Crisis Hotlines in/around Putnam County

Crisis Hotlines in/around Putnam County:
Putnam County Crisis Hotline: 845-225-1222
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 845-273-8255
For rape and sexual assault: 845-628-2166 (Women's Resource Center 24 hour hotline).
Green Chimneys Arbor House also operates a 24 hour hotline for youth and families. Through the hotline youth can access shelter, referral for other services, information and support. The number is (845) 279-2588.

Parent Alert: Purple Drank (Cough Syrup High)

In this Know! Parent Alert we are warning moms, dads and other caregivers about youth getting high on cough syrup. While young people abusing cough medicine is nothing new, is seems to have grown again in popularity, with one in 10 teens partaking nationwide.

Most commonly referred to as Purple Drank, Syrup, Sizzurp and Lean, this candy-flavored, cough syrup cocktail has long been glamorized in hip hop music and now among numerous other celebrities. Lil Wayne, a superstar rapper among today’s youth, literally sings the praises of Purple Drank in the song dedicated to his drug of choice called, “Me and My Drank.” Incidentally, Lil Wayne was hospitalized last year after a reported Purple Drank binge, and near-fatal overdose. Another megastar celebrity, Justin Bieber, has also helped to put this ‘Drank’ in the media spotlight. After his recent Miami Beach DUI and drag-racing arrest, reports swirled that he too is addicted to the mix.
So what exactly is in this purple drink and what makes it so appealing? It is prescription-strength cough syrup (codeine and promethazine – which also causes the purple hue) that is typically mixed with sprite or other soda and a Jolly Rancher candy (to mask the bitter flavor of the cough syrup); said to provide the user with a relaxed, euphoric high. 

Because it is a colorful, sweet-tasting concoction made with a perceived ‘legal’ drug, it is many times thought to be harmless among young users. Health experts say however, this couldn’t be further from the truth. This dangerously addictive, potentially fatal mix has the ability to depress the central nervous and respiratory systems, and cause the heart and lungs to shut down. Other non-fatal side effects from the Purple Drank include drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, dizziness, itchiness, constipation, urinary retention, impaired vision, memory loss, confusion, hallucinations and seizures. As referenced earlier, it is often called ‘Lean’ because it commonly causes the user to lose coordination and have to lean on something to be able to remain standing.

It is vitally important to talk to your children about the dangers of misusing or abusing prescription drugs of any kind, even those that appear to be less harmful, like cough medicine. Youth should also be aware that it is illegal for anyone to use another person’s prescription cough medication, whether to treat an actual cough or for recreational use, and there can be legal consequences to accompany the potential physical and mental health consequences. Parents, you can also do your part by safeguarding and monitoring all prescription and over-the-counter medications in your home, and regularly disposing of your unused and unwanted medications.

Sources: USA Today - Sizzurp: What you need to know about cough syrup high, Narconon International: Info on Purple Drank. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – Emerging Trends: Purple Drank.
 

Gambling and Your Kids- The younger they start the more likely they are to have problems

Did you know that less than half of parents ever discuss gambling issues with their teen and that only 13 percent of parents believe that their teen actually gambles for money?

The reality is that kids from all social backgrounds gamble at home, a friend’s house, or school with friends, family, relatives, and siblings. In most cases, their parents will actually buy their lottery tickets. They play cards, sports betting, lottery, and the Internet, where most money is spent in on-line gambling. In New York State, 48% of 7-12^th graders reported they had gambled in the past year. In Putnam County, 44.3% of 8-12^th graders reported they had gambled in the past year.

Youth Gambling International found young adults from 18 to 21 are three times more likely to have problems associated with gambling. In NYS approximately 140,000 adolescents have had problems due to their gambling. An additional 10% of youth in NYS are at risk for problem gambling.

Youth are exposed to gambling now more than ever before and they think it is normal. Fortunately, children also indicate that they would turn to their parents for help if they ever experienced problems with gambling. That is why parents play a crucial role in educating their kids about gambling and its risks of addiction. Visit www.putnamncadd.org/gambling to find out more about problem gambling and how to talk to your kids about this growing concern.

On March 4, 2014, the Putnam County Legislature will pass a Proclamation for Problem Gambling Awareness Month. The goal of this awareness month is to educate the general public and health care professionals about the warning signs of problem gambling and raise awareness about the help that is available both locally and nationally.

The National Council on Alcoholism and Other Drug Dependencies/Putnam will be offering parent outreach and education services related to youth problem gambling as part of a statewide initiative to spread awareness. The project focuses on raising awareness through face to face parent education sessions, information dissemination, and through various advertising efforts including web, television, and print. For more information and referral services, please call 845-225-4646.

