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WELCOME to the Drug Free Workplace e-Newsletter! New Feature for www.dfwp.org newsletter The Drug Free Workplace E-Newsletter is pleased to introduce this quarter, the “Working Parents Corner”. Today’s families face different challenges than previous generations. When family problems reach the workplace, employers pay the cost. Families need assistance in the area of prevention of substance abuse and employers can make a difference in their business and in the lives of their employees by sharing information with parents and family members where they spend much of their time – at work. The new feature will highlight a recent news story or a special report on youth drug use and provide resources for working parents. Current plans are to include “Working Parents Corner” in each edition of the quarterly newsletter for the remainder of the year. If you have an idea for a story or a question about the Drug Free Workplace Newsletter, please email the publishers at: dramirez@utsa.edu Our next newsletter is scheduled for July 2004.	April is Alcohol Awareness Month The Facts About Alcohol Drinking Linked to Hearing Loss Middle Aged People Becoming Addicted to Pain Medication Colorado Leads States in Marijuana Use Where Do You Draw The Line? Learn How Alcohol Affects Your Health Proposed Federal Drug Testing Rule Changes Working Parents Corner

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April is Alcohol Awareness Month -- Online Screening Available!
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April is Alcohol Awareness Month, and many organizations and communities employ screening for alcohol problems as an effective strategy for raising public awareness about risky and dependent drinking. Three years ago the organization, Join Together, launched the online screening tool, AlcoholScreening.org and since then, over 160,000 people visiting the site, have taken a simple alcohol screening test, received personalized feedback, and accessed science-based information about alcohol and health. The website also links visitors with support and help resources such as local AA meetings and a database of over 11,000 treatment facilities nationwide. AlcoholScreening.org employs the AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test), along with additional questions to pinpoint per-occasion and weekly alcohol consumption levels. In addition to receiving nonjudgmental screening results appropriate to their AUDIT score and self-reported consumption, users are presented with feedback comparing how much they drink to U.S. population norms. For more information and site promotional materials, visit www.alcoholscreening.org today.

Content 1

April is Alcohol Awareness Month -- Online Screening Available!

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, and many organizations and communities employ screening for alcohol problems as an effective strategy for raising public awareness about risky and dependent drinking.

Three years ago the organization, Join Together, launched the online screening tool, AlcoholScreening.org and since then, over 160,000 people visiting the site, have taken a simple alcohol screening test, received personalized feedback, and accessed science-based information about alcohol and health. The website also links visitors with support and help resources such as local AA meetings and a database of over 11,000 treatment facilities nationwide.

AlcoholScreening.org employs the AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test), along with additional questions to pinpoint per-occasion and weekly alcohol consumption levels. In addition to receiving nonjudgmental screening results appropriate to their AUDIT score and self-reported consumption, users are presented with feedback comparing how much they drink to U.S. population norms.

For more information and site promotional materials, visit www.alcoholscreening.org today.

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The Facts About Alcohol – A Special Feature Kit
A new kit, “The Facts About Alcohol” is now available from the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information. In observance of Alcohol Awareness Month, you can order the kit online at http://ncadi.samhsa.gov/ through April 30. To order by phone, call (800)729-6686 and ask for inventory item AFKIT. The kit contains a selection of materials about alcohol related problems, dangers of underage drinking, as well as treatment and recovery.	back to top
Workplace Resource Center SAMHSA - Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration http://workplace.samhsa.gov/

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The Facts About Alcohol – A Special Feature Kit

A new kit, “The Facts About Alcohol” is now available from the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information.

In observance of Alcohol Awareness Month, you can order the kit online at http://ncadi.samhsa.gov/ through April 30.

To order by phone, call (800)729-6686 and ask for inventory item AFKIT. The kit contains a selection of materials about alcohol related problems, dangers of underage drinking, as well as treatment and recovery.

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Workplace Resource Center

SAMHSA - Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

http://workplace.samhsa.gov/

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Drinking Linked to Hearing Loss
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March 17, 2004 Drinking alcohol could cause hearing loss, says a new study that finds damage to auditory pathways in the brain among moderate drinkers, Health Day News reported March 15. "High, life-long alcohol consumption leads to damage in the central auditory cortex of the brain," said lead researcher Dr. Elisabeth Stephanie Smith from the Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic at the University of Ulm in Germany. For the study, researchers examined electrical currents in the brain that indicate response to sound. Half of the 38 men studied were head and neck tumor patients who drank heavily, while the other 19 were plastic-surgery patients who were moderate drinkers. The hearing tests found that all the men took two to four milliseconds longer than normal to process sound. "Chronic alcohol consumption leads to defects of the central auditory brainstem, which cause delay in neurotransmission time," said Smith. "This finding can be explained by the loss of white matter in the brain and delay in neurotransmission through the loss of neurotransmitters." Smith added that the study showed that "even an amount of alcohol consumption which is normally accepted by society can lead to a negative effect on the central auditory system." The study's findings are published in the March 2004 issue of Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. http://www.jointogether.org/y/0,2521,569910,00.html

