. This substance is also particularly difficult because it won't show up on a drug test since it doesn't contain THC. K2 is sold online and can also be found in smoke shops and stores where incense is sold. To read the full story from CBS news click HERE.

In other web-browsing and email blasting...

Drug Free Action Alliance has a website, Know!, that is a great resource for parents. They have an archive full of parent tips including this one about how Times of Transition Increase Risk of Youth using Drugs and Alcohol.

Know! Times of Transition Increase Risk

There are specific times in a child’s life that place him or her at increased risk for using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs…heading back to school is one of them. If your child is entering middle school, high school or moving to a new school, you will need to be especially vigilant. But even a change in grade level, teachers, coaches or friends may be cause enough for added stress that can also lead to experimentation with alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

While we know every child is at-risk for using substances, the danger triples for a young person entering high school. For youth entering middle school, the threat is also alarming, as this is an equally high time of transition. Most kids in younger grades tend to have strong anti-substance use attitudes. But the move to middle and high school brings with it a shift in attitudes, due in part, to increased exposure to other students who may be drinking, smoking and using other drugs. Many of these kids are older or are considered popular and may appeal to your child’s natural desire to be like them and be liked by them. The many changes that accompany a new school year calls for parents to be especially aware.

Parents, here’s what you can do:

1. Be active and supportive in your child’s daily life.

2. Ask questions about substance use and reinforce no use messages.

3. Make clear your expectations and consequences for breaking rules.

4. Know where your child is and who he or she is with.

5. Do not allow your child to hang out with friends unsupervised

Get Your Teen to Open Up...and Put Down Their Phone!

2010-07-26T10:27:00.000-07:00

By Chrissie Dziembowski

I recently read this really useful post on the Partnership's Decoder Blog about how to talk to your teen and increase communication. To check out the Decoder click on the link in the right sidebar. Keep reading below for the post from the Decoder.

How to Get Your Teen to Open Up and Talk to You More (and Text A Little Less) By Julie Ross

When I asked my 17-year-old son if teens would rather text their friends than talk to their parents, he laughed and replied, “Oh yeah.” When I asked why, he said, “Because parents just aren’t that interesting and friends are.”

In her article for the Utne Reader (November/ December 1992), Brenda Ueland writes, “Don’t ask your poor children those automatic questions – ‘Did you wash your hands, dear?’ – those dull, automatic, querulous, duty questions (almost the only conversation that most parents have to offer). Note the look of dreadful exhaustion and ennui and boredom that comes into their otherwise quite happy faces. And don’t say, ‘How was school today, dear?’ which really means: ‘Please entertain me (mama) who is mentally totally lazy at the moment with not one witty or interesting thing to offer …’.”

Let’s face it. Teens are not that interested in talking to someone whose sole intent is to pepper them with questions, judge their answers, and offer unsolicited advice. In fact, these forms of communication serve to obstruct rather than facilitate communication with our teens. As a matter of fact, they are part of a longer list of communication blocks that parents would do well to avoid if they want their teens to talk to them.

Are you guilty of any of the following communication blocks?

Commanding: “Do your homework. Go brush your teeth. Get your backpack packed.”
Advising: “Well, what you should do is…”
Placating: “Oh, honey, it’ll be ok. You’re a beautiful girl and I know you’ll get a date to the prom.”
Distracting: “Don’t dwell on it. Let’s watch the game together – that’ll take your mind off of it.”
Interrogating: “What happened? What did you do then? Why did you do that? What were you thinking?”
Sarcasm: “Oh come on. It’s not the end of the world after all.”
Being a know-it-all: “Well you should have known better. Cyber bullying is out of control and the more sites you’re on where you interact with others, the worse it can be. I told you about your second cousin, right? Well, she was on Facebook and I know everyone says it’s harmless, but it certainly wasn’t for her. In fact, one day she went to her wall and blah, blah, blah, blah…”
Denying your teen’s reality: “You’re wearing that? It’s freezing out.” “I’m not cold.” “Put on a coat or you’ll freeze!.”
Negating feelings: “You don’t need to feel embarrassed (sad, overwhelmed, nervous) about that.”

Most parents, upon hearing these, wonder if they’ll be able to say anything to their teen again because, as Ueland observes, these communication blocks form “almost the only conversation that most parents have to offer.”

