Drug & Alcohol Consortium of Allen County

Prescription Drug Use

2011-05-17T09:43:00.000-07:00

A study of national data suggests that teens in rural areas abuse prescription drugs at significantly higher rates than their urban and suburban counterparts. Teens in rural areas were 26 percent more likely than urban teens to have abused prescription drugs in their lifetime: 10.3 percent of urban teens reported lifetime misuse of prescription drugs, compared with 11.5 percent in suburban or small metropolitan-area counties, and 13.0 percent of rural teens. Rural youth who used prescription drugs non-medically were more likely to have dropped out of school, have a history of depression, or live in a single-parent household.

Indiana Prevention Resource Center Findings

2011-05-17T09:35:00.000-07:00

The Indiana Prevention Resource Center recently released its findings of the "Alcohol, Tobacco, and other Drug Use by Indiana Children and Adolescents" survey: Significant findings for the Northeast Region include:

Prevalence rates that are significantly higher than state rates:

Monthly meth and hallucinogen use by 10th graders

Lifetime cigarettes, alcohol, and steroid use by 11th graders

Prevalence rates that are significantly lower than state rates:

Lifetime marijuana use by 7th graders

Lifetime use of alcohol, marijuana, and inhalants by 8th graders

Monthly use of cigars, alcohol, and marijuana by 8th graders

Lifetime inhalant, amphetamines, tranquilizers, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter drug use by 9th graders

Monthly use of prescription drugs by 9th graders

Lifetime pipe and cigar use by 10th graders

Lifetime pipe, amphetamines, and prescription drug use by 11th graders

Monthly smokeless tobacco use and binge drinking by 11th graders

Monthly amphetamines and prescription drug use by 11th graders

Lifetime use of pipe, inhalants, amphetamines, tranquilizers, and prescription drugs by 12th graders

Monthly pipe use by 12th graders

Quiz Bowl

2011-05-17T09:30:00.000-07:00

We had 14 participants in the Regional Quiz Bowl that was held Saturday May 14th at Ivy Technical Community College in Fort Wayne. The winners were Aurora Follis (5th grade) from Grant County and Karissa Meyers (6th grade) from Kosciusko County. The runner-ups were Sarah Meade (5th grade) from Kosciusko County and Lucas Graden (6th grade) from Noble County.

Congratulations to all of the participants!!

"Time To Get Help"

2011-05-13T11:02:00.000-07:00

Nine million young people between the ages of 12 and 25 need treatment for substance abuse or addiction. Of those nine million, two million are 12-17. Of the two million, ninety percent are not getting the help they need. By listening to parents and working with experts in the field of teen substance abuse and treatment, The Partnership at Drugfree.org has developed Time To Get Help (drugfree.org/timetogethelp). Time to Get Help is a new online resource and community to help parents of teens and young adults gain a better understanding of adolescent alcohol and drug abuse, dependence and addiction; get support from experts and other parents who have been there; and find the right treatment for their child and family.

Synthetic Cocaine

2011-05-13T10:51:00.000-07:00

A product labeled as synthetic meth and/or synthetic cocaine is available. The product is sold as a bath salt or plant food but is really Mephedrone. The DEA says it is popular with those ages 18-24. Mephedrone is best characterized as a central nervous system stimulant. It is the chemical net result of manipulation of methcathinone. It is unregulated and does not fall under the auspices of the Controlled Substances Act. The drug can be inhaled or snorted in its base powder form, and has also been sold in capsule form. Mephedrone is usually found as a white to off-white powder that has little to no odor. Mephedrone suppliers tout the fact that the drug is the means toward getting legally "high" and that most modern drug testing systems are incapable of detecting its use. Adverse effects include increased heart rate, chest pain, agitation, irritability, dizziness, delusions, nose bleeds, nausea, and vomiting. Like K2, the makers of the bath salts or plant food say it is not for human consumption. It is sold by the gram for about $30. Some of the names of the bath salt include Blow, Iced Blow, Charge+ Flake, Cat Wild Cat, and Vanilla Sky, among others. The plant food is sold under the name of Magic. Rumor has it that there is a store in Fort Wayne that sells it.