Content 3

Drinking Linked to Hearing Loss

March 17, 2004

Drinking alcohol could cause hearing loss, says a new study that finds damage to auditory pathways in the brain among moderate drinkers, Health Day News reported March 15.

"High, life-long alcohol consumption leads to damage in the central auditory cortex of the brain," said lead researcher Dr. Elisabeth Stephanie Smith from the Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic at the University of Ulm in Germany.

For the study, researchers examined electrical currents in the brain that indicate response to sound. Half of the 38 men studied were head and neck tumor patients who drank heavily, while the other 19 were plastic-surgery patients who were moderate drinkers.

The hearing tests found that all the men took two to four milliseconds longer than normal to process sound.

"Chronic alcohol consumption leads to defects of the central auditory brainstem, which cause delay in neurotransmission time," said Smith. "This finding can be explained by the loss of white matter in the brain and delay in neurotransmission through the loss of neurotransmitters."

Smith added that the study showed that "even an amount of alcohol consumption which is normally accepted by society can lead to a negative effect on the central auditory system."

The study's findings are published in the March 2004 issue of Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research.

http://www.jointogether.org/y/0,2521,569910,00.html

Content 4
Middle Aged People Becoming Addicted to Pain Medication
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March 18, 2004 The aches and pains of an aging population are leading to a growing pill addiction among people in their 30s and 40s, the Chicago Daily Herald reported March 15. While deep rubs and hot packs used to be the form of treatment for aches and pains, the past decade has seen the emergence of a wide range of new medicines in pill form. However, the new treatments are resulting in more middle-aged people becoming addicted to prescription painkillers. "There is a steady stream of people that are hooked on opiates, and it is a result of several things: the accessibility of illegal opiates through the Internet, the growth of pain clinics, and a greater emphasis on pain control by physicians," said Jeffery Johnson, a family practitioner and addiction specialist at the behavioral-health clinic at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, Ill. More than 4 million people nationwide are addicted to legal drugs that were taken to ease the aches and pains of aging. The National Institute on Drug Abuse said the most recent nationwide statistics show a 181 percent increase in painkiller misuse from 1990 to 1998. The typical patient, according to doctors, is in their 30s and 40s and has been treating pain from a back surgery or injuries. "I have heard patients say, 'Yeah, I was eating them like candy,'" said Johnson. "That is when you know it is no longer for pain. It has crossed the line." Richard Ready, medical director of New Day Center of Hinsdale Hospital in Illinois, said the prevalence of painkillers has created a society that is too quick to turn to drugs for relief. "You can tolerate a certain level of pain," Ready said. "Sometimes people think your pain level should be zero, but everyone is walking around with some back pain or neck pain. It's natural." http://www.jointogether.org/y/0,2521,569920,00.html

Content 4

Middle Aged People Becoming Addicted to Pain Medication

March 18, 2004

The aches and pains of an aging population are leading to a growing pill addiction among people in their 30s and 40s, the Chicago Daily Herald reported March 15.

While deep rubs and hot packs used to be the form of treatment for aches and pains, the past decade has seen the emergence of a wide range of new medicines in pill form. However, the new treatments are resulting in more middle-aged people becoming addicted to prescription painkillers.

"There is a steady stream of people that are hooked on opiates, and it is a result of several things: the accessibility of illegal opiates through the Internet, the growth of pain clinics, and a greater emphasis on pain control by physicians," said Jeffery Johnson, a family practitioner and addiction specialist at the behavioral-health clinic at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, Ill.

More than 4 million people nationwide are addicted to legal drugs that were taken to ease the aches and pains of aging. The National Institute on Drug Abuse said the most recent nationwide statistics show a 181 percent increase in painkiller misuse from 1990 to 1998.

The typical patient, according to doctors, is in their 30s and 40s and has been treating pain from a back surgery or injuries.

"I have heard patients say, 'Yeah, I was eating them like candy,'" said Johnson. "That is when you know it is no longer for pain. It has crossed the line."

