Overdoses in Arriba County, NM Highest in State

The state Health Department released statistics in February that paint a grave picture of the state of health in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, on various fronts.

Rio Arriba’s death rates due to drug overdoses and alcohol abuse, were among the highest in the state. Department data shows that from 2007 through 2009, the period during which the statistics were compiled, 133 people in the County died from alcohol abuse, 65 from drug overdoses.

The state Health Department released statistics in February that paint a grave picture of the state of health in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, on various fronts.

Rio Arriba’s death rates due to drug overdoses and alcohol abuse, were among the highest in the state. Department data shows that from 2007 through 2009, the period during which the statistics were compiled, 133 people in the County died from alcohol abuse, 65 from drug overdoses.

The County’s health status is more stark when compared with statistics from neighboring counties such as Los Alamos, Santa Fe and Sandoval, which display positive results in many health statistics. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a philanthropic organization devoted to public health, compiled various statistics on each county in New Mexico and released them in 2010, ranking Los Alamos, Santa Fe and Sandoval Counties first, second and third, respectively, for overall county health.

Rio Arriba County ranked 32nd out of 32 counties, as Harding County was not ranked.

On average, local youth begin using marijuana at ten years of age and then within four to six months they move on to other illegal substances. Children as young as 12 are brought in to the emergency room in New Mexico for treatment for illicit drug overdoses.

The prices for illegal substances are very affordable, and sales are accessible. For example, heavily-cut doses of cocaine cost little more than five bucks, but the poor product quality results in short highs and intensified desires for more and more dosages.

One nurse in New Mexico said the majority of teens report the following pattern of drug abuse: marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, crack and methamphetamine, in that order, were the most popular drugs reported by teens that ended up at the emergency room.

If you are a parent, loved one or a teen seeking the help of teen addiction treatment centers, Inspirations Rehab recommends programs where teens can immerse themselves in a whole new way of life, where accountability, life skills and recreational activities are part of the teens daily routine. Inspirations Teen Rehab responds to Teen Drug Abuse by making sure that in addition to their premier drug abuse program, each teen can maintain (or improve) their academic performance.

Inspirations designed a teen drug and alcohol addiction treatment center and treatment programs that provide addiction prevention, as well as treatment and aftercare services. For those teens that have moved beyond drug abuse, Inspirations Teen Drug Rehab provides recovery that meets teenagers at their place in life.

Reach out to us. For information on our teen addiction treatment programs contact us:

Teen Addiction Treatment Programs: 1-888-757-6237

http://www.inspirationsyouth.com

http://www.inspirationsteenrehab.com

Young Adults and Adults Addiction Treatment Programs:

1-888-387-6237

http://www.covecenterforrecovery.com

Multidimensional Family Therapy for Adolescent Drug Abuse

The pandemic of drug abuse amongst teens is ever growing. Families with drug abusing teens tend to seek therapy as effort to save their child, with little focus on the actual relationship. Multidimensional Family Therapy, or MDFT, is a therapy that engages substance abusing teens and their parents individually while building the relationship between them. According to two National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) randomized trials, this type of therapy has proven to have lasting benefits that extend beyond reduced drug use.

Teenage participants treated with MDFT were studied one year after treatment and were found to have fewer drug – related problems. Their behavior and mental health had also improved more compared to teens treated with CBT. Both teens and parents have separate sessions so the therapeutic process is effective for everyone. In sessions with students, the aim to establish meaningful therapeutic goals, foster motivation, and help the adolescents develop concrete strategies to solve problems and find alternatives to drug taking and delinquency. In their own sessions, parents learn about family management, parent – adolescent relationship, as well as parenting skills. "MDFT is a flexible and individualized treatment system rather than a one-size-fits-all approach," says Dr. Liddle. MDFT has been used for young (11 to 15 years old) and older adolescents and juvenile offenders. It has been applied in clients' homes, community-based clinics, residential treatment centers, and correctional facilities. In a statement to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, Dr. Howard Liddle of the University of Miami, who led the two studies said, “We connect with parents in a way that recognizes their stress and the anger, hopelessness, and even despair they may feel about their child. Then we help parents reconnect emotionally to their child. This renewed caring is instrumental in changing parenting practices.”

