Good morning! I had the opportunity to testify at the Suffolk County Legislature last week where I detailed the well-established connection between energy drinks and alcohol consumption among young people. It's a connection that we've seen among young people coming into LICADD and that's getting more attention in the scientific literature. A commentary published last week in JAMA made the case that energy drinks - even those that don't contain alcohol - have potential health consequences and can fuel alcohol dependence.
Suffolk Legislator Lynne Nowick took hold of this issue late last year and proposed legislation that would require retailers to post signs warning consumers about the potential health consequences of energy drinks and prohibiting their sale to those under the age of 19. Lynne - a longtime supporter of LICADD - took the lead several years ago in banning salvia sales in Suffolk and better controlling access to drugs containing DXM. Ahead of the curve then, we now know just how right she was. She's right this time, too.
Jeffrey L. Reynolds, Ph.D Executive Director
PS: Big thanks to the fine folks at Seafield who sponsored this edition of our eNewsletter! |
| Just an hour per week.... | |
Originally focused on serving children of incarcerated mothers, LICADD's BUDDY (Building Unique, Dynamic & Diverse Youth) has expanded to include children with incarcerated fathers as well. This dynamic program brings LICADD together with the Long Island Council of Churches (LICC) and the Mentoring Partnership of Long Island (MPLI) in a united effort with funding from the federal Administration for Children and Families.
Children of incarcerated parents often experience fear, anger, sadness, loneliness, abandonment, embarrassment, guilt, resentment, isolation and emotional withdrawal from family and friends. Family instability, trauma linked to witnessing the parent's arrest, incarceration and/or criminal activities and uncertainty about the future challenge even the most resilient children. Without assistance, many of these children are at increased risk for poor academic performance, drug and alcohol abuse, unsafe sexual behaviors, and juvenile justice or criminal justice system involvement. This program helps break the cycle and ensures that Nassau's most at-risk kids get the help they need to be successful.
We need volunteer mentors who can devote an hour a week to a young person. Orientations are held monthly and we'll give you all the training and support you need to have a great experience. Also, if you know of a young person (4-18yrs) with an incarcerated parent who could benefit from mentoring, please call Edward Diller at 516-747-2606. |
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Bath Salts and other Synthetic Stimulants | |
In response to recent data from Poison Control Centers, Gil Kerlikowske, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy has released a statement addressing the concerning the use of synthetic stimulants, which are often sold and marketed in stores as "bath salts" under names such as "Ivory Wave" or "Purple Wave."
 "I am deeply concerned about the distribution, sale, and use of synthetic stimulants - especially those that are marketed as legal substances. Although we lack sufficient data to understand exactly how prevalent the use of these stimulants are, we know they pose a serious threat to the health and well-being of young people and anyone who may use them. At a time when drug use in America is increasing, the marketing and sale of these poisons as "bath salts" is both unacceptable and dangerous. As public health officials work to address this emerging threat, I ask that parents and other adult influencers act immediately to discuss with young people the severe harm that can be caused by the use of both legal and illegal drugs and to prevent drug use before it starts."
Recent information from poison control centers indicates that abuse of these unlicensed and unregulated drugs is growing across the country. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, there were 251 calls related to "bath salts" to poison control centers so far this year. This number already exceeds the 236 calls received by poison control centers for all of 2010. Doctors and clinicians at U.S. poison centers have indicated that ingesting "bath salts," containing synthetic stimulants, can cause chest pains, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, agitation, hallucinations, extreme paranoia, and delusions. |
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Governor's Proposed Budget Cuts OASAS | |
Governor Cuomo's proposed FY 2011-2012 budget includes a $46 million cut to the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, which amounts to a 6.4% reduction. The proposed cost-savings is achieved through a variety of means including:
- A 10% reduction in general state operations and administration within OASAS;
- A deferred Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for funded providers;
- Reduced funding for OASAS programs that fail to meet established performance indicators;
- Reduction and restructuring of 41 existing gambling education, assessment and referral programs;
- Delayed development of five gambling prevention programs and three Recovery Community Centers; and
- Elimination of planned new funding for additional re-entry services.
This year's budget battle promises to be a tough one as lawmakers try to reconcile a significant increase in community needs and demand for services with an unprecedented budget crisis. The budget docs are here. |
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| Save The Date | |
Angel Ball Kick-Off
Thursday, March 10 Kellenberg Memorial HS
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LICADD's 24th Annual Angel Ball
Thursday, May 4
Oheka Castle |
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