Richard Ready, medical director of New Day Center of Hinsdale Hospital in Illinois, said the prevalence of painkillers has created a society that is too quick to turn to drugs for relief.

"You can tolerate a certain level of pain," Ready said. "Sometimes people think your pain level should be zero, but everyone is walking around with some back pain or neck pain. It's natural."

http://www.jointogether.org/y/0,2521,569920,00.html

Content 5
Colorado Leads States in Marijuana Use
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1/30/2004 Colorado has more marijuana users than any other U.S. state, according to a federal report. The report also lists Colorado second in alcohol misuse and 15th in overall drug addiction, the Associated Press [http://www.thedenverchannel.com/health/2799651/detail.html]reported Jan. 28. Statistics from Colorado's Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division of the State Department of Human Services also shows that fewer residents, in particular teenagers, are getting drug treatment compared with a decade ago. Between 1992 and 2001, Colorado's population grew by 1 million, but treatment services did not increase concurrently. For instance, in 2001, state-licensed treatment centers served 54,000 people, compared with 43,000 in 1992. "Many kids who formerly were getting treatment are now not getting it," said Dr. Tom Crowley, executive director of the substance dependence division at the Colorado Psychiatric Hospital in Denver. "With the current fiscal crisis, things are really drying up for us." Budget constraints have curbed referrals to treatment centers. For instance, counties in the Denver area reduced treatment referrals by 30 percent last year. A 50-percent reduction in treatment services was also seen at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and the Colorado Psychiatric Hospital. A report by Columbia University's National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse found that only 6 cents of every $100 spent on drug-related problems in the state goes to treatment. The remainder is spent on prison and healthcare costs, extra education expenses, child and family assistance, and related expenses. http://www.jointogether.org/sa/news/summaries/reader/0%2C1854%2C568842%2C00.html

Content 5

Colorado Leads States in Marijuana Use

1/30/2004

Colorado has more marijuana users than any other U.S. state, according to a federal report. The report also lists Colorado second in alcohol misuse and 15th in overall drug addiction, the Associated Press [http://www.thedenverchannel.com/health/2799651/detail.html]reported Jan. 28.

Statistics from Colorado's Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division of the State Department of Human Services also shows that fewer residents, in particular teenagers, are getting drug treatment compared with a decade ago.

Between 1992 and 2001, Colorado's population grew by 1 million, but treatment services did not increase concurrently. For instance, in 2001, state-licensed treatment centers served 54,000 people, compared with 43,000 in 1992.

"Many kids who formerly were getting treatment are now not getting it," said Dr. Tom Crowley, executive director of the substance dependence division at the Colorado Psychiatric Hospital in Denver. "With the current fiscal crisis, things are really drying up for us."

Budget constraints have curbed referrals to treatment centers. For instance, counties in the Denver area reduced treatment referrals by 30 percent last year. A 50-percent reduction in treatment services was also seen at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and the Colorado Psychiatric Hospital.

A report by Columbia University's National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse found that only 6 cents of every $100 spent on drug-related problems in the state goes to treatment. The remainder is spent on prison and healthcare costs, extra education expenses, child and family assistance, and related expenses.

http://www.jointogether.org/sa/news/summaries/reader/0%2C1854%2C568842%2C00.html

Content 6
Where Do You Draw The Line? Learn How Alcohol Affects Your Health
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Think you know all the facts about alcohol’s effect on health and safety? Try giving yourself this true or false quiz: Alcohol can interfere with your metabolism and bone structure, increasing the risk of diseases like osteoporosis. (True/false?) Drinking during your first trimester of pregnancy will not harm your unborn child. (True/false?) Moderate drinking can decrease the risk of heart disease for some people. (True/false?) Alcohol can impair your reproductive functions. (True/false?) Drinking coffee and eating food while drinking alcohol will keep you from getting drunk. (True/false?) It is always safe to drive if you wait an hour after drinking. (True/false?) Alcohol has risks and benefits beyond what most of us know and that while a drink is standardized, the drinker is not. Each of us needs to learn the facts about alcohol and evaluate where we personally should draw the line. For more information visit Screening for Mental Health, Inc. at http://www.mentalhealthscreening.org. *Answers: 1) True; 2) False; 3) True; 4) True; 5) False; 6) False

Content 6

Where Do You Draw The Line? Learn How Alcohol Affects Your Health

Think you know all the facts about alcohol’s effect on health and safety? Try giving yourself this true or false quiz:

Alcohol can interfere with your metabolism and bone structure, increasing the risk of diseases like osteoporosis. (True/false?)
Drinking during your first trimester of pregnancy will not harm your unborn child. (True/false?)
Moderate drinking can decrease the risk of heart disease for some people. (True/false?)
Alcohol can impair your reproductive functions. (True/false?)
Drinking coffee and eating food while drinking alcohol will keep you from getting drunk. (True/false?)
It is always safe to drive if you wait an hour after drinking. (True/false?)

