April – June 2012

Articles

MDC to hold a town hall meeting to prevent underage drinking
MDC to spearhead launch of national awareness campaign
Voting now open for “2 Much/2 Soon” student video competition
What to do when your teen’s friends are using drugs or alcohol
Designer drugs growing in popularity
Sleep deprivation in teens linked to substance abuse
Youth Action Council meets with local mayors to discuss better youth outreach
In Photos: Kick Butts Day 2012
CADCA’s leadership conference, coalition academy helps build skills
MDC will host golf tournament to support prevention efforts
Meet the MDC staff

Announcements

Important Dates
Give Trees a Chance
Get Social
Make an Investment in Prevention
Volunteer For Community Change

MDC to hold a town hall meeting to prevent underage drinking

As prom and graduation season approaches, the Metropolitan Drug Commission and WBIR-TV invite parents and their teens to attend a special town hall meeting on Tuesday, April 17 from 7-8 PM in downtown Knoxville’s The Square Room to raise awareness about underage drinking. Parking is free in Market Square Garage after 6 p.m.

The effort is part of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) push to ignite discussions about teen drinking in communities nationwide. SAMHSA has sponsored these events every two years since 2006 as a way for communities to learn more about this public health problem.

According to the 2011 Knox County Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 31.5 percent of high school students have used alcohol within the past month. Of those, nearly one in five say they participated in binge drinking, defined as consuming five or more drinks within a couple of hours.

With underage drinking at dangerously high levels, MDC is involving local parents in prevention. The town hall is an opportunity for local families to learn more about the health and safety risks of teen drinking and ask their most pressing questions to local experts.

“As a community, we sometimes minimize the dangers of alcohol. When we talk about prevention, we must not forget that alcohol is still the number one drug of choice and the leading cause of unintentional injuries among teens,” Jeff Lee, general manager of WBIR-TV, said. “WBIR is proud to be partnering with MDC on this effort because we care about the health and well-being of young people in our community”

To reach the at-home audience, the town hall will air live on WBIR Channel 10 and on the web at wbir.com. Viewers will be invited to interact and ask questions on Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #10NewsTownHall.

The town hall will serve as a springboard to announce the beginning of a nationally-renowned, science-based parent training program, Active Parenting of Teens. The Active Parenting of Teens has been reviewed and listed by SAMHSA’s National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices.

“Parents sometimes think they are powerless to stop their teen from drinking, but this is simply untrue,” Heather Sutton, Media Relations and Project Director for MDC, said. “What parents may not realize is that children say that their parents’ disapproval of underage drinking plays a key role in their decision not to drink. Through Active Parenting of Teens, we can help educate parents, build parent-to-child communication skills and stamp out common misperceptions about alcohol and drugs.”

According to the website, Active Parenting of Teens is a “video-based program (that) provides parents with the skills they need to meet the challenges of parenting teens and preteens in today’s turbulent society.” Throughout the program’s six workshops, parents will be introduced to many of the struggles facing teens today, including sexual behavior, violence and substance abuse. Parents will learn “how to open up the lines of communication, encourage cooperation and responsibility and discipline effectively.” MDC will implement this program this summer.

For additional information, please contact Heather Sutton at (865) 588-5550. To learn more about the national 2012 Town Hall Meeting initiative, which is expected to involve more than 2,000 communities, please visit: http://www.stopalcoholabuse.gov/townhallmeetings.

MDC to spearhead launch of national awareness campaign

MDC has been chosen as one of only five sites in the nation to pilot SAMHSA’s Underage Drinking Prevention National Media Campaign.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for MDC to be at the ground level of a national campaign to prevent underage drinking,” said Heather Sutton. “This project will empower parents with valuable tools to prevent their children from drinking alcohol.”

MDC will help test and refine the campaign’s creative messaging in preparation for the campaign’s national launch this fall. For additional information about SAMHSA and its programs visit www.samhsa.gov.