Increase in illicit drug use

2011-05-13T10:42:00.000-07:00

The use of illicit drugs among Americans increased between 2008 and 2009 according to a national survey conducted by SAMHSA. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows that the overall rate of current illicit drug use in the United States rose from 8.0 percent of the population age 12 and older in 2008 to 8.7 percent in 2009. This rise in overall drug use was driven in large part by increases in marijuana use. The survey also shows that the non medical use of prescription drugs rose from 2.5 percent of the population in 2008 to 2.8 percent in 2009. Additionally, the estimated number of past-month Ecstasy users rose from 555,000 in 2008 to 760,000 in 2009, and the number of methamphetamine users rose from 314,000 to 502,000 during that period. "These results are a wake up call to the Nation," said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, J.D. "Our strategies of the past appear to have stalled out with 'Generation Next.' Parents and caregivers, teachers, coaches, faith and community leaders, must find credible new ways to communicate with our youth about the dangers of substance abuse."

"A Parent's Guide to the Teen Brain"

2011-04-21T13:55:00.001-07:00

The Partnership for a Drug Free America has released "A Parent's Guide to the Teen Brain," a digital, science-based resource that explains adolescent brain processes and offers tips for communicating and helping teens make good decisions. Using video, humorous interactive segments, role-playing, and advice from experts, parents learn that ongoing brain development contributes to vexing teen behaviors-impulsiveness, rebellion, high emotions, questionable judgment and risk-taking. Chick it out:http://www.drugfree.org/teenbrain.

Binge Drinking

2011-04-21T13:52:00.000-07:00

Binge drinking adolescents are two to three times more likely than non-binge drinking adolescents to continue this behavior into adulthood. The teenage brain is particularly plastic and is susceptible to interference caused by binge alcohol consumption. This plasticity is such that permanent and irreversible harm might be done to kids who engage in that type of partying.

State Police Announce Web Driven Methamphetamine Investigative Tool

2011-04-21T13:13:00.000-07:00

The battle against the production of methamphetamine is now being fought online with a web driven investigative tool called the Indiana Methamphetamine Investigation System (IMIS). The IMIS website, http://www.in.gov/meth, provides for the input of data from retailers that sell pseudoephedrine, a key ingredient used to manufacture methamphetamine. This information can then be analyzed by law enforcement to detect practices consistent with the production of methamphetamine. The site also has general information about meth and the ability for the public to submit-directly from the website-tip information about suspected meth activity.

With IMIS, the tracking will be automated and more user friendly for the pharmacist to input the information. As compared to the currently used paper log system, the ease of use is expected to attract more voluntary participation from pharmacists.

OxyContin Reformulation

2011-04-13T12:45:00.000-07:00

Purdue Pharma L.P. has notified the DEA of a new formulation for their OxyContin tablets being released in September 2010. The reformulated OxyContin is intended to prevent the medication from being cut, broken, chewed, crushed or dissolved, all of which are methods used to circumvent the timed-release action of the medication. The change in OxyContin formulation may cause changes in abuse patterns and illegal activities involving this drug and other opioids. Potential consequences of this change in formulation include the following:

Increase in acute withdrawal episodes, possible resulting in increased emergency room visits

Increase in pharmacy break-ins and armed robberies in attempt to obtain remaining stock of the current formulation OxyContin

Increase in individuals seeking treatment for addiction

Increase in abuse of other drugs such as heroin

2011-04-13T12:34:00.000-07:00

Survey data found that teenage girls are more likely than teenage boys to perceive potential benefits from drug use and drinking, making teen girls more vulnerable to drug and alcohol abuse. According to a research analysis of the 2009 Partnership Attitude Tracking Study:

Teen girls are more likely to perceive "self-medication" benefits with drinking and getting high.