National Inhalants and Poisons Awareness Week – March 16-22

The culprit is legal, poisonous, cheap, accessible, and right in your home. Children and teens are using household products to get high. In an effort to raise awareness to parents, students and community members regarding this somewhat overlooked substance use, the National Inhalants and Poison Awareness Week (NIPAW) will be observed March 16-22, 2014. This prevention week will focus on providing education, resources, and information on risks of inhalant use.

The problem has a presence in Putnam County. According to the 2012 Prevention Needs Assessment Survey, 6.8% of student’s grades 8-12 have used inhalants to get high in their lifetime. 2.1% of student’s grades 8-12 have used inhalants to get high one or more times in the past 30 days.

According to The Partnership for a Drug Free America, “Inhalants are ordinary household products that are inhaled or sniffed by children to get high.”  Examples of products intentionally used to get high are computer keyboard cleaner (such as Dust Off), cleaning fluids, nail polish remover, paint thinners, and even model airplane glue. The slang for inhalant use includes glue, kick, sniff, huff, Texas Shoe Shine, etc.

What are the side effects to inhalant abuse? Due to the oxygen deprivation that goes along with this particular substance use, the effects can be fatal. “The user can experience slight stimulation, feeling of less inhibition or loss of consciousness. The user can also suffer from Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome. This means the user can die the 1st, 10th or 100th time he or she uses an inhalant. Other effects include damage to the heart, kidney, brain, liver, bone marrow and other organs” (National Inhalant Prevention Coalition).

What are signs that parents and guardians can look for if they suspect their child is abusing household products? According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, here are a few signs:

·         Slurred speech

·         Drunk, dizzy, or dazed appearance

·         Unusual breath odor   

·         Chemical smell on clothing

·         Paint stains on body or face

·         Red eyes

·         Runny nose

“Prevention is the key. Parents are encouraged to keep an inventory of potentially harmful chemicals in their household and talk to their children, no matter how young, about the dangers or sniffing or ingesting harmful substances. Let your children know that inhalants can not only severely damage their bodies, but can cause violent behavior that can hurt those around them.” stated Joseph DeMarzo, Deputy Commissioner of the Putnam County Mental Health/Social Services/Youth Bureau.

“If you are a student and know someone who uses inhalants, encourage them to stop or get help. Let them know the ramifications of the use. If you are using inhalants, it’s never too late to talk to an adult you trust and make the necessary steps to recovery.” stated Elaine Santos, Coalition Coordinator for the Putnam County Communities That Care Coalition.

Members of the Putnam CTC Coalition are available if you have any questions or would like for us to do a presentation to your organization on this or any other substance abuse trends that affect our children. Please call the Putnam County Communities That Care Coalition at 845-225-4646, Ext. 13 for information and referrals. Please visit and join us on Facebook by searching “Putnam County Communities That Care – NY” or on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/PutnamCTCNY or call 845-225-4646.

“Responding to the Opioid Addiction Epidemic” Seminar

The Teen Dating Bill of Rights

Does your son or daughter know what to expect from a “dating” partner? Have you discussed with your child the characteristics of a healthy dating relationship?

While it is easy to make light of adolescent boyfriend/girlfriend relationships, it may be a risky notion; as statistics show that one in three teens experience an abusive dating relationship prior to high school graduation.
Though the conversation may feel a bit premature for parents with preteens, Know! that the timing is just right. The earlier a child learns what it means to be in a healthy dating relationship, the better off he/she will be in both the short and long term. At the same time, older teens, even those who have begun dating, can greatly benefit from this talk with you.
To get this critical conversation started, try sharing and reviewing the Teen Dating Bill of Rights and Pledge (adapted from LoveIsRespect.org) together, then ask your child to consider signing off on it.

I have the right:

• To always be treated with respect (which also means being treated as an equal);
• To be in a healthy relationship (based on honesty, trust and communication - not control, manipulation or jealousy);
• To not be hurt physically or emotionally (you should feel safe in your relationship at all times and know that abuse is never your fault, nor is it ever 'deserved');
• To not be pressured to go further than I want to go (this will likely mean different things to different age groups – for younger adolescents, the pressure may be to
  kiss when they do not want to, for older adolescents, the pressure may be to have sex when they do not want to – regardless of age, in a healthy relationship, a partner will not pressure to go further than you want to go);
• To have friends and activities apart from my boyfriend or girlfriend (spending time by yourself, with male or female friends, or with family is normal and healthy).
• To end a relationship (without being harassed, threatened or made to feel guilty).

