The Innovators Program developed a booklet for the purpose of sharing the program’s successful model of addiction art exhibitions with those interested in preventing and controlling substance use disorders in their communities and their families.

Written exhibition guidelines can serve as a useful tool to ensure that all planning aspects are included and executed in a timely manner. The booklet provides “how to” information that can be modified to reduce costs for organizing exhibitions in local communities. These guidelines are presented in trust for the use, expansion and modification of this model. Cost-saving approaches to help organize exhibitions to meet the education and prevention needs of yourcommunity can also be found in the booklet.”

Download the Booklet Here

-Source: The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

5,000 Veterans Affairs (VA) patients with substance use disorders where the subject of a study  examining the risk factors for violent or nonviolent suicide.

The efforts were made in hopes that doctors, friends, and family members of a someone with SUDs could improve suicide-prevention efforts in these individuals.

“To perform the study, the researchers looked at two distinct groups. They  Identified 854 VA patients who died by suicide and had substance use disorders, as well as a control group of 4,228 VA patients with substance use disorders who did not die by suicide,”  according to the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.

Researchers also said that the substance use disorders and suicide are probably linked in several ways: First, people who develop a drug or alcohol addiction may already be at higher risk for suicide. Second, having a substance use disorder can cause problems at work and in relationships, which may increase suicide risk. Third, being under the influence of alcohol or drug can make someone more likely to engage in impulsive behaviors — such as a suicide attempt.

Read more about this study

The study was published in this month’s Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.

The study was published in this months’ Journal of Health and Social Behavior.

They concluded that a typical person of age 19 or 20 who not in a stable relationship is 40% more likely  to use marijuana and drink heavily compared with someone who was in a relationship.

“For these individuals, the new freedoms of early adulthood and lack of social control from a partner posed the greatest risks in terms of escalation of substance use,” The authors wrote.

Marriage, cohabiting relationships, and noncohabiting dating relationships were associated with reductions in heavy drinking, marijuana use, and cigarette smoking.

The researchers used data  from 909 people who were followed for up to two years after High School.

Although the results aren’t close to a revelation in social behavior studies, the authors believe  the publication is  of value. ” it’s something for parents to know and it’s something for other people who are working with young adults of this age to know.”

I’d like to hear your opinion. How  does this apply to your own life?

The DEA analysis of this type of  heroin purchased undercover found the drug was nearly 60 percent pure – the highest average purity in the U.S. At the same time, the price was among the lowest. To hook new users, dealers are selling heroin cheap – often around $10 a bag.

According to the story “Deadly, Ultra-Pure Heroin Arrives in US“, Black Tar is attracting a new generation of users who are caught off guard by its potency. (Read Story Here)

Join this fun event to help drug education and awareness institutions to prevent juvenile drug abuse and violence.

Registration to participate is now open and the fee is  $55 per person.

The race will take place on Saturday, September 25, 2010  at  7:30 AM. It  will start and finish at the Rose Bowl. The course is scenic, periodically hilly and comprised of a combination of road and trail.

The Half Marathon capacity is set at 3,000 participants. Age group top finishers will win a prize. Fabulous gifts will be given away after the races to participants in attendance at the time of the give away.

There is also a “Kiddie Fun Run” ($20 -preregistration) where kids between the ages of 2 and 8 can participate.

Proceeds benefit drug education and awareness program run by the Boys and Girls Club of America, Friends of Narconon and the Drug Free Marshals Campaign.

Visit www.saynotodrugsrace.org for  registration and more information.

Get the facts, the tools, and the advice you need to start talking real to your kids about alcohol at www.underagedrinking.samhsa.gov brought to you by the Substance abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Hey folks, here is a great resource on health topics.  Helpguide.org is a website with the  mission to help people understand, prevent, and resolve many of life’s challenges.

This organization empowers people with knowledge and hope. Their  goal is to give you the information and encouragement you need to take charge of your health and well-being and make healthy choices.

Helpguide was launched in 1999, following the suicide of Robert and Jeanne Segal’s daughter, Morgan. Her family believes that Morgan’s tragedy could have been avoided if she had had easy access to supportive health information. The  mission of helpguide.org is to honor her memory and compassionate spirit by providing balanced, up-to-date, and motivating information about mental health, relationships, and lifelong wellness. See Morgan’s Story here.

Robert and Jeanne Segal, Morgan's parents