More than two-thirds of teen girls responded positively to the question "using drugs helps kids deal with problems at home" (an 11% increase, up from 61% in 2008 to 68% in 2009)

More than half reported that drugs help teens forget their troubles (a 10% increase, up from 48% in 2008 to 53% in 2009)

Drugged Driving

2011-04-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

One out of eight vehicles on the road on any given weekend night is being driven by an individual with illegal drugs in his or her system. This statistic, from the Naitonal Roadside Survey of Alcohol and Drug Use by Drivers, highlights the pervasiveness of drugged driving. In 2008, 12 percent of 18-25 year olds reported driving under the influence of illicit drugs during the previous year, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Further, the Monitoring the Future survey showed that, in 2008, 1 in 10 high schools eniors said they had driven a vehicle after smoking marijuana in the two weeks prior to the survey. The news is disturbing because drugs can impair perception, judgment, motor skills and memory. Drugged driving endangers not only drivers who use drugs. It puts us all at risk and must be prevented.

Inhalant abuse

2011-04-13T11:51:00.001-07:00

Although inhalant abuse has become less prevalent since the early 1990s in all age groups, it remains a source of injury and death. "Huffers" can become addicted, suffer brain damage or worse. The highest rate of abuse was among children ages 12 to 17. 10% to 15% of all U.S. teens are estimated to use inhalants at some point. Of the cases for which a definitive outcome could be determined, 0.9% died, 4.5% had a life-threatening or disabling outcome, 30.7% had a moderate outcome, 38.4% had a minor outcome, and 25.4% were not affected. More than 200 inhalant product categories were implicated, with propellants such as aerosol dusters (15.6%), gasoline (13.1%), and paint (10.4%) being the most frequently abused inhalants. The overall rate of death from inhalant abuse was 5.5 per 1,000 exposures, which was much higher than for exposures from pharmaceuticals (0.4) and nonpharmaceuticals (0.14). the deadliest substance was butane (58.1 deaths per 1,000), followed by propane (25.9), air fresheners (21.8), and nitrous oxide (13.7). Abuse of inhalants early in life has been found to be a fast track to serious psychiatric problems and anti-sociality later on in adulthood. Early abusers of inhalants are more likely to become dependent on nicotine, develop alcohol abuse disorders, or become addicted to methamphetamine. One of the most effective tools to combat abuse is community awareness. One study concluded, "Focusing inhalant prevention efforts on the most hazardous products and most seriously affected users may improve and facilitate strategic prevention, enabling interventions such as targeted education, product reformulation, repacking, relabeling, or prohibition of sales of especially hazardous inhalant products to youth."

Prescription Pain Reliever Abuse

2011-03-18T12:52:00.000-07:00

Non medical use of prescription pain relievers rose 111 percent between 2004 and 2008 according to a new study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study showed that emergency-room visits increased from 144,644 in 2004 to 305,885 in 2008; the trend cut across age and gender lines. Oxycodone, hydrocodone, and methadone were the three most-abused drugs, rising 152 percent, 123 percent, and 73 percent, respectively, during the study time frame. ER visits for less-prescribed drugs, such as morphine, fentanyl, and hydromorphone were lower but still rose significantly. Treatment for hydromorphone abuse, for instance, rose 259 percent from 2004 to 2008. CDC director Thomas Frieden stated that "Emergency-department visits involving non-medical use of these prescription drugs are now as common as emergency-department visits for use of illicit drugs." ;More than 13,000 deaths involving opioids occur in the U.S. each year.

County Quiz Bowl Dates

2011-03-11T08:10:00.000-08:00

In preparation for the Regional Quiz Bowl, the surrounding counties will be having county wide quiz bowls.

Adams County-May 5; Boys & Girls Club, 410 Winchester Street, Decatur
Allen County-May 4; Allen County Public Library, Downtown Fort Wayne
DeKalb County-April 30; NE Youth for Christ Building on Grandstaff, Auburn
Kosciusko County-April 30; Warsaw Community Public Library, Warsaw
LaGrange County-April 16; Maple Wood Nature Center
Noble County-May 7; Noble County Public Library, Albion
Steuben County-April 30; Carnegie Library

