Raising Awareness About Important Youth Issues
What's happening in February?
January 27 - February 2, 2014
National Drug Facts Week
http://drugfactsweek.drugabuse.gov
 National Drug Facts Week (NDFW) is a health observance week for teens that aims to shatter the myths about drugs and drug abuse. Through community-based events and activities on the Web, on TV, and through contests, NIDA is working to encourage teens to get factual answers from scientific experts about drugs and drug abuse.
February 23 - March 2, 2014
NEDAwareness
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
http://nedawareness.org
The theme for this year's National Eating Disorders  Awareness Week is "I Had No Idea" to raise awareness about the significant impact eating disorders have on individuals, families, and communities across the nation. On NEDA's website, you can find information to plan or participate in an event during the week. You can also get valuable information and resources to help understand these serious illnesses and get help for those in need.
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Help Stop Distracted Driving
Parents play a key role
 Question: Which of these are considered driving distractions? - Texting
- Using a cell phone or smartphone
- Eating and drinking
- Talking to passengers
- Grooming
- Reading, including maps
- Using a navigation system
- Watching a video
- Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player
Answer: All of them!
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person's attention away from the primary task of driving. Parents play a key role in teen driving habits. In fact, parents are the number one influence on the kind of driver your son or daughter becomes. Distraction.gov is the official U.S. Government website for distracted driving where you can find: Plus other helpful resources! |
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The High Cost of Excessive Drinking to States
A Report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
A new CDC study finds that excessive alcohol use cost states a median of $2.9 billion in 2006, ranging from $420 million in North Dakota to $32 billion in California. This means that the median cost per state for each alcoholic drink consumed was about $1.91. Binge drinking - consuming 5 or more drinks on an occasion for men or 4 or more drinks on an occasion for women - was responsible for more than 70% of these costs.
The researchers found that costs due to excessive drinking largely resulted from losses in workplace productivity, health care expenses, and other costs due to a combination of criminal justice expenses, motor vehicle crash costs, and property damage.
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Molly Update
SAMHSA's report on the deadly club drug
In the ParentTeen Matters, September 2013 issue, we reported on the alarming rise in use of the club drug "Molly", a purer, powdered form of Ecstasy. Emergency rooms reported a sudden spike in visits traced to Molly's use - including several deaths. The Substance Abuse & Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) disseminated this recent news release reporting a 128% increase in Molly-related ER visits over a six-year period by youth under 21 and other key findings. SADD reminds parents that it is never too late to talk with your teen about drug use. If you don't know where to begin, click here for information about how to talk with your teen about the dangers of club drugs. |
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Prevention News You Can Use
The inside track on risky youth behaviors
Since 1991, the University of Michigan's Monitoring the Future study has surveyed a national sample of 40,000 - 50,000 students in three grades (8th, 10th, and 12th) on substance use. The 2013 report summarizes trends on annual use, perception of risk, disapproval and availability for a range of substances. Some highlights:
Marijuana use continues to "drift" higher. Compared to 2012, annual prevalence (using once or more in the past year) has:
- Risen from 11.4% to 12.7% among 8th graders
- Risen from 28% to 29.8% among 10th graders
- Held steady at 36.4% among 12th graders
The perception that marijuana is risky has declined sharply since 2005. In 2013 the percent seeing great risk from regular marijuana use has fallen from:
- 74% to 61% among 8th graders
- 66% to 47% among 10th graders
- 58% to 40% among 12 graders
Teen alcohol use continued to drop in 2013. From last year, 30-day use declined from:
- 11% to 10.2% among 8th graders
- 27.6% to 25.7% among 10th graders
- 41.5% to 39.2% among 12th graders
Rates of recent binge drinking dropped for 10th and 12th graders, but remained unchanged for 8th graders. Two-week prevalence rates are at:
- 5.1% among 8th graders
- 13.7% among 10th graders
- 22.1% among 12th graders
While some of the results are promising, youth substance use still remains a national concern. SADD encourages parents to make it a habit to check in with your teen and talk with them about making good choices. Learn the facts and warning signs about alcohol and other drugs. And if you think your teen might be using drugs or alcohol, Time to Act, a program of The Partnership at DrugFree.org, can help you help your teen.
Read the press release.
Learn more about Monitoring the Future.
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Calling SADD Seniors!
Announcing the 2014-2015 SADD College Scholarship Program
If you have a son or daughter graduating high school this spring, be sure to check out the SADD scholarship program.
We are proud to make available seven scholarships, each in the amount of $500, to students enrolled or committed to enroll full-time in an accredited 2-year or 4-year college and who demonstrate a commitment to SADD's mission.
To learn more about student eligibility and to download the application, visit:
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