Alcohol has risks and benefits beyond what most of us know and that while a drink is standardized, the drinker is not. Each of us needs to learn the facts about alcohol and evaluate where we personally should draw the line.

For more information visit Screening for Mental Health, Inc. at http://www.mentalhealthscreening.org.

*Answers: 1) True; 2) False; 3) True; 4) True; 5) False; 6) False

Content 7
Proposed Federal Drug Testing Rule Changes
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On Tuesday, April 13th, the Federal Register will publish SAMHSA's proposed new rules for Federal Workplace Drug Testing that would allow federal agencies to use sweat, saliva and hair in federal drug testing programs that now only test urine. The proposed rules also allow for point-of-collection (or rapid) testing. The proposed rules define when alternative specimens and testing devices may be used, and proposes collection procedures. The proposed rules will be open for comment for only 90 days. To view the press release and to download a copy of the proposed rules, use the following link; http://www.samhsa.gov/hottopics/click_drugtesting.html For more information about Federal Workplace Drug Testing, see SAMHSA's Workplace Resource Center website (http://workplace.samhsa.gov/)

Content 7

Proposed Federal Drug Testing Rule Changes

On Tuesday, April 13th, the Federal Register will publish SAMHSA's proposed new rules for Federal Workplace Drug Testing that would allow federal agencies to use sweat, saliva and hair in federal drug testing programs that now only test urine.

The proposed rules also allow for point-of-collection (or rapid) testing. The proposed rules define when alternative specimens and testing devices may be used, and proposes collection procedures.

The proposed rules will be open for comment for only 90 days.

To view the press release and to download a copy of the proposed rules, use the following link; http://www.samhsa.gov/hottopics/click_drugtesting.html

For more information about Federal Workplace Drug Testing, see SAMHSA's Workplace Resource Center website (http://workplace.samhsa.gov/)

Content 8
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WORKING PARENTS CORNER Underage Drinking the Focal Point for 2004 Alcohol Awareness Month This April, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, now in its 60th year, will sponsor a month-long campaign to raise public awareness about underage drinking and other alcohol-related problems. Alcohol is a drug that can affect judgment, coordination and long-term health, and research suggests that early use of alcohol by teenagers may contribute significantly to dependence on alcohol and other drugs later in life, with 40% of children who begin using alcohol before the age of 13 becoming alcoholics at some point in their lives. Alcohol is the number one drug of choice among America's youth and is a factor in the four leading causes of death among persons ages 10 - 24. "As a society," says Stacia Murphy, NCADD's President, "we have to do a better job persuading our citizens and our young people that alcohol use is a dead end, that they're playing Russian Roulette, not only with their own lives, but with the lives of friends, neighbors, and loved ones." "Save a Life -- End Underage Drinking" is the theme for Alcohol Awareness Month 2004, which will begin with Alcohol-Free Weekend on Friday, April 2 - Sunday, April 4. During this time, NCADD Affiliates across the country will sponsor youth-planned and youth-run Alcohol-Free events, and parents and other adults will be asked to abstain from drinking alcoholic beverages for a 72-hour period to demonstrate that alcohol isn't necessary to have a good time. In addition, throughout the month, all family members will be encouraged to learn more about alcoholism and its early symptoms and to contact Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, and local NCADD Affiliates for information about recovery. With a nationwide network of Affiliates, NCADD provides education, information, help and hope to the public and operates a toll-free Hope Line (800-NCA-CALL) for information and referral and a National Intervention Network (800-654-HOPE) to educate and assist the families and friends of addicted persons. For more information, visit: www.ncadd.org. Teens Getting 'High' on Cold Remedies Sounds Alarms 2/19/2004 Medical personnel said the misuse of cold medications by teens looking to achieve a PCP-like "high" has become a major concern, the Chicago Tribune [http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/nation/7973827.htm] reported Feb. 17. Emergency-room physicians and healthcare professionals across the country are reporting a significant increase in the number of teens misusing non-prescription cough and cold medicines. Because of the accessibility and ease of use of cough and cold tablets, teens are using them to attain hallucinogenic effects similar to PCP. "It's not illegal to purchase. It's not even illegal to take in large quantities. It's just dangerous and foolish and that is what is scaring everybody," said Dr. Charles Nozicka, director of pediatric emergency medicine at St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates, Ill. At issue are cough and cold tablets containing DXM, a cough suppressant. Large quantities of DXM can cause side effects similar to a PCP overdose, including slurred speech, tremors, seizures, and death. "Kids can abuse a long time before adults suspect a problem," said Dr. Louis Kraus, who has a private practice in Deerfield, Ill., and is director of child and adolescent psychiatry at Rush University Medical Center. "Even physicians are basically in the dark about this." He added, "Most of the children I see are at a very high risk for abusing other substances mostly because of the ease of access. They're also at high risk for more significant morbidity. Those who don't use it know of its potential devastating effects and the ones who do use it don't care. So consequently, they are at much higher risk for self-destructive and very damaging behaviors." As a result of the growing problem, many drugstore chains are relocating DMX products from store shelves to behind the counter, or are limiting purchases. http://www.jointogether.org/sa/news/summaries/reader/0%2C1854%2C569256%2C00.html