Over-the-counter medication abuse

2011-03-03T13:04:00.000-08:00

Youth are also abusing Diphenhydramine (Brand name examples: Benadryl, Sominex, Unisom Sleep Gels), one of the most widely utilized medications in America. The drug is defined and categorized as an antihistamine. Illicit uses of the drug have evolved over time due to those who find satisfaction with the drug as a hallucinogen. Because of its over-the-counter accessibility and low cost, the drug is popular option for users who are looking for a new experience that is cheap and easy to acquire. Recreational users of this drug can have very divergent experiences while under the influence of it. At low doses, the drug maintains its sedative properties and can increase the effects of alcohol or other central nervous system depressants. At high doses, the drug tends to interact with a separate set of transmitters and receptors that lead to hallucinogenic effects not unlike LSD, peyote (cactus buttons) and psilocibin (magic mushrooms). On the streets, the drug is referred to as "Ben-ees" or "Som-ees," terms that are rooted in the drugs widely recognized brand names. A person found intoxicated and impaired by this drug will exhibit classic "depressant" signs and symptoms. In the higher doses however, the drug may trigger dilation of the pupil, a sluggish response to the introduction of direct light, and claims of hallucinogenic symptoms. Speech may range from being slow to being thickly slurred. Performance on standard field sobriety tests will present similar to that of alcohol intoxication.

Cough syrup abuse

2011-03-03T12:46:00.000-08:00

Youth continue to abuse DXM, dextromethorphan, a widely available over-the-counter drug utilized to reduce or prevent cough. Since 2001, DXM abuse has skyrocketed. Although DXM abuse will not result in a physical drug dependency, tolerance rapidly develops. Chronic use can devolve into addictive and compulsive use with consequences consistent with those seen with methamphetamine, cocaine, ketamine, and PCP. Because a DXM high is a mix of mind-altering effects, it has become a popular party drug with drug using adolescents and young adults. Its over-the-counter availability and low cost fuel its popularity. Typically, a DXM user will require about 5 mg of DXM per kilogram of weight in order to get a potent high. Lower concentrations of 1-3 mg will result in a more sublime high. For a 175-pound male, 375 mg of DXM will probably suffice in achieving a memorable high. DXM abuse include, but are not limited to, the following: agitation; dilated pupils-normal reaction to light; facial flushing; goose flesh; sweating; delayed reactions; slow (not slurred) speech; slowed reactions; loud speech; inappropriate reactions; and laughing and/or crying jags. DXM's role in Robitussin-DM earned users the street identification as "robo-trippers."

Jimson Weed

2011-03-03T11:46:00.001-08:00

Consumption of jimson weed has become a recreational pursuit of young people seeking a cheap hallucinogenic high. The plant grows wildly as a shrub in most parts of the United States and is called angel's trumpet, locoweed, and stink weed. Concentrated in the root of the jimson weed plant are scopolamine and atropine, both powerful anti-cholinergic compounds. When taken in sufficient quantities, these drugs can cause vivid hallucinations and out-of-body experiences. Creating a jimson weed tincture requires skill and patience; it is more than easy to overdose. Police blogs are replete with stories of jimson weed overdoses: car accidents, violent confrontations and altercations, and death. Each patient exhibited classic hallucinogen signs: dilated pupils, rapid heart beat (tachycardia), and hot, dry skin. The conscious patients exhibited altered mental states that included periods of agitation and disorganized speech. Some of the patients experienced additional anti-cholinergic effects of urinary retention. All of the patients recovered, although each experienced 3-4 days in the hospital.

Investing in addiction treatment works

2011-03-03T11:41:00.000-08:00

According to several conservative estimates, every $1 invested in addiction treatment programs yields a return of between $4 and $7 in reduced drug-related crime, criminal justice costs, and theft. When savings related to health care are included, total savings can exceed costs by a ratio of 12 to 1. (Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment, NIDA, April 2009)

Four Loko

2011-01-13T10:30:00.001-08:00

Four Loko is a caffeinated, alcoholic energy drink that has malt liquor as a base. The Four brand includes two varieties: Four MaXed that contains 10% alcohol by volume and Four Loko contains either 6% or 12% alcohol by volume. Four Loko's potential danger comes from mixing caffeine and alcohol. When alcohol and caffeine are combined people report feeling reduced sensations typically associated with alcohol believed to result from caffeine counteracting the depressive effects thus keeping the individual more alert. However, when the caffeine wears off the person feels the full effects of the alcohol. This can lead to excess consumption of alcohol because the delayed feeling of drunkenness leads an individual to seek additional alcohol to obtain the same sensations as those found in previous encounters.

