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Oct. 16 forum to raise awareness about heroin addiction

10.22.14

October 13, 2014

Story by: Jennie Grey

Featured in: Saratogian

Link to article can be found here: http://www.saratogian.com/general-news/20141013/oct-16-forum-to-raise-awareness-about-heroin-addiction

SARATOGA SPRINGS >> In response to the growing problem of heroin use by local teens and adults, the Prevention Council of Saratoga County is offering a community forum about heroin addiction in partnership with Saratoga Springs Public Library and Recovery Advocacy in Saratoga, a recently formed community organization.

The forum will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, in the H. Dutcher Community Room at Saratoga Springs Public Library at 49 Henry St.

The forum will assemble a panel of people from Saratoga, including individuals in addiction recovery, law enforcement, physicians, prevention professionals and concerned families, to raise awareness of the rise in heroin use in the community.

Prevention Council Media and Marketing Specialist LeeAnn Mandrillo explained that heroin is a multifaceted problem.

“Heroin is like a hydra, the mythological beast with the many heads,” she said. “You cut one head off, and two grow back. The toll it takes is frightening.”

According to New York’s Combat Heroin campaign, heroin and opioid abuse have become a serious problem in communities across New York state and the nation. In 2013, there were 89,269 admissions for heroin and prescription opioid abuse treatment in New York state alone, an increase from 63,793 in 2004.

During this same time period, New Yorkers ages 18 to 24 had the largest increase in such admissions. Nationally, nearly a half-million people were reportedly abusing heroin or suffering from heroin dependence in 2012.

In December 2013, 17-year-old Daniel Lewis of Clifton Park was charged with injecting a 15-year-old with heroin at Shenendehowa High School. The incident was the first reported case of heroin use in any Saratoga County school district.

“Heroin is a growing problem that knows no demographic and does not discriminate,” Prevention Council Executive Director Janine Stuchin said. “We know it is related to the abuse of prescription opioid pain medication, where users are switching to heroin because it is cheaper and often more available. We also know the best solutions for prevention in our community are developed from the grass roots up.”

Mandrillo said one key solution to the problem was education. She encouraged people to become knowledgeable about the signs of heroin use and to communicate to others, especially adolescents, the dangers of addiction.

“We should lock our medicine cabinets and dispose of unwanted medications on Drug Take Back Day,” she said. “Parents should speak with their children about alcohol and drug use as early as middle school. Those conversations are really important. We need to talk with rather than at our kids.”

The panel will discuss the heroin crisis, including information about addiction as a disease that requires medical intervention, long-term recovery, the scope of the problem in Saratoga County, available local resources and what the community can do to reduce and prevent substance abuse.

“Tools like this forum open up critical conversations,” Mandrillo said. “We may feel sheltered here upstate, thinking we don’t have the drug issues of the large metropolitan areas — and these programs help us really educate ourselves. We can change public health by how we talk to one another.”

More information about the Combat Heroin campaign can be found at combatheroin.ny.gov/prevention.

 

Synthetic drug use a rising issue

10.10.14

October 8, 2014

Story by: Lauren Halligan

Featured in: Saratogian

Full article: http://www.saratogian.com/lifestyle/20141008/synthetic-drug-use-a-rising-issue

Synthetic forms of a traditionally naturally grown drug are popping up around the country, and drug enforcement agencies are being accused of not keeping up with regulation.

Synthetic marijuana-like drugs , also known as “K2,” “Spice,” and “Skunk,” though banned from New York sale, are still an issue, as ER visit statistics show.

Synthetic drugs are a toxic combination of chemicals made to mimic 9-tetrahydrocannabinol, known as THC, the main psychoactive ingredient of marijuana. These drugs, not tested for safety, are often made to seem inviting and harmless, sold under names like “plant good,” “incense,” or “spice.”

According to the Congressional Research Service, the effects of synthetic drugs ranges from nausea to drug-induced psychosis, making the harmful nature of the drugs unpredictable and making them unsafe for consumption.

Though the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has banned certain ingredients of the drugs nationwide, they’ve only hit 20 of the hundreds of chemical substances used in the synthetic blends. New combinations are pop up frequently and are legal until federal government acts on it.