So does this mean that we should forgo our parental role and become entertainers? Of course not. It does mean, however, that we should respect our teens as burgeoning adults and afford them the same courtesy we would to a good friend. Ms. Ueland suggests that it is part of our job as parents to be “the fascinated listener” to our children’s remarks. Once your child believes that you are truly interested in him, he will open up and begin to talk… even if he’s never done so before.

So how do we go from communication blocker to fascinated listener?

If your teen has already shut down and does not talk to you about his day, communicate with him about yours. Find something interesting that you can talk about with passion or humor and tell him– just like you would a friend.

If your teen is telling you something that makes you itch to respond by teaching her a lesson, hold your tongue – for now. Parenting is about both technique and timing. Sometimes we are teaching the right lesson at the wrong time. When your teen is talking to you, it is the wrong time to teach him a lesson. Remember that unless it requires an ambulance, it’s not an emergency. Things that are important, rather than urgent, can be handled after you’ve had some time to think about the most effective way to communicate the lesson.

When your teen talks to you, use the skill of “Tell Me More.” Perhaps she is telling you how unfair it is that she got a poor grade in school. Instead of leaping in with advice and a lesson in morals, simply say “tell me more” in a non-judgmental tone. Then listen without judging.

Learn the techniques (which I will include in my next post) that you need to know in order to impart advice, guide your teen, and teach him ethical behavior: it’s worth the effort.

So how will you know if you’re succeeding when you and your teen are face-to-face? Brenda Ueland sums it up nicely by saying “the light in a child’s eyes is a splendid gauge and tells you in a split-second if you are failing…”
Avoid blocking communication and pay attention to the light in your teenager’s eyes – it may transform your teen from a texter to a talker.

Underage Drinking-Related Hospital Visits Almost Double over July 4th Weekend!

2010-07-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

By Chrissie Dziembowski

Hospital emergency department visits involving underage drinking nearly double during the Fourth of July Holiday weekend according to a new study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

The study reveals that daily underage drinking-related visits to hospital emergency departments are 87 percent higher during the Fourth of July weekend than they are on an average day in July. The report estimates that on an average day in July, there are 502 hospital emergency department visits involving underage alcohol use. For the three day Fourth of July weekend however, the number of daily hospital emergency department visits jumps to 938.

"Underage drinking is not a harmless right of passage. It has far-reaching consequences. In addition to emergency department visits, injuries, arrests and embarrassment, 5,000 deaths in people under age 21 are linked to alcohol each year," said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, J.D. "Parents are a leading influence in their children’s decision to avoid alcohol. To help parents make the tough job of raising children a little easier, SAMHSA provides an online action plan to help parents talk with their children about expectations regarding alcohol use."

SAMHSA's site Talk Early, Talk Often, Get Involved has tools to help you talk your kids about drinking, including an Action Plan Tool to help start the conversation.

Some ways to celebrate healthfully include:

Be mindful of where the alcohol is stored in your house and how much you have on hand. Check the amounts regularly.

Be a good role model: If you choose to drink, set a good example for your child by drinking in moderation and monitoring what you say about alcohol. Remember that your actions and behaviors have a direct impact on his or her opinion about drinking.

Encourage healthy alternatives to drinking: Play outdoor games like horseshoes, bacche, ladder golf or washers; swim or play sports--batgammon anyone?; take the time to relax with a good book, magazines, crossword puzzles, Sudoku, etc.; or if you're on the beach have a sandcastle contest!

Girls More Likely to Perceive Benefits in Drug and Alcohol Use

2010-07-02T06:51:00.000-07:00

By Chrissie Dziembowski

Survey data released by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America^® and MetLife Foundation found that teenage girls are more likely than teenage boys to perceive potential benefits from drug use and drinking, making teen girls more vulnerable to drug and alcohol abuse.

According to a new research analysis of the 2009 Partnership Attitude Tracking Study (PATS), sponsored by MetLife Foundation:

Teen girls are more likely to perceive self-medicating benefits with drinking and getting high.
More than two-thirds of teen girls responded positively to the question using drugs helps kids deal with problems at home�.
More than half reported that drugs help teens forget their troubles.

What Can Parents Do?

Research consistently shows that kids who learn a lot about the dangers of drugs at home are up to 50 percent less likely to use than those who do not get that crucial message at home. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to take charge of the communication with their families, have frequent, ongoing conversations with their pre-teens and teens about the dangers of drugs and alcohol use and to take early action if they think their child is using or might have a problem.