Voting now open for “2 Much/2 Soon” student video competition

Excessive drinking can have serious consequences, especially if you’re under 21. For teens, even a little alcohol can be too much, too soon. Knox County students are teaming up to let you know that underage drinking is unhealthy, illegal and unsafe.

Nine student teams from Grace Christian Academy, Austin-East and Fulton High School are competing to see who can deliver the most creative video message in the MDC’s 2 Much/2 Soon video competition. The video clips highlight the real life risks of teen drinking.

We need you to help us choose a winner! Go to our contest page now to choose your favorite. Voting will end on April 13 at 5 p.m. Winners will be announced on April 20.

What to do when your teen’s friends are using drugs or alcohol

“Come on, everybody’s doing it.”

“You‘ve gotta try it just this once.”

“It’s just a little harmless fun.”

When it comes to drugs and alcohol, the pressures teens face can be overwhelming. Your child’s peers have a big impact on the way your teen talks, what your teen wears and how they spend their time. When your child’s close friend is experimenting with alcohol or drugs, how do you keep your teen from caving under pressure?

It is important to discuss your concerns with the other child’s parents. Often times, they are unaware of their child’s substance use. Try to put yourself in their shoes. Wouldn’t you want someone to let you know if your child was using drugs or alcohol? Communicating with other parents also creates a strong network that can help keep an eye out for suspicious activity.

“The adolescent years are a time when parents really need to be involved. They are the first line of defense in preventing risky behaviors,” Karen Pershing, MDC executive director, said. “They say it takes a village to raise a child. When parents band together, it sends a strong message to teens that drug and alcohol use is taken very seriously.”

Not only is it important to talk with other parents, it is also important to discuss drugs and alcohol with your teen. Although the conversation may be a difficult or awkward, your child needs to know they can talk to you about the pressures they face:

Open the lines of communication. Make sure your child feels comfortable approaching you when facing difficult situations.
Explain your concern. Talk about the health and safety risks that come along with drug use and underage drinking.
Stay calm. Your child may admit to things you don’t want to hear. Allow them to be honest without the risk of punishment. Teens are more likely to open up in a safe, non-threatening environment.
Offer your support. Let your child know that you’re in their corner and want to help them make healthy decisions.
Establish clear rules. Let your child know that you have a “zero tolerance” policy when it comes to drug, alcohol and tobacco use. Make sure you discuss the consequences for breaking those rules.

This is also a good opportunity to emphasize healthy relationships in your teen’s life. You can’t always pick your child’s friends, but you can empower them to make smart decisions. Encourage your teen to find friends with similar positive interests and goals. You may even consider “nesting” your child into new social circles by encouraging them to be involved in extracurricular activities such as band, student council or sports.

Want to talk with your teen but are unsure where to start? View our Parent resources for more tips and discover ways you can get involved in prevention.

Designer drugs growing in popularity

Parents: There’s a new drug threat making headlines nationwide. With labels claiming “not for human consumption,” synthetic drugs have sickened thousands of users in the past few years. Despite increasing publicity, many parents are still unaware of this dangerous new trend. If your teen was using synthetic drugs, could you spot the warning signs?

Synthetic marijuana, more commonly known as “K2,” “Genie” or “Spice,” is a chemically-altered herbal blend designed to mimic the effects of marijuana. It is illegally sold as “incense” or “potpourri” in local convenience stores. K2 is typically rolled and smoked much like a marijuana joint. However, the chemicals in K2 are up to 10 times more potent than THC, the active ingredient in marijuana.

Synthetic marijuana can cause rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, pale skin, vomiting, agitation, confusion and loss of bodily control with side effects lasting for up to eight hours. Some users experience psychological effects similar to PCP or angel dust, while others suffer from severe dysphoric, depressive symptoms. Poison control centers nationwide logged more than 5,500 calls related to synthetic marijuana as of October 2011, which is nearly double the number of calls received in all of 2010.