The DEA is currently investigating approximately 300 of these compounds, which have been found in synthetic drugs across the country, but the it has yet to add the majority of them to the list of controlled substances.

Despite efforts to limit synthetic drugs, synthetic marijuana and other hazardous drug-like products are still being sold online and on store shelves throughout the state.

Senator Charles Schumer is urging the DEA to swiftly ban the hundreds of remaining chemicals to its list of controlled substances.To help, he’s pushing a bill that should make the process easier. Schumer will push for new legislation that would make it easier to crack down on even newer synthetic chemical compounds that are likely to emerge in coming years.

The Protecting Our Youth from Dangerous Synthetic Drugs Act that Schumer and Senator Dianne Feinstein are cosponsoring would make it illegal to import controlled substance analogues—or alternative hazardous synthetic drugs — for human consumption and establish an inter-agency committee of scientists and the DEA that is responsible for the establishment and maintenance of an administrative list of controlled substance analogues.

As the bill’s title explains, Schumer’s main reason behind this legislation is to keep the drugs from children, and keep those kids out of hospitals. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reported that synthetic marijuana-related emergency room visits were up 220 percent in the first half of 2014. The synthetic drugs can lead to seizures, hallucinations, high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and panic attacks, as well as dangerous and erratic behavior.

“Despite efforts to crack down on synthetic drugs, the massive 220 percent uptick in ER visits this year shows that these horrible chemical compounds are far from being in the rear-view mirror,” said Schumer in a press release. “Statistics show that synthetic drug use is on an upswing, and that is largely because synthetic drug makers are skirting around restrictions and developing new, dangerous chemical compounds that are not yet regulated. And the kicker is that the federal Drug Enforcement Agency has every bit of authority to wipe out hundreds more chemical substances used to make synthetic marijuana, like “K2” and “Spice”. As a result, more and more kids in Upstate New York are ending up in the emergency room, and it is time for federal law to catch up.”

“This foot-dragging allows makers of “Spice” “K2” and others to work around the law, and simply use chemicals that are not yet banned,” a press release from Schumer’s office said.

In 2012, Schumer helped pass legislation that gave the DEA enhanced authority to ban new synthetic drugs, but they have only banned approximately 20 out of 300 of the chemicals.

Between the years 2009 and 2012, synthetic drug abuse was on the rise and the Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act of 2012 banned many forms of these chemicals and enhanced DEA authority to ban new ones that emerge. Congress used its legislative authority to place over 20 chemical compounds that had been used in synthetic marijuana and other synthetic drugs into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), the classification for the most dangerous drugs. The legislation also gave DEA enhanced authority to temporarily place uncontrolled substances that pose an imminent hazard to public safety, like these synthetic chemicals, into Schedule I of the CSA.

After passing the Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act, synthetic drug usage initially declined. However, according to data from the American Association of Poison Control Centers, synthetic drug use is back on the rise again in 2014, with human exposures this year projected to far outpace the number of exposures in 2013.

By order of the commissioner of the state dept. of health, all stores selling tobacco-related products were inspected for synthetic drugs in 2012.

In Rensselaer County there were four or five locations where it was found for sale, according to MaryFran Wachunas, public health director for the county. The stores in violation were informed them they could no longer sell those products, and authorities checked up to make sure the substances did not reappear at a later date.

Though the public health department hasn’t seen many calls on synthetic drugs as of late, Wachunas said it would be a positive step if federal government became more involved. With new forms continually popping up, “Federal regulation would encompass all variations of it,” she noted.

As coordinator of the Rensselaer County Stop-DWI Program, James Gordon said he hasn’t heard of issues in the county lately, but “One instance of someone using it, thats’ still too much.”

Many local smoke shops reported that they do not sell the substances, whether legal or illegal blends.

But when something is legal, it can be sold as easily as a candy bar at a corner store. “They were selling it right out front on the racks where they’re selling all of the other paraphernalia,” Gordon recalled of the 2012 inspections.