For tips on how to talk to your kids about drugs and alcohol visit Time to Act where you can also sign up for their emails to receive news, tips and tools on raising healthy kids.

1 in 5 US Teens Abuses Prescription Drugs

2010-06-17T09:57:00.000-07:00

By Chrissie Dziembowski

The most recent Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), found 1 in 5 U.S. teens has abused prescription drugs, including powerful medications such as OxyContin and Percocet.

"Some people may falsely believe that prescription drugs are safer than illegal drugs yet their misuse can cause serious adverse health effects, including addiction and death," said Howell Wechsler, director of the CDC's division of adolescent and school health. To read the full story click HERE.

On this same topic, another CDC report found that for the first time emergency room visits from the abuse of medicines have become as common as those from illegal drugs.

ERs in 2008 saw about 1 million visits from the abuse of prescription or over-the-counter medicines — mostly painkillers and sedatives. That was about the same number of visits from people overdosing on heroin, cocaine and other illegal drugs.

Health officials are not sure why painkiller abuse is increasing so dramatically, but the number of prescriptions has been increasing.

Prescription and over-the-counter meds are not to be taken lightly--or at all without cause and script from your doctor--just because they are technically legal substances. The same as you may lock up your gun, your weapons and your liquor from your kids, you should lock up your meds too!

For more information and tips on teens and prescription drug use visit THIS PAGE on the Partnership for a Drug-Free America website.

Phillies Pitcher supports Healthy Competition!

2010-06-11T13:05:00.000-07:00

By Chrissie Dziembowski

Phillie's pitcher Jaime Moyer, and other Major League Players, haved joined forces with The Partnership for a Drug Free America to teach parents to encourage their kids to stay fit, eat right, and choose not to use drugs and alcohol. On their new website, Healthy Competition, you'll find videos, tool kits and more. Check out Healthy Competition HERE!

To read more about Jaime Moyer and his parenting experiences as a father of 8--yes 8!--click HERE!

Police using Social Media to Keep Tabs on Underage Drinking--You Can Too!

2010-05-26T06:51:00.000-07:00

By Chrissie Dziembowski

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board recently held a training for law enforcement professionals about how to use social networking sites, like Facebook and MySpace, to track illegal activity including: gang recruitment, underage drinking parties, and cyberbullying.

Some tips discussed in the training that you can implement in your home include:

Having your family computer in a public/communal space in your home

Becoming a member of social networking sites your children belong to

Instead of forbidding the sites, learn to use them together, then youth aren't learning to navigate the site on their own--making them more susceptible to internet predators and scams

To read the full story click HERE!

Guide to the Teenage Brain

2010-05-17T17:05:00.000-07:00

By Chrissie Dziembowski

Is your teen rebelling against you? Obsessed with clothes and appearance? Glued to their phone/im/facebook/myspace/friends? Well, there is an actual scientific answer as to WHY they are acting this way!

Check out A Parent's Guide to the Teen Brain, from the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, HERE to learn the science behind your teen's behavior, and skills, tools and tips to learn what you can do!

Stay safe and sober during prom and graduation!

2010-05-05T10:00:00.000-07:00

By Chrissie Dziembowski

Its that time of year again--prom season and graduations! As you are charging your camera, stocking the fridge, and buying flowers and balloons, don't forget to consider ways to healthfully celebrate sans alcohol. Julie Mack, a parent and writer for the Kalamazoo Gazette of Michigan, recently wrote a wonderful and thoughtful article on the cost of social hosting and "how parents who host lose the most". To read the full story click HERE!

In her column, Mack references different fines and penalties in Michigan for providing alcohol to minors. In Pennsylvania, if an adult provides alcohol to minors it is considered a 3rd degree misdemeanor and may result in fines up to $2,500 and/or jail time up to 2 years. Its true--parents who host do lose the most!

If you suspect or know that someone in the community is hosting an underage drinking party, you can anonymously report it by calling 1-888-UNDER-21. This free, anonymous hotline is provided by Pennsylvanians Against Underage Drinking in partnership with the PA State Police. Use it--no one will know!

Lastly, as Carie Fletcher recently wrote in the Harris, Texas Police News:

Responsible parents and responsible teenagers can make high school celebrations a fun and lasting memory for everyone without the alcohol. Parents, teenagers, and communities have to work together to keep prom and graduation fun and safe!