“Despite the misperception, K2 is not a safe alternative to marijuana,” Karen Pershing, MDC executive director, said. “The packaging may seem innocent, but the health risks are serious. People are being hospitalized every day as a result of these substances. We have to make parents aware and get them involved.”

In the last few years, synthetic marijuana has become increasingly popular among teens. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, one in ten high school seniors has used synthetic marijuana. Teens use K2 to satisfy their curiosity or to beat a drug test. Unlike marijuana, standard drug tests do not screen for K2.

Several states, including Tennessee, moved to ban synthetic marijuana in 2010. In March 2011, the DEA banned the chemicals used in K2 for one year until the substances could be reviewed. Despite the ban, the drug is still widely available online for as low as $6 per gram.

The use of designer cathinones is also on the rise. Marketed by a host of unassuming names such as “Bath Salts,” “Ivory Wave,” “White Lightning,” “Vanilla Sky” and “Bliss,” these synthetic stimulants cause side effects similar to ecstasy, LSD, cocaine and methamphetamine, such as rapid heart rate, nausea, vomiting, agitation, paranoia, psychosis, insomnia, hallucinations, violent outbursts, seizures and even suicide.

“Bath Salts” are typically abused by snorting but can also be used intravenously or by smoking. Users also can exhibit instantaneous “tweeking” much like methamphetamine users. In fact, “bath salts” have replaced these drugs for some addicts because they are more easily available online and in local head shops.

“Synthetic drugs are still drugs,” Pershing said. “They can cause permanent damage and rapid addiction. These substances have even been known to cause death in some following the first use.”

Despite their dangers, the number of “bath salt” poisonings has increased exponentially in the last two years. In 2010, the American Association of Poison Control Centers logged 303 cases regarding “bath salts.” By 2011, poison centers received an astounding 6,138 calls, a 1925 percent increase.

“There is no way for users to know what they are receiving,” Ryan Vandrey, Ph.D, of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, said. “This is one reason we are seeing an influx of emergency room visits and calls to poison control centers associated with the use of these drugs.”

Much like K2, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) used its emergency scheduling authority in October to ban the chemicals used in “bath salts” for at least one year. After further study, it will then be determined if these chemicals will be banned permanently.

What can parents look out for if they suspect their child of using synthetic drugs? Drug paraphernalia such as pipes, coffee grinders and rolling papers or a clove-like smell on your child’s clothing are the most obvious signs. Plastic or foil packaging with “not illegal” or “adults only” on the label should also raise a red flag.

“The packaging can be very deceptive,” Pershing said. “Parents need to know what these drugs look like so they can spot it in their own home. Remember, if it seems suspicious, chances are it probably is.”

For more information about synthetic drugs, visit our K2 and Synthetic Stimulants pages.

Sleep deprivation in teens linked to substance abuse

We’ve all had one of those days after a short night’s sleep where even the smallest task seem enormous. It is important for parents to make sure their kids are getting the right amount of sleep to be healthy, happy and alert. Sleep is an essential component to the body’s well-being –especially in the quickly growing and changing teenage body. Teenage and adolescent years are the time when your child needs the most sleep; but often, teens find themselves too busy with school, friends, sports and extracurricular activities to make time for what’s important to their health.

Recent studies have shown that sleep deprivation in youth can be linked to participation in risky behaviors.

According to research by Lela McKnight-Eily, a lack of sleep impairs the brain’s ability to reason logically –often times leading teens to take part in drinking, sexual behaviors, tobacco and drug use without considering the consequences of these negative behaviors.

Surprisingly, Newsweek reports that only about 15 percent of teenagers get the recommended nine hours of sleep needed to be awake, alert and make healthy choices. That’s only 3 out of every 20 teens.

How do you know your child may not be getting enough sleep? Warning signs may include:

Moodiness and irritability
Falling asleep throughout the day
Excessive yawning throughout the day
Reluctance to get out of bed in the morning.