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office said it hasn’t yet seen any synthetic marijuana, but it has encountered and dealt with similar substances such as bath salts and synthetic heroin

State wide campaign to address heroin and prescription Opioid Use

10.09.14

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today launched “Combat Heroin,” a campaign designed to inform and educate New Yorkers about the risks of heroin and prescription opioid use, the signs of addiction, and the resources available to help.

“Heroin and opioid addiction has impacted families in every corner of our state and stolen the lives of too many New Yorkers – but today we’re taking another step forward in the fight against this serious epidemic,” Governor Cuomo said. “The Combat Heroin campaign will get the word out about the dangers of this illegal drug use, as well as the treatment and support services that are available to those who need help. Just like this year’s new law that expanded access to treatment and anti-overdose medication, this campaign is comprehensive and designed to save lives. I urge anyone who knows someone in need of help to reach out today.”

Heroin and opioid abuse have become an alarming problem in communities across New York State and the nation. In 2013, there were 89,269 admissions for heroin and prescription opioid abuse treatment in New York State alone, an increase from 63,793 in 2004. During this same time period, New Yorkers ages 18 to 24 had the largest increase in such admissions. Nationally, nearly half a million people were reportedly abusing heroin or suffering from heroin dependence in 2012.

In June 2014, Governor Cuomo signed into law a legislative package to combat this epidemic. The package included insurance reforms, new models of care to divert people into community-based treatment and to support people after they have completed treatment, allowing parents to seek assessment of their children through the PINS diversion services, and expansion of opioid overdose training and increased availability to naloxone, a medication which reverses an opioid overdose.

A critical element of the legislative package requires the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services to develop and implement a public awareness and education campaign. The Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, the NYS Department of Health, and the NYS Office of General Services’ Media Services Center have worked together to create a multifaceted media campaign which includes a new website that is easy to navigate and is targeted toward parents, adults, and young people who are seeking help and information concerning heroin and opioid abuse and misuse.

The website, which can be found at this link: http://combatheroin.ny.gov/, includes information about warning signs of heroin and opioid abuse and misuse, access to Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services treatment providers, and guidance to help parents talk to their children and healthcare professionals talk with their patients. The campaign also includes four public service announcements and video messages, available on the above-linked website, from New Yorkers talking about the impact of heroin and other opioids on their lives.

In addition to the Combat Heroin campaign, other initiatives being implemented include:

  • SUNY and CUNY will promote the Combat Heroin campaign on college campuses and train campus police and emergency personnel on the use of naloxone.
  • The 12 Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services Addiction Treatment Centers will continue to train New Yorkers on the use of naloxone. Addiction Treatment Center staff has already trained more than 3,200 people.
  • Expand naloxone training for first responders including police officers, firefighters, sheriffs’ deputies and emergency services. Approximately 1,100 law enforcement officers have already received the life-saving training.
  • Working with community providers to train persons throughout New York State likely to witness an overdose, including professional staff, drug users and their families on overdose prevention and the use of naloxone. To date, over 170 agencies have been enrolled, 15,000 persons trained, and in excess of 1,000 overdoses reversed.
  • Create more prescription medication disposal sites across the state for New Yorker’s to safely dispose of prescription medications. Department of Health has established a statewide medication drop box program. Drop boxes are also available year round at State Police Troop Headquarters in Batavia, Unadilla, Canandaigua, Latham, East Farmingdale, Ray Brook, Oneida, Middletown and Salt Point.

People or families who need help with substance abuse can call the toll-free Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services HOPEline at 1-877-846-7369 to speak with a trained medical professional. HOPEline staff can answer questions and help people find treatment 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All calls are confidential.

To help combat heroin and prescription opioid abuse and misuse, visit www.combatheroin.ny.gov (#CombatHeroin).