I pledge to:

• Always treat my boyfriend or girlfriend with respect;
• Resolve conflicts in a peaceful, rational way;
• Never hurt my boyfriend or girlfriend physically, verbally, or emotionally;
• Respect my girlfriend's or boyfriend's decisions concerning sex and affection;
• Not be controlling or manipulative in my relationship;
• Accept responsibility for myself and my actions. 

Youth Signature: _______________________________________Date: ___________
Encourage your child to keep this signed copy somewhere he/she can easily reference it and often be reminded the characteristics of a healthy relationship.
This is also a great opportunity to remind children that you are open and available to discuss all subjects with them, even when the topic feels a little uncomfortable, like this one.
For more tips and information on teen dating, visit www.loveisrespect.org.

Sources: LoveIsRespect.org, DoSomething.org, Drug Free Action Alliance

America's Youth Have Voted-SuperBowl Commercial Faves

What commercials do students remember most from the SuperBowl? Not surprisingly, it's the junk food and alcohol advertisements. 

Number of sixth through twelfth grade students across the nation participating in this year’s Big Bowl Vote: More than 13,000 (and counting). 

Number of participating states: 27 states.

*Please note: Due to weather-related issues in multiple states, the reporting deadline has been extended. The Drug-Free Action Alliance will post final results on their website.

Top 5 FAVORITE Commercials
 

Middle School Students
1.            Doritos – Time Machine

2.            Budweiser – Puppy Love

3.            Doritos – Cowboy Kid

4.            Audi – Doberhuahua

5.            Budweiser – Hero’s Welcome

High School Students
1.            Budweiser – Puppy Love

2.            Doritos – Time Machine

3.            Geico – Pig Gets Drivers License

4.            Doritos - Cowboy

5.            NFL – Jerry Ricecake

Top 5 Most RECALLED Commercials

Middle School Students
1.            Doritos

2.            Budweiser  

3.            Bud Light

4.            Coca Cola

5.            Pepsi

High School Students
1.            Doritos

2.            Budweiser

3.            Bud Light 

4.            NFL

5.            Coca Cola

 

(COLUMBUS, OH)  - According to Nielsen, 112.2 million viewers tuned in for this year’s Super Bowl, making it the most-watched U.S. television broadcast in TV history. However, individuals, especially youth, tuned in for the commercials as much as they did for the game.

Sponsored by Drug Free Action Alliance, The Big Bowl Vote surveyed students and found that middle-school students ranked the Doritos’ “Time Machine” as their number one favorite commercial, tightly followed by Budweiser’s “Puppy Love.” High school students were also surveyed and results were similar with the Budweiser’s “Puppy Love” being the clear favorite over the number two favorite, Doritos’ “Time Machine.”   When asked which brand products they remember being advertised during the Super Bowl, both middle school and high school students ranked Budweiser and Bud Light in the second and third position as the most remembered commercials.

“Looking at the results from the Big Bowl Vote, we see that the majority of these youth are watching the Super Bowl and we know they are being exposed to alcohol advertising,” said Drug Free Action Alliance Executive Director, Marcie Seidel.  “Youth will continue to be flooded by this and other alcohol ads on their computers, televisions, billboards and radio.”

Research shows the negative impact alcohol advertising has on youth.  The Center for Alcohol Marketing and Youth from the Bloomberg School of Medicine at John’s Hopkins quoted a national study from 2006 that showed that the greater exposure to alcohol advertising contributed to a rise in underage drinking. 

According to the Pacific Institute of Research and Evaluation, underage drinking cost society $25.1 billion dollars in 2010 in lost work and medical costs.  Also, youth drinking is a key factor in the three most common reasons for death among young people – homicide, suicide and unintentional injury.
 

The Big Bowl Vote is a simple, three-question, student questionnaire given Monday morning following the Super Bowl, where middle and high school students shared their thoughts on what advertisements they remember seeing and which commercial takes their top vote.

Drug Free Action Alliance is a non-profit organization providing leadership to promote safe and drug free communities throughout Ohio.  Other programs and initiatives include Drug Free 24/7, Know!, Ohio Center for Coalition Excellence, Ohio College Initiative to Reduce High Risk Drinking and Ohio Youth Philanthropy Council. For more information on the Parents Who Host, Lose The Most:  Don’t be a party to teenage drinking campaign, please visit www.DrugFreeActionAlliance.org.