One can of four loko has the same amount of caffeine as two cups of coffee and the same alcohol content as 4 beers. The combination of the caffeine and alcohol make consumers beleive that they are not as intoxicated as they really are. Locally, Belmont beverages has voluntarily pulled Four Loko from it's shelves.

National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week

2011-01-13T10:05:00.000-08:00

National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week is the third week in October. IPFW, Indiana Tech and the University of Saint Francis all brought Wendi Fox to their schools to do a comedic routine. Wendi is committed to changing the drug and alcohol climate on college campuses through the power of humor. She is dedicated to encouraging audiences to pursue their passion, live out their life's purpose and to leave a legacy that will inspire others to do the same. Her message is to have the "buzz without the booze." All of the schools distributed red bracelets with that message provided by DAC.

CAMFEL

2011-01-13T10:04:00.000-08:00

DAC with a grant from Parkview brought Dare to Move, a multi-media production to local schools during Red Ribbon week. The program by CAMFEL is a 40-minute multi-media experience that encourages students to live their lives to the fullest in spite of their fears. It helps students make decisions that may be difficult like standing up to those who bully others and saying NO to drugs and slcohol. DAC was able to bring this message to over 5000 students!

Red Ribbon Poster Winners

2011-01-13T09:31:00.000-08:00

DAC held it's annual art contest with the display at Glenbrook Mall. There were 191 partcipants this year which was an increase over last years 71 entrees. Congratulations to all of our winners!

NAND County Wide Battle of the Bands 2010

2010-07-20T08:51:00.001-07:00

On August 12th, 2010 DAC is hosting a county-wide kick off for NAND at the downtown Freimann Square. There will be a Battle of the Bands between different local high school student bands from 8:00-11:00pm. Allen county high school students will be able to attend this night of fun and prizes for just $5.00! Along with the three hour concert, the magician The Great Andini will be performing tricks, the first 150 students will receive free t-shirts, everyone will get a free glow in the dark necklace, a pass for 2 free games to Crazy Pinz, a hotdog/chips/pop from the Whistle Shop and an Arctic Shaved Ice! There will also be free door prizes passed out throughout the night. Door prizes are from Rave Motion Pictures, Pizza hut, Starbucks, Mikes Express Carwash, Georgetown Bowl, and many many more.

Do you know of a band of high school students that might like to play at this event? There are a couple of spots open at this point so let Julia Kohrman (contact info listed bel0w) know as soon as possible. We'd love to give them their shot at showing off their talent.

Also, we still need chaperones for this event. If you'd like to represent your dedication towards NAND and keeping students of Allen county safe and sober please join us. Even chaperones get free merchandise!

Remember, August 12th 2010 at the Freimann Square from 8:00-11:00pm ~ Battle of the Bands 2010-2011 NAND Kick Off Event. Spread the word!

Thanks and we look forward to hearing from you or seeing you there.

Julia Kohrman
NAND School Coordinator
Drug & Alcohol Consortium
260-422-8412
julia@dacac.org

Dangers of K2 Spice

2010-07-02T11:01:00.000-07:00

K2 Spice, also known as Orange Dragon Smoke, Black Mamba, Genie, Blaze, Red X Dawn, and Zohai, is a legal substance that can be purchased online, in convenience stores, herbal and/or spiritual shops, and some gas stations. It is a dried herbal blend that is to be used as incense, however, people are smoking the incense even though it is labeled as “not for human consumption.” The incense is sprayed with JWH-018 before it is packaged for sale. This spray is reportedly an “analgesic chemical which acts like marijuana.” Some stores are selling these herbs for as much as $35 an ounce and they are popular among teenagers and college students.

Several countries such as Britain, Germany, Poland, Russia, and France have banned the substance. Kansas was the first state in the US to ban K2 and several other states including Kentucky, Illinois, Georgia, Missouri, Tennessee, Utah and North Dakota are considering legislation to ban it as well.