National Prescription Drug Take Back

09.27.14

FOR RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 27 NATIONAL TAKE-BACK DAY. THE PREVENTION COUNCIL ALONG WITH LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TO “TAKE BACK” UNWANTED PRESCRIPTION DRUGS ACROSS SARATOGA COUNTY

On Saturday, September 27th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, several locations in Saratoga County will be taking back unwanted prescription drugs. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

Participants may dispose of solid, non-liquid medication(s) by removing the medication from its container and disposing of it directly into a disposal box. This includes prescription and non- prescription, over-the-counter medications. Blister packages are acceptable without the medications being removed. Prescription cough syrups will be accepted, however, the liquids must be in their original packaging. It is important to note that needles, sharps, syringes with needles, aerosols, or pressurized containers, thermometers, bloody or infectious waste or hydrogen peroxide will not be accepted.

 

Saratoga Based Take-Back Locations:

 


Ballston Spa Police Department                                       NY State Police

30 Bath Street                                                                       Clifton Park Public Safety Building

Ballston Spa, NY 12020                                                       5 Municipal Plaza, State Route 146

                                                                                                 Clifton Park, NY 12065

 

Malta – Stillwater EMS                                                         Clifton Park-Halfmoon Emergency Corps.

2449 State Route 9                                                             15 Crossing Boulevard

Ballston Spa, 12020                                                            Clifton Park, NY 12065

 

CVS Parking Lot                                                                   Saratoga Hospital

12 South Central Avenue                                                   211 Church St.

Mechanicville, NY 12118                                                   Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

                                           Saratoga Springs Police Dept.

                                           Behind City Hall—Maple Ave.

                                           Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

 

 

 

Sponsored by The Prevention Council, Ballston Spa Police Department, Mechanicville Police Department, Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office, Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department and Saratoga Springs Police Department.

 

The Anonymous People – Screening in the Greater Capital Region

09.12.14

FOR RELEASE: “THE ANONYMOUS PEOPLE” GROUNDBREAKING FILM IS BACK FOR A SECOND SCREENING IN THE GREATER CAPITAL REGION ADDRESSES ADDICTION & RISE OF BOLD NEW SOCIAL JUSTICE MOVEMENT IN RECOVERY COMMUNITY.

Film Premiere Followed by Special Q&A with Greg William (Albany and Saratoga), Producer and Director about America’s Addiction Epidemic – Public Health Crisis Directly Impacting over 46 Million Americans, Costing Over $350 Billion Annually.

 

Saratoga, N.Y.—September 12, 2014:  The award-winning film about America’s addiction epidemic is being screened again in the capital region, exploring the rise of a controversial new movement following in the footsteps of the HIV/AIDS and breast cancer survivor movements. “The Anonymous People,” by takes an unparalleled look at the public health crisis of addiction to alcohol and other drugs and the meteoric rise of the New Addiction Recovery Advocacy Movement.  The Anonymous People features prominent people who are living publicly in long-term recovery, like former NBA star Chris Herren, award-winning actress Kristen Johnston (3rd Rock From the Sun, The Exes), Miss USA 2006 Tara Conner, best-selling author William Cope Moyers, former congressmen Patrick Kennedy and Jim Ramstad – and many others. Their brave testimonies dispel long-standing clichés about addiction and recovery.

September is National Recovery Month- In recognition three screenings are being offered for FREE on: September 17th:

 

  • Saratoga Springs: Dee Sarno Theater at the Saratoga Arts Council, 320 Broadway at 7:00pm
  • Albany: Empire State Plaza, Meeting Room 6 Madison Ave at 5:00 pm.
  • Glens Falls: Crandall Library, 251 Glen Street at 6:00pm

 

“Prevention efforts are successful when communities come together and support each other. These screenings of Anonymous Voices is an example of how the greater capital district is working as one to bring awareness and change in New York’s recovery effort,” said Janine Stuchin, Executive Director of The Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention Council.

About “The Anonymous People”

“The Anonymous People” is an independent film written and produced by Greg Williams, owner of 4th Dimension Productions. The film is a documentary about the 23.5 million Americans living in long-term recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs. Although social stigma and discrimination have kept recovery voices silent in the past, “The Anonymous People” breaks this silence as leaders, volunteers, corporate executives, and celebrities share their courageous stories of addiction and long-term recovery. To view “The Anonymous People” film trailer, visit: manyfaces1voice.org/#the-film. Portions of the trailer may be used for news broadcast with prior approval. To learn more, please visit: http://manyfaces1voice.org/#top

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