Monthly Archive for: ‘November, 2012’
Alcohol and Prescription Drug Abuse Among Military Veterans On The Rise
Although less common, substance abuse is also a key concern. While the 2008 Department of Defense Health Behavior Survey reveals general reductions over time in tobacco use and illicit drug use, it reported increases in other areas, such as prescription drug abuse and heavy alcohol use. In fact, prescription drug abuse doubled among U.S. military personnel from 2002 to 2005 and almost tripled between 2005 and 2008.
Alcohol abuse is the most prevalent problem and one which poses a significant health risk. A study of Army soldiers screened 3 to 4 months after returning from deployment to Iraq showed that 27 percent met criteria for alcohol abuse and were at increased risk for related harmful behaviors (e.g., drinking and driving, using illicit drugs). And although soldiers frequently report alcohol concerns, few are referred to alcohol treatment. Research findings highlight the need to improve screening and access to care for alcohol-related problems among service members returning from combat deployments.
Alumnus of The Week – Whitney O-E
The PRC Graduate of the Week is Whitney O’-E, who came to PRC in my first year there, and stands out as one of PRC’s all-time great success stories. I’ll let Whitney tell it:
“I remember waking up in total fear and anxiety at PRC because I didn’t have an ID… it seemed like an insurmountable task, getting identification…but I just did one step at a time. I worked through my legal issues. I was a Prop 36, (a California program that emphasizes rehab over jail) and got a job waiting tables. I rode a bike all around Pasadena for two years!”
Whitney continues, “I am most proud of my wonderful family — my husband Joshua, and two-year-old son Nathan.” And we at PRC are all so proud of Whitney and countless others like her. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that life after addiction is boring. There are so many Whitneys out there who show, day after day, that recovery can be fun and rewarding.
Halloween at PRC!
Staff and clients celebrate with tricks and treats in costume again this year.
PRC Staff Mike Bloom, Jacqueline Fuentes, James Bruce, Shelly Sprague and Angie Lloyd Foster.
This Halloween Clients and Staff celebrated with a costume contest for prizes and treats. Families visited with the kids in costume and enjoyed dinner with clients before heading off for more “Trick or Treating” on their own.
Clients also enjoyed Halloween Kariokee on Friday night the 19th with costumes, Miss Shirley’s famous Hot Wings, Sweet and Sour Chicken and Cheesy Nachos along with singing all their favorites from “Kariokee Joe”.
To protect anonymity there are no photos of clients but the costumes were awesome!
