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Drug and Alcohol News Digest July 11, 2009 ‘Energy Shots’ Stimulate Power Drink Sales New York Times Researchers Say Female Brain More Stressed by Alcohol CBS News Drug Czar Cites Jackson Death in Warning on Prescription Drugs CNN July 10, 2009 Senate Approves Nomination of Gil Kerlikowske as Drug Czar May, 11, 2009 CADCA (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America) OnThursday afternoon, the Senate approved the nomination of Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske as the new Director of the White House Office of Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). The Senate approved the nomination by a vote of 91-1. The 59-year-old Kerlikowske has stated that while he and other officials would work to reduce the international drug supply, the biggest contribution the U.S. can make is to reduce demand for illicit drugs. Kerlikowske has called our nation’s drug abuse “an incredibly complex problem” noting that “it requires prosecutors and law enforcement, courts, treatment providers, and prevention programs to exchange information and to work together. And our priority should be a seamless, comprehensive approach.” During his time as Seattle’s Chief of Police, Kerlikowske was credited publicly with bringing down crime rates to record lows. He is the current president of the Major City Chiefs Association, which is composed of the 56 of the largest enforcement agencies in the United States. He also served as Police Commissioner for the City of Buffalo, where he served until 1998, when he left to become the Deputy Director of the COPS program for the Department of Justice. Vice President Biden (co-sponsor of the Drug Free Communities Act which established community coalitions in the late 1990s) issued this statement May 7 after the United States Senate voted to confirm Chief Gil Kerlikowske as Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy: "I am very pleased by the Senate’s overwhelming support for Gil Kelikowske today. Chief Kerlikowske is the right man for the job. With over 36 years of law enforcement experience at all levels, he has long been on the front-lines in the battle against drugs. And, while the challenge before him is great, the President and I believe that he will lead our nation’s efforts against illegal drugs with unshakable resolve." Sexual
Activity and Dating Behavior Can Increase Risk for Teen Substance
Abuse
The results of the annual back-to-school National Survey of American Attitudes on Substance Abuse IX: Teen Dating Practices and Sexual Activity may come as little surprise to anti-drug coalitions that work with youth. However, the survey does offer local coalitions the opportunity to compare and contrast their community data with the national data. “Coalitions can use the survey findings as an opportunity to reinforce what their coalition is already doing to prevent and reduce substance abuse,” said Jane Callahan, Director of CADCA’s National Coalition Institute. To combat youth substance abuse, CASA promotes their annual, nationwide “Family Day” initiative. Family Day is held on the fourth Monday in September and encourages parental engagement because of the protective role family bonding can play in reducing the risk of substance use and abuse in youth. Family Day focuses on the symbolic act of a family meal. This reflects CASA’s findings that children who have more family dinners are less likely to drink, smoke or use illicit drugs and its risk and protective factor approach to reducing youth substance abuse. Most anti-drug coalitions have adopted the risk and protective factor framework when working with young people. “Positive and strong connections with family make a difference in the lives of youth,” said Callahan. |
