The Edge:  

A Resource for Iowa's Behavioral Health Professionals 

 
2013 Edition, Volume 1                      


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Greetings! 

Happy New Year!  We hope that 2013 is full of new experiences, progress in the field and an increase in knowledge!  The Edge strives to provide a glimpse of new trends, changes on the horizon in the field of substance abuse and problem gambling, and opportunities to increase your knowledge! 

We hope you enjoy this edition of The Edge!  Please continue to forward it to colleagues you think would be interested! 

The Edge is a weekly media scan that is distributed by the Iowa Substance Abuse Information Center (ISAIC).  If you have articles of value that you'd like to share with others across the state, or feedback regarding the content, format, or method of distribution, please email them to Emily at the address below.

Emily Blomme, ISAIC Program Manager 
blommee@crlibrary.org

Bob Kerksieck, IDPH
Robert.Kerksieck@idph.iowa.gov

Substance Abuse:
Noteworthy Articles
 and Studies
Throwing Unused Prescription Drugs in Trash May Be Best for Environment: Study
A new study concludes that throwing away unused prescription drugs in the trash may be the most environmentally friendly option.

New Steps Pediatricians Can Take to Reduce Teen Substance Use
Teens who complete a five-minute computer screening program that includes six questions about alcohol and drug use, and who talk with their pediatrician briefly about the results, reduce their risk of drinking up to one year later, according to a new study.

Sobriety Tools That Fit in a Pocket: Apps for Recovery
Medicine isn't the only science paving new paths to sobriety. Thanks to a new mobile app from the Hazelden Foundation, alcoholics are now leaving rehab with an interactive version of the 12 Steps in their pocket.

DEA Proposes New Regulations to Dispose of Unwanted Prescription Drugs
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has proposed new regulations to give the public more options for disposing of unwanted prescription drugs, such as painkillers and sedatives. Under the proposed rules, for the first time, groups outside of law enforcement would be allowed to collect unused drugs for disposal, the article notes.

Survey: Almost One-Fourth of 12th Graders Have Smoked Marijuana in Past Month
Almost one-quarter of the nation's high school seniors say they have smoked marijuana in the past month, and just over 36 percent admit to using the drug in the past year, according to the 2012 Monitoring the Future Survey. Researchers at the University of Michigan who conducted the annual survey found 6.5 percent of high school seniors smoked marijuana daily.





Problem Gambling: 
Noteworthy Articles
 and Studies
 
Percentage of Iowans with gambling problems drops despite more casinos
A University of Iowa psychiatrist and gambling researcher says his latest published study on compulsive gambling has found that the percentage of gamblers who report gambling problems has dropped, despite the expansion of casinos in the state.

Poll: US OK with sports betting, but not Internet
A new poll finds just over half of Americans favor making sports betting legal everywhere, while almost three-quarters are against legalizing Internet gambling.

Asian gambling room opens at Seminole Hard Rock
On the far side of the main floor in the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, the new Jubao Palace game room bustles.While everyone is welcome to partake in the food and atmosphere of the Jubao Palace, the casino built the 4,000-square-foot gaming room to attract more Asian customers.

A Gambling Parlor on Your Smartphone
The mobile-gambling business will grow to $100 billion worldwide by 2017, according to Juniper Research.
 
Upcoming Trainings and Materials 

 

 ISAIC Training Calendar
Trainings around the state in the field of Behavioral Health, including national webinars and online train
ISAIC Resources for Behavioral Health Professionals

ISAIC's new page for Professionals includes links to online libraries and databases, open positions in the field, and statewide training calendar.  Check back often for updates and submit open positions and upcoming trainings to be posted!

  

 

New!  Online Course: UC San Diego -- Smoking Cessation and Behavioral Health The purpose of this course is to provide mental health and substance use disorder providers and counselors with the knowledge, skills and confidence necessary to assess and treat tobacco dependence in smokers with co-occurring psychiatric and/or addictive disorders.  This activity is presented online through an audio presentation with synchronized slides and is 2 hours in length.

 

The Effects of PTSD on Recovery by Larry Wohlgemuth,  January 18, 2013 - 1:00-4:15 pm at the IBC Office.  Cost is $30.  After attending this training, you will be able to know the symptoms and effects of PTSD, potentially identfiy people with PTSD and understand the purpose and findings of the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (ACES).  

 

Ethics in the Workplace by Eric Pruess, February 27, 2013 - 1:00-4:15 pm at the IBC Office.  Cost is $30. By attending this training, you will explore individual responsibility in having integrity-based business practices, learn strategies to seize the opportunities to model the behaviors we expect of others, and learn about the "Universal Ethics Principle," the "Big 4" and 40 keys to integrity-based business practices.   

 

Introduction to Women and Substance Use Disorders (at site, scroll down)
a free online course specifically designed for individuals who want to learn more about the issues related to women's substance use, treatment, and recovery experiences, as well as effective interventions for women. This 12-hour, self-paced course.  The course is available for FREE.
 
Webinar: Prevention Connection: Recognizing Depression & Substance Abuse in Adolescents This previously recorded webinar focuses on the complexities of adolescent depression, the risks of co-occurrence of substance abuse, and how early identification can have a positive impact and potentially prevent serious co-morbidities.

Problem Gambling 101 -- Online 25 minute training accessible to Iowa providers in partnership with the Indiana Problem Gambling Treatment Resource Network

Clinical Supervision for Problem Gambling Treatment Providers 

Supervision is available to professionals outside of NYS for a fee of $15 per session.  Please contact Michelle Hadden at mhadden@nyproblemgambling.org for more information.

 

Did you miss a NCRG Webinar?  You can view archived webinars here.

Interested in getting Certified?  Click to find information about Iowa Problem Gambling Certification  or National Problem Gambling Certification 
 



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