Movie ratings can affect your child's choice to drink!

2010-04-29T12:42:00.000-07:00

By Chrissie Dziembowski

Recently I was facilitating a prevention program in schools and did an ice-breaker activity to warm up the class. I asked everyone to tell me their name and favorite movie. In this class of 20, four students responded The Hangover--the movie that follows four men on a bachelor party trip to Las Vegas and all their drinking and drug-induced antics--and I must admit I was a bit surprised....

This was a middle school class with students in 7th and 8th grade!

Remembering that experience, I had to share this news about a study from Dartmouth Medical School that found children who watch R-rated movies are more likely to start drinking early on. This is an important factor to consider since children who drink alcohol before the age of 15 are 4 times more likely to abuse alcohol or become addicted/dependent later in life (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism). To read more about the Dartmouth study findings click HERE!

Let teens drink? Parents wrestle with the question

2010-04-28T06:27:00.000-07:00

By Chrissie Dziembowski

Parental attitudes towards underage drinking is an important and influential factor in the likelihood of a child's/teen's choice to drink. CNN recently published an article about parents attitudes towards underage drinking. They interviewed a few parents, some who do not completely disapprove of underage drinking, and others who have suffered tragedy because of underage drinking. To read the complete story on CNN's website click HERE!

Although at times it may seem like your kids could care less about what you say, think, or feel, deep down they do! Your opinions and attitudes DO influence your child's choices, so it is essential to be clear on your stance regarding alcohol and drug use... as well as clothes, curfew, etc.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has a great website called The Power of Parents that provides tip to help parents talk to their kids about underage drinking (it is referenced in the CNN article above). The site has specific pages for parents with children in elementary, middle, and high school, and college, though the high school section is most complete. Talk to your kids today--you really can make a difference!

Apolo Ohno--Newest Champion Against Underage Drinking!

2010-04-19T10:59:00.000-07:00

By Chrissie Dziembowski

Gold medalist Apolo Anton Ohno, with other Olympians and professional athletes, are the newest champions to prevent/reduce underage drinking as part of the Ask, Listen, Learn Team! He was actually in Philly at La Salle Academy speaking about the cause just last week! Check out Apolo's interview on FOX 29 where he talks more about this initiative:

April is Alcohol Awareness Month!

2010-03-31T09:42:00.000-07:00

By Chrissie Dziembowski

The first day of April is tomorrow, which is also the first day of Alcohol Awareness Month!

In the latest SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration) newsletter--which has a ton of great information--they have an article about a new DVD game to help parents talk to their kids about alcohol. For all the info click here!

You should also check out Too Smart to Start (theres also a link on the right sidebar) a website that helps youth, families, educators, and communities prevent underage alcohol use and its related problems. It provides useful programs and strategies, downloadable materials, interactive games and exercises, and other resources to support you in responding to The Surgeon General's Call to Action To Prevent and Reduce Underage Drinking.

Answering the Question: "Did you do drugs?"

2010-03-23T08:35:00.000-07:00

The Partnership for a Drug-Free America has a great website (you'll see a link on the sidebar to the right) with lots of resources for Parents and Teens. Read below for a great Tool from their Talk Kit about how to handle the conversation when your child asks you, "Did you drugs when you were younger?"

Answering the Question: “Did You Do Drugs?”
The issue isn’t about your past. It’s about your children’s future. What’s important now is that your kids understand that you don’t want them to use drugs.

For many parents, a child’s “Did you ever use drugs?” question is a tough one to answer. Unless the answer is no, most parents stutter and stammer through a response and leave their kids feeling like they haven’t learned anything—or, even worse, that their parents are hypocrites. Yes, it’s difficult to know what to say. You want your kids to follow your rules and you don’t want them to hold your history up as an example to follow—or as a tool to use against you. But the conversation doesn’t have to be awkward, and you can use it to your advantage by turning it into a teachable moment.

Some parents who’ve used drugs in the past choose to lie about it—but they risk losing their credibility if their kids ever discover the truth. Many experts recommend that you give an honest answer—but you don’t have to tell your kids every detail. As with conversations about sex, some details should remain private. Avoid giving your child more information than she asked for. And ask her a lot of questions to make sure you understand exactly why she’s asking about your drug history. Limit your response to that exchange of information.
The discussion provides a great opportunity to speak openly about what tempted you to do drugs, why drugs are dangerous, and why you want your kids to avoid making the same mistakes you made.