Content 8

WORKING PARENTS CORNER

Underage Drinking the Focal Point for 2004 Alcohol Awareness Month

This April, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, now in its 60th year, will sponsor a month-long campaign to raise public awareness about underage drinking and other alcohol-related problems. Alcohol is a drug that can affect judgment, coordination and long-term health, and research suggests that early use of alcohol by teenagers may contribute significantly to dependence on alcohol and other drugs later in life, with 40% of children who begin using alcohol before the age of 13 becoming alcoholics at some point in their lives. Alcohol is the number one drug of choice among America's youth and is a factor in the four leading causes of death among persons ages 10 - 24.

"As a society," says Stacia Murphy, NCADD's President, "we have to do a better job persuading our citizens and our young people that alcohol use is a dead end, that they're playing Russian Roulette, not only with their own lives, but with the lives of friends, neighbors, and loved ones."

"Save a Life -- End Underage Drinking" is the theme for Alcohol Awareness Month 2004, which will begin with Alcohol-Free Weekend on Friday, April 2 - Sunday, April 4. During this time, NCADD Affiliates across the country will sponsor youth-planned and youth-run Alcohol-Free events, and parents and other adults will be asked to abstain from drinking alcoholic beverages for a 72-hour period to demonstrate that alcohol isn't necessary to have a good time. In addition, throughout the month, all family members will be encouraged to learn more about alcoholism and its early symptoms and to contact Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, and local NCADD Affiliates for information about recovery.

With a nationwide network of Affiliates, NCADD provides education, information, help and hope to the public and operates a toll-free Hope Line (800-NCA-CALL) for information and referral and a National Intervention Network (800-654-HOPE) to educate and assist the families and friends of addicted persons. For more information, visit: www.ncadd.org.

Teens Getting 'High' on Cold Remedies Sounds Alarms

2/19/2004

Medical personnel said the misuse of cold medications by teens looking to achieve a PCP-like "high" has become a major concern, the Chicago Tribune [http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/nation/7973827.htm] reported Feb. 17.

Emergency-room physicians and healthcare professionals across the country are reporting a significant increase in the number of teens misusing non-prescription cough and cold medicines.

Because of the accessibility and ease of use of cough and cold tablets, teens are using them to attain hallucinogenic effects similar to PCP.

"It's not illegal to purchase. It's not even illegal to take in large quantities. It's just dangerous and foolish and that is what is scaring everybody," said Dr. Charles Nozicka, director of pediatric emergency medicine at St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates, Ill.

At issue are cough and cold tablets containing DXM, a cough suppressant. Large quantities of DXM can cause side effects similar to a PCP overdose, including slurred speech, tremors, seizures, and death.

"Kids can abuse a long time before adults suspect a problem," said Dr. Louis Kraus, who has a private practice in Deerfield, Ill., and is director of child and adolescent psychiatry at Rush University Medical Center. "Even physicians are basically in the dark about this."

He added, "Most of the children I see are at a very high risk for abusing other substances mostly because of the ease of access. They're also at high risk for more significant morbidity. Those who don't use it know of its potential devastating effects and the ones who do use it don't care. So consequently, they are at much higher risk for self-destructive and very damaging behaviors."

As a result of the growing problem, many drugstore chains are relocating DMX products from store shelves to behind the counter, or are limiting purchases.

http://www.jointogether.org/sa/news/summaries/reader/0%2C1854%2C569256%2C00.html


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