Here are a few tips to help your child get a restful night’s sleep:

Establish a regular bedtime routine and stick with it, even on weekends.
Avoid caffeine and/or heavy exercise two hours before bedtime.
Schedule 30 minutes of “quiet time” before getting into bed –no telephone, computers, TV, radio etc.

Other health risks associated with lack of sleep in teens include increased likelihood of sexual behaviors, depression, anxiety and eating disorders.

For more parenting tips, check out our Parents page.

Youth Action Council meets with local mayors to discuss better youth outreach

The Knoxville/Knox County Mayors’ Youth Action Council met with Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett and Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero at the Metropolitan Drug Commission’s office to discuss how youth can better connect with their district representatives and engage in local politics.

The mayors offered advice on new policies the group is looking to implement locally.

“The members of Youth Action Council are really excited about collaborating with the mayors and adding a youth input on legislation,” Sharon Bao, public relations student officer for YAC, said. “We think it’s important to develop a closer relationship with our local officials.”

YAC has served as “a voice for youth” in the Knoxville area for seven years. YAC continues to influence public policy and provide a youth perspective in the community. These teen trailblazers create change in their community and their schools through various projects each year.

Youth outreach, development and engagement has been at the heart of the Metropolitan Drug Commission for many years. YAC helps foster a sense of connection to the community, which has been shown to decrease substance use by providing teens with drug and alcohol-free alternatives.

In Photos: Kick Butts Day 2012

More than 80 kids from the Boys & Girls Club celebrated National Kick Butts Day this March, an event hosted by Smoke-Free Knoxville to raise awareness about tobacco. Each day, 1,200 people in the U.S. die from tobacco-related causes. To drive this message home, the kids placed 1,200 flags in the ground, wrote the number 1,200 on a graffiti wall and spelled out 1,200 in a chain length fence with styrofoam cups. Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett also stopped by the event to meet the youth.

CADCA’s leadership conference, coalition academy helps build skills

From left to right: David K. Mineta, Deputy Director of Demand Reduction (Office of National Drug Control Policy); Heather Sutton, Media Relations & Project Director (MDC); Sarah Harder, Project Director (MDC); Arthur T. Dean, CADCA Chairman and CEO

MDC traveled to Washington, D.C. this February for the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America’s (CADCA) National Leadership Forum. This four-day conference was packed with skill-building workshops dedicated to the most cutting-edge prevention research.

The conference culminated with a special graduation ceremony for students of the National Coalition Academy. Graduates of this year-long training program are equipped to implement the latest, most effective substance abuse prevention strategies in their communities. After developing a comprehensive, community-focused prevention strategy, MDC’s Sarah Harder and Heather Sutton were awarded their graduation certificate. Congratulations, Heather and Sarah!

MDC will host golf tournament to support prevention efforts

Break out your khaki shorts, shine those cleats, dust off that sun visor and perfect that swing! MDC is hosting its inaugural fundraising golf tournament on Friday, June 22 at Three Ridges Golf Course in north Knoxville. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. with tee times beginning at 8 a.m and 1 p.m. Please note, alcohol will not be served.

The cost is $400 for a team of four. All donations are tax-deductible. Entry fees include lunch, goody bags and prizes. For information, contact Karen Pershing at (865) 588-0963 or visit our online registration page.

Meet the MDC staff

We want to share our passion with you! Throughout 2012, we will devote a section of our newsletter to editorials written by our staff. We hope these pieces will help our readers get to know us a bit more personally and discover the people behind the MDC name.

by Heather Sutton, Media Relations & Project Director

I will never forget a man I spoke with about three months into this job. He had been prescribed a pain killer by his doctor after a serious motorcycle accident. He started out taking the recommended dosage, but when the pain became too overwhelming, he took a bit more. Then a little more. Then a little more. Before long, he had become addicted.

This man was on the phone crying and begging for help. He said that he didn’t mean to get addicted. He was just trying to manage his pain. He was desperate to get clean. I referred him to some of our local treatment centers knowing that he might die before he made it into treatment.