Many police, emergency rooms, and poison Control centers including those in Fort Wayne and Allen county have been reporting cases of people who have become ill due to ingesting K2 Spice. Poison Centers nationwide have reported 352 cases in 35 states since the first report in early February. Symptoms include hallucinations, severe agitation, dangerously elevated heart rate and blood pressure, panic attacks, dilated pupils, very pale skin, vomiting and, in some cases, tremors and seizures. Many individuals stop using the drug after a week of using it, because they start getting really bad headaches.

Many believe that K2 spice is popular because it is legal, does not show up on drug screens unless used within the prior two hours, and is easily available. It is currently advertised on local radio stations and is believed to be natural and therefore safe. It sells for approximately $30 to $40 per three gram bag which is comparable in cost to marijuana.

The best thing to do is to talk to your tweens, teens and even adults who may be likely to use this substance about the dangers. Do not use K2 spice or let anyone that you care about use it.

NAND - Prom 2010 Activities VIDEO

2010-06-23T12:42:00.000-07:00

NAND (No Drugs No Alcohol) was active this year in Allen county around prom. Among other activities, Allen county students signed pledges promising that they'd remain alcohol free on prom night. Students of Elmhurst high school were witnesses to a mock crash.

Take a look at this video to see pictures of what some of our students are doing to show their dedication to remaining safe and sober ...

Allen County Quiz Bowl 2010

2010-04-26T08:52:00.000-07:00

It's Time for Quiz Bowl!

The Allen County Quiz Bowl is a fun competition designed to help fifth and sixth grade students better understand the facts about drugs and alcohol and the negative impact of these substances. It is conducted like a spelling bee with questions about drugs and alcohol.

Any student in grades 5 or 6 enrolled in Allen County is eligible to participate.

Schools, youth groups and after-school programs are holding local competitions. Contact your community youth organization to see if they are participating - or give us a call at 422-8412 and we can connect you with an organization!

Winners from each organization's local competetion move on to the Allen County semi-finals being held on May 6, 2010 at United Hispanic Americans at 2424 Fairfield Avenue in Fort Wayne. Winning contestants from the Allen County competition will be eligible to participate in the regional finals in Fort Wayne, competing against youth from 13 other counties.

Important Dates to Remember

Allen County Competition - May 6, 2010 at 5:00 pm at United Hispanic Americans, 2424 Fairfield Avenue

Regional Competition - May 15, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at Allen County Public Library - Main Branch, 900 Library Plaza

Visit the Drug & Alcohol Consortium’s website at www.dacac.org to:e

Learn more about Quiz Bowl.
Print a complete list of Contest Rules and the Contest Study Guide.

2010-04-08T08:01:00.000-07:00

Skilled and dazzling
PROJECT MANAGER
needed for a stimulating full-time position
with the Drug and Alcohol Consortium office

It's not the same old job! We are seeking a skilled and experienced team player with a broad base of understanding and excellent people skills who enjoys and is able to thrive in a fast-paced multi-tasking environment. Are you a self-starter with the ability to work independently? Do you have great communications skills and like working with people from a wide variety of backgrounds? Do you have excellent writing and organizational skills to complete projects and documents within deadlines? Are you an energized learner? If so, these qualities will enable you to become a valued member of our team!

Some job duties include electronic, written and verbal communication, meeting planning and facilitation, project planning and coordination, database maintenance, performance reporting, clerical duties and other projects and duties as directed. Scheduled work is primarily on week-days.

The ideal candidate will have administrative office experience and strong proficiency in Excel, Word, and other Microsoft products in addition to familiarity with the internet and the ability to interact well with the other team members. Bachelor's degree or excellent career experience in an applicable field is required. Candidates with exceptional communications and human relations skills and a proven track record of success are preferred. Experience in project management, grant writing, administration and/or bookkeeping is a plus.

Please refer potential candidates to this posting or send your resume and a letter of interest by Friday, April 23rd to the contact listed below. Interviews will be conducted during the week of April 26 - 30, 2010. Thank you!

