The Edge:  

A Resource for Iowa's Behavioral Health Professionals 

 
2013 Edition, Volume 39                            


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The Edge, a news scan for Behavioral Health Professionals in Iowa  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 
[email protected]

Bob Kerksieck, IDPH
[email protected]


 

The Iowa Substance Abuse Information Center has launched a new campaign that will be in full swing in October! Prescription drug misuse and abuse is on the rise in Iowa. More than 70% of people aged 12 and up who misuse or abuse say they obtained prescription drugs from a friend or family member. The purpose of the Iowa Medicine TLC campaign is to educate Iowa parents on the dangers of abusing or misusing prescription and OTC medications. The campaign focuses on providing guidance and resources on how to protect your children and others you care about.

 

Iowa Medicine TLC:

 

Talk to your children about the proper use of medicines and the risks of misusing them;

Lock up or store prescription drugs in a secure location that can be monitored, and safely dispose of unused medicines;

Connect with the Iowa Substance Abuse Information Center for help to prevent prescription drug misuse and abuse.

 

Iowa Medicine TLC will have statewide radio and TV coverage to promote the campaign and Governor Branstad will proclaim October as Teen Medicine Abuse and Misuse Awareness Month.  Other parts of the project include partnering with all AEA's to disseminate information to parents in schools, connecting with Physicians and Pediatricians through the Iowa Medical Society to provide point-of-service material, and connecting with the Iowa Pharmacy Association to supply materials to community pharmacies.  
 
See more information at www.IowaMedicineTLC.org or connect with us through Facebook www.facebook.com/IowaSubstanceAbuseInfo or Twitter @Iowa_ISAIC

 

 

 

 

Binge Drinking
Substance Abuse:
Noteworthy Articles
 and Studies

 

Fort Dodge Senior High sophomores learned about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, as well as their consequences, from members of the Fort Dodge Police Department Wednesday. 

E-cigarettes: Healthy tool or gateway device?

If the tiny sample of smokers in a new study in the British journal Lancet are any indication, electronic cigarettes might be slightly more effective than nicotine patches in helping people quit smoking.

Great, right? Except another new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests more children and teens are trying them.

 

Myths and Facts about Angel Dust: Did PCP Drive Aaron Hernandez to Commit Murder?
Although PCP's street name links it to heaven, the drug is notorious for its association with devilish and extremely gruesome violent crimes. Is its dark reputation justified? We separated fact from fiction.   

CVS Revokes Dispensing Privileges for Doctors Who Prescribe Too Many Painkillers
CVS has announced it has revoked dispensing privileges for more than 36 physicians and other healthcare providers who wrote large numbers of prescriptions for painkillers, NBC News reports.





Problem Gambling: 
Noteworthy Articles
 and Studies
 
id you know that 75 percent of college students have gambled in the past year? CollegeGambling.org, a free online resource of the National Center for Responsible Gaming, includes the latest research and resources designed to help college students, parents and university administrators learn more about this issue.
 
A Victorian coronial report shows 128 people have taken own lives in the past decade over problem gambling.
 
Two percent of older Americans are pathological gamblers, 4 percent are problem gamblers and 17 percent are at risk.  What should adult children be looking for?
 
The NFL season is here and with it brings the utmost excitement from its millions of fans. Many TV shows, ads, radio stations and media are all switching its focus toward capturing this huge football loving audience. Fantasy football, which is very popular and almost considered a new sport, goes hand in hand with the NFL season. The problem with the NFL season and fantasy football is the increased gambling rates it brings.  
 
 
Upcoming Trainings and Materials 

 

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

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!

 

Dr. Mee Lee Presentation: Updated ASAM Criteria  In case you missed it -- What's New in the ASAM Criteria. 

 

Presentation: Prevention in Problem Gambling by Williams et al

Prevention of Problem Gambling: A Comprehensive Review of the Evidence and Best Practices.

 

Prevention Ethics For Certification Training 

Thursday October 10, 8:30am-4pm.  ASAC Prevention Office, Cedar Rapids, IA

$50 includes breakfast, lunch, CEUs and materials.  Participants will learn, understand and apply the ethical decision making model. Limit to 25 participants.

 

Iowa Mental Health Conference 

October 1-2, Prairie Meadows, Altoona
The 2013 Mental Health Conference is designed for professionals, clinicians, administrators, educators, consumers, family members, advocates and other providers.  This conference will:Provide an educational opportunity to hear professionals and experts share the most recent trends and issues, treatment methods, and research relating to mental health, mental illness and co-occurring disorders.. Provide a forum to stimulate discussion, exchange ideas, and strengthen the support and information network around the state.
Generate public interest in issues relating to mental health and co-occurring disorders. 
 

Save the Date!  Iowa Prevention Conference: November 13, 2013 

 

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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