The following are good examples of the tone you can take and wording you can use:

"I took drugs because some of my friends used them, and I thought I needed to do the same in order to fit in. In those days, people didn’t know as much as they do now about all the bad things that can happen when you take drugs."

“Everyone makes mistakes and trying drugs was one of my biggest mistakes ever. I’ll do anything to help you avoid making the same stupid decision that I made when I was your age.”

“I started drinking when I was young and, as you can see, it’s been a battle ever since. Because of my drinking, I missed a big part of growing up, and every day I have to fight with myself so it doesn’t make me miss out on even more — my job, my relationships, and most importantly, my time with you. I love you too much to watch you make the same mistakes I’ve made.”

For more info on the the Parent Talk Kit click HERE!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2010-03-17T07:33:00.001-07:00

by Chrissie Dziembowski

Happy St. Patrick's Day! For me today is really more about being my younger sister's birthday and enjoying seeing everyone dressed in green, but to many it is a day all about...you guessed it...drinking! It is amazing how a day to celebrate an Irish Saint has now become (in the U.S.) one of green beer, bars opening at 7am, and of course all the druken mishaps that go along with excessive drinking.

But towns are taking notice and addressing the crazy celebration. For example, every year Scranton holds it St. Patty's Day parade, and this year they also included a big push to drink responsibly and also addressed underage drinking. Click HERE to read the full story in the Scranton Times-Tribune.

Also, click HERE for the history of Saint Patrick's Day and all things Irish! The funny thing is, people in Ireland celebrate today by going to church, as it is considered a religious holiday!

Talking to Your Kids About Suicide

2010-03-08T04:50:00.000-08:00

This post, by Beth Mingey, is in response to the recent tragedy involving two Interboro High School students. Athough devastating, it is important to use this time as a teachable moment.

Parent Awareness Series: Talking to Your Kids About Suicide From the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide

Every parent would like to believe that suicide is not relevant to them or their family or friends. Unfortunately, it's all too relevant for all of us. It's the 3rd leading cause of death in adolescents and the 2nd for college-aged students. Even more disturbing are national surveys that tell us that 25% of high school students admit to thinking about suicide and 8.5% acknowledge actually making an attempt. The unfortunate truth is that suicide can happen to ANY kid in ANY family at ANY time!

So how do you deal with this reality? Once you acknowledge that suicide is as much a risk for your child as not wearing a seat belt while driving, or using alcohol or drugs, or engaging in risky sexual behavior, you've taken the first step in prevention. You talk to your children about these other behaviors which can put them at personal risk and suicide is no different. It's something you CAN and SHOULD talk about with your children!

Contrary to myth, talking about suicide CANNOT plant the idea in someone's head! It can actually open up communication about a topic that is often kept a secret. And secrets that are exposed to the rational light of day often become less powerful and scary. You also give your child permission to bring up the subject again in the future.

If it isn't prompted by something your kid is saying or doing that worries you, approach this topic in the same way as other subjects that are important to you, but may or may not be important to your child:
● Timing is everything! Pick a time when you have the best chance of getting your child's attention. Sometimes a car ride, for example, assures you of a captive, attentive audience. Or a suicide that has received media attention can provide the perfect opportunity to bring up the topic.
● Think about what you want to say ahead of time and rehearse a script if necessary. It always helps to have a reference point: ("I was reading in the paper that youth suicide has been increasing..."; or "I saw that your school is having a program for the teachers on suicide prevention").
● Be honest. If this a hard subject for you to talk about, admit it! ("You know, I never thought this was something I'd be talking with you about, but I think it’s really important"). By acknowledging your discomfort, you give your child permission to acknowledge his/her discomfort, too.
● Ask for your child's response. Be direct! ("What do you think about suicide?"; "Is it something that any of your friends talk about?"; "The statistics make it sound pretty common. Have you ever thought about it? What about your friends?")
1
● Listen to what your child has to say. You've asked the questions, so simply consider your child's answers. If you hear something that worries you, be honest about that, too ("What you're telling me has really gotten my attention and I need to think about it some more. Let's talk about this again, okay?").
● Don't overreact or under react. Overreaction will close off any future communication on the subject. Under reacting, especially in relation to suicide, is often just a way to make ourselves feel better. ANY thoughts or talk of suicide ("I felt that way a while ago but don't any more") should ALWAYS be revisited. Remember that suicide is an attempt to solve a problem that seems impossible to solve in any other way. Ask about the problem that created the suicidal thoughts. This can make it easier to bring up again in the future ("I wanted to ask you again about that situation you were telling me about...").