Jerri Lerch, Executive Director
Drug and Alcohol Consortium of Allen County
jerri@dacac.org
532 West Jefferson Boulevard
Fort Wayne IN 46802
260-422-8412

2010 DAC Grant Cycle Opens

2010-03-01T11:59:00.000-08:00

We are pleased to announce the opening of our DAC grant cycle effective March 1, 2010. Approximately $65,300 is available in each of 3 funding categories: Intervention, Justice and Prevention. DAC has identified several objectives from our state-approved Comprehensive Plan for funding consideration. Our emphasis will be on solid proposals that demonstrate a thorough knowledge of best practices on that particular issue, that clearly define how proposed outcome-based program services will be delivered in this community, and that articulate what impacts the proposed program services will have on the identified issue and the community.

Technical assistance will be provided via a workshop on Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 9:30 AM at the DAC office for those who are interested. Please RSVP to cherie@dacac.org if you will be attending.

The completed application is due to the DAC office no later than March 31, 2010 at noon. Late applications will not be considered.

Please contact the DAC office at 260.422.8412 for more information or to obtain the grant application instructions and forms. Additionally, the forms will be available on our website very soon.

We look forward to collaborating with you in serving our community to reduce the negative effects of alcohol and other drugs in Allen County.

2010-02-26T06:21:00.000-08:00

All DAC / Town Hall Meeting:
Taking it to the Streets
IPFW Walb Student Union Bldg, Ballroom
March 26, 2010

10:15 am—1:30 pm

· Corporal Brian Gore, Allen County Police Department and the Allen County Drug Task Force
· Baggies, Bongs, & Bucks with pictures and examples
· Town Hall Meeting on Under-aged Drinking
· Leaders and Media discussing the issues

· Lunch will be provided, RSVP is requested

e-mail: cecilia@dacac.org

Tel: 260-422-8412

Pathways to Professional Addictions Counseling

2010-02-15T08:51:00.000-08:00

Presented by Brent Stachler, LFMT, MAC, ICACII, NCGCCII of Park Center
When: Monday, February 22, 2010
Where: Main Branch of the Allen County Public Library, Meeting Room C
Time: 12-2pm

- Which Degree should I pursue?
- What can I do with my “related” degree?
- What do professional addictions counselors do?
- Beyond degrees to certifications and licensure
- Supervision and continuing education requirements
- Professional organization membership
- Benefits & requirements of certification and licensure
- Where do I work?

RSVP to:

cecilia@dacac.org
or 260-422-8412

Great expectations for 2010

2010-01-04T09:00:00.000-08:00

2009 Programs and Accomplishments

As we look forward to 2010, it is always useful to reflect on the past 12 months as we prepare for the New Year. Highlights from our 2009 include:

- Facilitated over 90 community meetings that encouraged discussion among a variety of sectors including leaders from education, law enforcement, justice, prevention and intervention agencies, and faith-based organizations.

- Developed and maintained an active database on the scope of substance abuse in our community including its impact on youth populations, workplace issues, and evidence-based practices with a track record of positively impacting this important concern.

- Mobilized secondary education, after-school program, and collegiate groups to actively address the issue of substance abuse and binge drinking among the young people.

- Received and managed program grants from the Governor’s Commission for a Drug Free Indiana, Drug Free Communities funds, Strategic Prevention Framework-State Incentive Grant and Access to Recovery funds.

- Provided training and resources in best practices and model programs that address methods of substance abuse prevention, intervention and law enforcement in our community.

As we plan for 2010, we are reminded of Edith Lovejoy Pierce’s quote regarding New Years and new beginnings:

“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called 'Opportunity' and its first chapter is New Year's Day.”

We have high hopes and great expectations for 2010 as we continue to focus our efforts on reducing the negative impact of drugs and alcohol on our community. Happy New Year!

Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD) - Contract for Life

2009-06-18T09:09:00.000-07:00

A Foundation for Trust and Caring - This Contract is designed to facilitate communication between young people and their parents about potentially destructive decisions related to alcohol, drugs, peer pressure, and behavior. The issues facing young people today are often too difficult for them to address alone. SADD believes that effective parent-child communication is critically important in helping young adults to make healthy decisions.

SADD Contract for Life