Advantages
MDFT and CBT are similar in results. They both aim to provide patients with skill not only to reduce the drug use. But unlike MDFT, CBT focuses on individuals rather than family development. Parents attend the first two sessions. The help their child assess the issues at hand and set goals for recovery. According to NIDA, the conclusion of these trials proved that CBT and MDFT have similar results. In the CBT group, youths dropped cannabis use to 7.5 days from 10 days and MDFT dropped to 7.5 days from 12 days. However in the months ahead, those in the MDFT group fared better. MDFT benefits younger teens as well. The results for MDFT in younger teens showed that participants were more likely to stay in treatment – 97 % in the NDFT group finished counseling as opposed to the 72 % of the CBT group. Dr. Lisa Onken, chief of the Behavioral and Integrative Branch of NIDA's Division of Neuroscience and Behavioral Research says, "This is a very complex treatment, and the more we can figure out the essential ingredients—what is critically important and what is of lesser importance—the better we will be able to implement it in the community."

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse or addiction and is in need of help, Inspirations Teen Rehab offers a flexible and affordable teen addiction treatment program. Our aim is to treat the whole person, and not just an isolated symptom. During the addiction treatment process we will work with the teen to identify the factors that may have contributed to the prescription drug abuse and addiction – home, friends and medical history. We also believe that families have a vital role to play in the recovery process, and each addiction treatment program has a place for family participation, Multidimensional Family Therapy, or MDFT to educate them in the treatment process and to equip them for their role as parents and supporters.

Reach out to us. For more information on our treatment programs contact us:

Teen Treatment Programs: 1-888-757-6237
http://www.inspirationsyouth.com
http://www.inspirationsteenrehab.com

Young Adults and Adults Treatment Programs: 1-888-387-6237
http://www.covecenterforrecovery.com

Schools Using Breathalyzers to Fight Teen Drinking

With instances of drunk driving on the rise amongst vulnerable teens, more and more schools are relying to Breathalyzers to facilitate the detection of alcohol consumption.

The deployment of Breathalyzers seems to be a last resort for many schools as to put an end to illegal alcohol consumption especially that of which is consumed on school premises during activities sponsored by the school itself.

Many schools reserve the right to administer Breathalyzer tests when there is sufficient evidence suggesting individual is under the influence of alcohol. The evidence generally consists of a list of symptoms an intoxicated individual would display once under the influence. Speech impairment and slurring, bloodshot and dilated eyes, unsteady walking, profane personal conduct, agitated demeanor and erratic behavior are all signs of intoxication. This test is performed by a trained school administer, and for confidentiality purposes, it is performed individually and away from the presence of other teens. Once the teen is suspected of being under the influence, he/she will be asked to perform a Breathalyzer test in which the individual has a right to refuse. Upon refusal, he/she will automatically be denied entry to school event, and parents are immediately notified.

Many schools have strict policies concerning the results of Breathalyzer tests, most of which conclude removal of student from extracurricular activities and suspension, all of which have undeniably detrimental consequences for the individual.

The use of Breathalyzer doesn’t seem to “sit well” with young, naïve teens who believe they are capable of handling alcohol like adults. Across the nation, teens are indoctrinated and often the target of mass media that for many years now has been very successful in encouraging alcohol consumption by promoting it via movies, video games and other forms of entertainment that generally appeals to young adults. In many cases, alcohol is portrayed as the only way to forget about ones everyday problems, a sign of “maturity”, an instant mood booster and a way take advantage of the opposite sex. Many teens succumb to the peer pressure surrounding alcohol, sabotaging their lives as well as the lives of their loved ones.

The adoption of Breathalyzers is in no way intended to humiliate, discriminate and demean the already sensitive adolescent, but to demonstrate needed authority that for years seemed to be “toned down” and often ineffective.

The message is clear. Illegal consumption of alcohol by minors is prevalent during many school function, dances, proms and other school sponsored social events and therefore each and every individual will be subjected to a Breathalyzer test in which they will either pass or fail. No exceptions will be made and harsh consequences await advantageous teens.

In summary, “underage drinking” or alcohol use is a common occurrence in the lives of most young adults under the age of 21. Breathalyzers will help school authorities keep alcohol use in school grounds in check, and help prevent accidents, as about 45 percent of fatalities in crashes involve young adults under the age of 21 who is driving under the influence.

Parents should be wary as early use of alcohol can turn into abuse and addiction. If your teen is struggling with alcohol abuse?

Reach out to us. Recovery from addiction is just a click or a phone call away. If the information you are looking for is not found here and you need immediate attention you may contact us:

Teen Addiction Help: 1-888-757-6237
http://www.inspirationsyouth.com/
http://www.inspirationsteenrehab.com/

Addiction Treatment for Young Adults and Adults : 1-888-387-6237 http://www.covecenterforrecovery.com/