Here are some possible warning signs that should get our attention:
● STATEMENTS that convey a sense of hopelessness, worthlessness, or preoccupation with death (" Life doesn't seem worth it sometimes"; "I wish I were dead"; "Heaven's got to be better than this").
● BEHAVIORS that are different from the way your child acted in the past, especially things like talking about death or suicide, taking dangerous risks, withdrawing from activities or sports, or using alcohol or drugs.
● FEELINGS that, again, seem different from the past like irritability, anxiety, sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest.
● SITUATIONS that can serve as ‘trigger points' for suicidal behaviors. These include things like loss or death, getting in trouble at home, in school, or with the law, or impending changes for which your child feels scared or unprepared.

If you notice any of these things in kids who have always been impulsive, made previous suicide attempts or threats, or seem vulnerable in any way, you really should get consultation from a mental health professional.

Oh the Power of Facebook!

2010-02-25T09:01:00.000-08:00

By Chrissie Dziembowski

We all know that Facebook is a great way to keep in touch with friends, share pictures, and update people on your life's happenings, but its also an incredibly fast way for teens to communicate and coordinate events and parties--both good and bad. Recently in Bucks County, 500 teens showed up to a Community Center for a Playboy-Themed party. Click HERE for the full story!

Are you "friends" with you son or daughter on Facebook?

"Tough Love" in the News & Kansas Task Force Pays for underage party tips

2010-02-10T11:33:00.000-08:00

By Chrissie Dziembowski

I was watching ABC World News last night and saw a story on addiction among teens and how parents can deal. It included interviews with teens who are in recovery, as well as their parents advising other parents on what to look for. Tonight showed "Part Two". I think it may be an ongoing series this week... Click here to see the full story.

In other national news...

In Topeka, Kansas, police have teamed up with a local coalition to promote community members to report underage drinking parties. Those who call in could receive up to $2,000 as reward!
Read the full story here.

2.2 Billion spent on underage drinking in PA!

2010-02-10T11:09:00.000-08:00

By Chrissie Dziembowski

This update came to me and I wanted to share it with you! In these tight economic times, and in a state that took what seemed like forever to pass the budget, I was amazed at how much money is spent in PA (between residents and the state) on the problems and costs associated with underage drinking--2.2 billion dollars annually!!! "Excluding pain and suffering from these costs, the direct costs of underage drinking incurred through medical care and loss of work cost Pennsylvania $752 million each year."

Check out where the money is going, and what other harms are directly associated with underage drinking: http://www.udetc.org/factsheets/Pennsylvania.pdf

But it all can be prevented! This only reinforces the need for prevention and education and how important it is to support our families and youth to make smart, positive decisions! Think of all the great things our state could do with that $752 mil...

Can you think of ways that we in Prevention can support parents to prevent this spending and underage drinking?

What's a Parent to Do?...

2010-02-02T07:48:00.000-08:00

A Posting by Moderator Beth Mingey, Parent and Director of Prevention & Education at Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems:

I got a call from a dear friend of mine this morning about some issues she is having with her 16 year-old daughter. I’ve changed some details to protect her confidentiality, but basically, this is what she said...

“Well, you know, we had a big talk with Trina on Monday night because she had three F's on her report card. It's so frustrating! Once again she promises to do better, do homework, get up in the morning...blah, blah, blah. The same thing she's been saying since her grades dropped last year. My husband tells her that she's already ruined her chances at getting into a good college, you know, by 10th grade if you don't have the grades...anyway, we had a couple really nice talks, Trina was lovey and even cleaned up her room.

But last night I looked at her grades online and see she has 5 absences this week - now, she went to school all week...2 in Language Arts, 2 for Health and 1 in Study Hall. I ask her why, she looks a little panicked and gets up and goes in the bathroom, then goes to her room and goes to sleep. This morning she admits that she cut Language Arts and stayed in the cafeteria to study with friends. Does she really think I'm going to believe that?

Also, last night my husband came to me with his prescription bottle of Oxycodone...there are only 2 pills left, when last time he checked there were about 40. I'm freaked out, but you know, Trina had 2 friends sleep over on the weekend, they might have taken them?...Or her brother was home from college over the holidays?...My husband doesn't remember when the last time he looked at the bottle - so her brother could have taken them. But he's a good kid, I don't think he would do that.

