Addictions
I am not even sure where to start. I sat down tonight to work on my weekly article. I had several ideas of things to consider but always like to “google” drugs in the news today before I write anything – to make sure to address any major headlines. Since there were none today, I decided to click on one link for information on “alcohol and addiction” thinking it would be a short list. I was wrong.
The headlines on this one site, just since the beginning of May 2012, included the following:
- 21.8 percent of pregnant white women smoke;
- Changes triggered in brain’s neuron structure by chronic cocaine use;
- A new abused drug is Methoxetamine (MXE), sold on the internet as a “legal” alternative to Katamine;
- Extra medical pain reliever usage more likely during mid-adolescence;
- 16 year olds at greatest risk for misusing prescription drugs;
- Youth exposure to alcohol marketing needs to be addressed;
- Maternal opiate usage grows considerably;
- Drug abuse in adolescence linked to brain networks; and
- Underage drinking: Minors who recognize ads for beer and spirits are more likely to drink.
The information was overwhelming to me and I work with substance use information on a daily basis! There are so many possible drugs out there for youth and adults to try. There are so many ways that these chemicals can be accessed. There is so much damage that drug use, even experimentation, can do to the body, mind, spirit, family, and community.
Where does a person begin to do something about it?
No matter how old you are or where you live, the first step to making a difference in drug activity in your community is always the same – get educated about the real dangers that you and your family may face. In some areas, heroine is a greater problem than methamphetamine. For some people, alcohol can be used in moderation.
In Montgomery County, the A.H.E.A.D. Coalition services as the central location for substance related information. As the Local Coordinating Council for the Governor’s Commission for a Drug Free Indiana, it is A.H.E.A.D.’s responsibility to gather, coordinate, and report on substance-related trends in this community. It is the agency’s responsibility to also address these issues by involving a cross-section of community members.
A.H.E.A.D. is looking for ways to engage more community members in the effort to provide drug prevention education. We need more ideas, experiences, and opinions to help increase the effectiveness of our outreach initiatives.