Stories like that are why I do what I do. The prescription drug epidemic has taken a huge toll on our community. It’s rare that you find a person who has not been touched by addiction, whether it’s someone in their family, a person they work with or a close friend. Of those who call for a referral, I’d estimate about 75 percent of those calls are related to prescription drugs.

Before taking this job, I pictured an addict as someone without any morals or goals for their life. They seemed pathetic, worthless and unworthy of help. “They’re adults. They should know better,” I’d say to myself. “They’ve seen the pain they are causing their loved ones. Why don’t they just stop?” There are a lot of well-meaning people that share that same viewpoint.

Alcohol and drug use is a choice, but there comes a point along the way where it’s no longer a choice. Once the brain makes that switch into addiction, there’s no going back. Addicts will do anything to get that next fix, despite the negative consequences. They may want to stop, but they are no longer in control.

There’s still such a stigma about addicts. I’ve learned that addicts are people just like me. They come from all walks of life and all backgrounds. Doctors, lawyers, business leaders, teens and even pastors. No one is immune from addiction.

Over the past year and a half, I’ve made many friends in recovery. These people are some of the smartest, kindest and most helpful people you could ever meet. Unless they told you, you may never have guessed they once struggled with drugs.

I’ve also met many who have lost loved ones due to alcohol or drugs. These people know firsthand the human cost of substance abuse. They are working everyday to prevent other families from suffering like they have. They aren’t sitting around feeling sorry for themselves or dwelling in their anger. They are out there doing something positive with their grief.

While there are some bad seeds out there, most addicts are not bad people. They’re just people who made bad choices. I want to help change our perception of an addict. I want to empower people to take action against substance abuse. I want to encourage parents to take responsibility for preventing drug use in their children. I want to encourage them to support others in finding the help they need. Most importantly, I want them to know that prevention works, treatment is effective and people do recover. We are all in this together. We can make a difference.

Important Dates

April

-       4/1-30: Alcohol Awareness Month
-       4/2-8: National Public Health Week
-       4/7: World Health Day

May

-       5/9: Mental Health Awareness Day
-       5/13: Mother’s Day
-       5/13-19: National Alcohol and Other Drug-Related Birth Defects Week
-       5/28: Memorial Day
-       5/31: World No Tobacco Day

June

- 6/26: International Day Against Drug Abuse

Give Trees a Chance

Each year, Americans use an incredible 187 billion pounds of paper. Readers can now subscribe to a electronic version of ALERT and cut down on paper waste. To sign up, simply enter your name and email address into our online registration form, located on the right hand sidebar.

Get Social

Wanna become a drug and alcohol expert? Stay “in the know” about the latest drug trends and awareness events. “Like” us on Facebook or follow our Twitter stream and share our daily updates. You can also watch student-produced video clips and public service announcements on our new YouTube channel!

Make an Investment in Prevention

Reductions in grant funds have greatly impacted our organization. After 10 successful years as a Drug-Free Communities grantee, funding ended last fall, leaving a $100,000 per year budget deficit.

To sustain our current level of services, we need your financial support. Your charitable contribution will be used to extend our reach to youth and adults throughout Knox County. All contributions are tax-deductible. Your donation will be used to support three major goals:

Reducing underage binge drinking
Decreasing the misuse of prescription drugs among youth
Decrease the number unintentional drug poisoning deaths

To donate, call (865) 588-5550 or click the “Donate” button on the right sidebar. All contributions are tax-deductible.

Volunteer For Community Change

Make a difference in Knoxville by joining MDC’s Drug-Free Community Coalition. The coalition is charged with developing practical, community-based strategies to address emerging substance abuse issues.

The coalition meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month (April 24, May 22 and June 26) at noon in the Knox County Health Department’s Community Room. For more information, call (865) 588-5550 or visit the Join Our Efforts page.

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