My husband bought a drug test kit last year, when we thought Trina was smoking pot, but we never used it...Do you think we should test her? She's going to the school basketball game tonight with friends...maybe we should test her when she gets home. I thought of grounding her, but what good would that do? I mean, she's 16! She has to decide for herself what she wants to do!

I just don't know if I can handle this. I know I'm not always a good role model. I drink wine almost every night because I'm so stressed. I know Trina is unhappy--her whole lifestyle has had to change since we have been strapped for money in this down economy. Maybe if I just talk to her...I don't get it...we have this nice talk and she promises she'll do better and the next day cuts class!! That's crazy....what do you think I should do? ”

As I am listening to my friend go on and ask for my advice, I can’t help but think of other important background information on the family:

~There is addiction in the family: Trina’s Grandfather, Aunt, Cousin, perhaps even her mother.
~Trina has been caught drinking on at least 5 other occasions in the last two years, often taking alcohol from the basement.
~Trina has had two contacts with the law - one for “taking” an Ipod at school and one for making “threatening” prank calls. Trina had to do community service, but nothing is on her record.

My first impression of the phone call was huge ALARM BELLS!! Doesn’t my friend see them?!Changes: Drop in grades, cutting class, sleeping a lot, avoiding the family. Then concrete things - missing alcohol and pills - my gosh - my friend is the supplier for her own daughter without even realizing it!!

The second thing was the overwhelming UNDER REACTION by my friend! I really wondered to myself why a smart, intuitive, caring mom who knew first hand about addiction would chose not to address it. She had suspected Trina’s use for almost two years. Even bought a drug test but didn’t use it. I think this is a common, but unfortunate, reaction. She’s afraid. Afraid to face it, because then what does she do? Does she send her to rehab?...She has no money. Should she ground her?...She’ll have to go out eventually, and she’s using right at home anyway. What about her own drinking - will she have to stop drinking herself? She’s thinking, “What in the world do I do?”

Well, I feel doing nothing and hoping it gets better on its own could be a death sentence. I think she also feels shame: “Did I do something wrong? I’m a good parent, good parents don’t have drug using kids. What if someone finds out? What will I say? Well, maybe I won’t say anything and hope it goes away.”

Did you know, dying from prescription drug overdose recently surpassed drunk driving deaths in Pennsylvania? It is not something that happens to someone else. It happens to us.

I know Trina meant the promises she made to her mom to do better. I know Trina does not want to fail. But to me, all indications are, Trina is not in control and Trina is no longer thinking rationally. If Trina was thinking clearly, she would do better. If Trina was in control, she would be able to go to class and do her work, rather than cut class knowing she would be caught. Trina can’t change her own behavior because she’s not in control. The drugs are. And no matter how many promises, how many days/weeks of grounding, no matter how many electronics are taken away from her - if she doesn’t get her off the drugs, none of it will matter. My friend has a very sick child on her hands – Trina’s got an addiction. Trina (or my friend) didn’t cause it. Trina (or my friend) can’t control it. Trina (or my friend) can’t cure it.

But, my friend can address it. She can take action. She can teach herself about drug use and addiction, read, go to support groups, consult with experts, get professional help, get a second opinion. If your child was just diagnosed with diabetes, what would you do? Untreated diabetes can cause life long problems, even death. So can addiction and drug use.

What advice would you give to Trina's mom in this situation?

Welcome to Start the Discussion!

2010-01-31T16:09:00.001-08:00

Start the Discussion is an online community for Rose Tree Media parents to share stories, give and receive advice, get updates on the latest news about family wellness, and much more! This forum is maintained by Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems Prevention & Education, with contributions from fellow parents, health professionals, and community members. You'll also find links to local resources in the community, as well as national organizations (see right sidebar).

We hope Start the Discussion will support you to talk to your husband, wife, son, daughter, neighbor, and community about how to increase positive choices, family cohesion and open communication.

Please comment here to let us know what you would like to see in future posts, and be sure to check back often for updates!

Start the Discussion Parent Blog is part of the Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant to reduce and prevent underage drinking in the Rose Tree Media Area. This program is coordinated by Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems and funded through the Delaware County Office of Behavioral Health, Division of Drug and Alcohol.