2011 Monitoring the Future Study Results Show Encouraging Reductions in Specific Drug Categories

 2011 Monitoring the Future Study Results Show Encouraging Reductions in Specific Drug Categories

The Monitoring the Future (MTF) study is a long-term epidemiological study that surveys trends in legal and illicit drug use among American adolescents in 8^th, 10^th and 12^th grades.

The survey is conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research, funded by research grants from the National Institute on Drug Abuse.  MTF results are important to us in Ulster County as it gives us national comparison data as we review the results of our biannual Ulster County Youth Development Survey.

A Fact Sheet released by the Office of National Drug Control Policy regarding the recently released 2011 survey results report that a number of drug categories showed significant reductions between 2010 and 2011 for some grades:

·        Past-year use of Vicodin among 10^th graders (7.7% to 7.0%);

·        Past-year use of any illicit drug, including inhalants, among 8^th graders (20.3% to 18.2%);

·        Past-year use of inhalants among 8^th graders (8.1% to 7.0%);

·        Past-year use of inhalants among 10^th graders (5.7% to 4.5%);

·        Past-year use of crack cocaine among 12 graders (1.4% to 1.0%);

·        Past-year use of amphetamines among 10^th graders (7.6% to 6.6%);

·        Past year use of tranquilizers among 8^th graders (2,8 to 2.0);

·        Past-year use of over-the-counter cough/cold medicine among 12^th graders (6.6% to 5.3%);

·        Past month use of hallucinogens other than LSD among 12^th graders (1.5% to 1.2%);

·        Past-year and past-month use of Ecstasy among 8^th graders (2.4% to 1.7% and 1.1% to 0.6%, respectively); and

·        Past-year use of androstenedione (a steroid) among 12^th graders (1.5% to 0.7%)

Other data from the survey showed continued decreases in the use of alcohol and tobacco products for some grades, as well as numerous declines among all grades in the perceived availability of specific substances.

In Ulster County, our Youth Development Survey showed significant declines in:

·        Past-30 day use of alcohol among 8th graders (15.0% to 12.8%) and 12 graders (48.6% to 43.5%)

• Past-30 day use of cigarettes for 8^th graders (6.0% to 4.2%) and 12 graders (19.9% to 13.4%)
• Past-30 day use of chewing tobacco for 12^th graders (7.5% to 4.4%)
• Past-30 day use of prescription painkillers for 12 graders (10.2% to 8.3%)

Ulster Prevention Council Blog: 2011 Monitoring the Future Study Results on Synthetic Marijuana

2011 Monitoring the Future Study Results on Synthetic Marijuana

For the next several weeks I’ll be addressing the release of the 2011 Monitoring the Future Survey results. The Monitoring the Future (MTF) study is a long-term epidemiological study that surveys trends in legal and illicit use among American adolescents in 8^th, 10^th and 12^th grades.

The survey is conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research, funded by research grants from the National Institute on Drug Abuse.  MTF results are important to us in Ulster County as it gives us national comparison data as we review the results of our biannual Ulster County Youth Development Survey. from the

The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) has issued a Call for Action based on what it called one of the most noteworthy findings of the latest MTF survey.  The 2011 survey included for the first time a question on past-year use of synthetic marijuana among high school seniors. Synthetic marijuana (specifically “Spice” and “K2”) consists of leaves of ordinary plants sprayed with chemicals that mimic the mind-altering effects of marijuana. Clemson University organic chemist John W. Huffman created the K2 compound in the mid-1990s to mimic the effects of cannabis on the brain.

The MTF results indicate that the prevalence of use in the past year among 12^th graders was estimated at 11.4%. Synthetic marijuana ranked as the second most frequently used illicit substance, after marijuana, among high school seniors.

The 2010 Ulster County YDS did not survey synthetic marijuana use. However, a local scan found that such substances are readily available in gas stations and convenience stores, and local school districts report incidences of students bringing these substances to school.

In 2011, the DEA used emergency scheduling authority to ban the sale of the chemicals used to manufacture K2 and Spice. Many states, including New York, have taken action to ban the chemicals as well. However, manufacturers “tweak” the formulations used to produce these products. An internet search today readily turns up dozens of sites selling “K2 Incense Spice” marketed as “Spicester” and declared to be legal in New York.

Given the latest data, ONDCP states that it will be reaching out to a nationwide network of state and local public health and safety organizations to provide them with the latest information on this public health threat and spur action at the local level.  The Ulster Prevention Council welcomes your observations and comments regarding synthetic marijuana in Ulster County.

Ulster Prevention Council blog: Holidays the Perfect Time for Parents to Set Boundaries for Teen Parties

Ulster Prevention Council blog: Holidays the Perfect Time for Parents to Set Boundaries for Teen Parties

Youth perceptions of parental attitudes toward drinking greatly influence their behaviors when faced with opportunities to drink. Some parents ignore the dangers of underage drinking or allow teens to drink alcohol, even if it’s because “it’s the holidays” or “it’s a special occasion”

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There are some steps that parents can take to have an active role in discouraging underage drinking.

If your teens are going to a party, contact the hosts and make sure adults will be there and alcohol will not be permitted. Be aware and be engaged.
Binge drinking among adolescents is of particular concern. Among teenagers who drink alcohol, two-thirds admit to binge drinking, according to a report released earlier this month by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).
While youth binge drinking is particularly dangerous, adults should be working to prevent underage consumption of alcohol in any quantity. According to the National Survey of American Attitudes on Substance Abuse, about one-third of teens say they have attended house parties where parents were present and teens were drinking, smoking marijuana, or using cocaine, ecstasy, or prescription drugs.
Survey results were released on August 17, 2006 in a report from the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University. Ninety-eight percent of parents say they are normally present during parties they allow their teens to have at home. But a third of the teen partygoers report that parents are rarely or never present at parties they attend.
On the positive side, parental presence at parties greatly reduces the likelihood that a teen party will have alcohol or other drugs. Teens that say parents are not present at the parties they attend are 16 times likelier to say alcohol is available and 15 times likelier to say illegal drugs are available, compared to teens who say parents are always present at the parties.
Plan parties with your teenager far enough in advance to work through your expectations. Set some "non-negotiables": No tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs. Once people leave the party, they can't come back in. And anyone under age 16 must leave with parents or another adult.
Set a policy of "no closed doors" for parties. Make this part of the discussion early on. Let your child know that you won't just hide out while teenagers gather in private. And decide what areas of your house and property are off limits, such as bedrooms and outside buildings.
Limit the number of people who can attend the party. The size of your house and your personal tolerance for noise ultimately determines the number.
Be flexible about other things. Most party arrangements are negotiable. This includes food, beverages, starting and ending times, music, movies, and other entertainment. Whatever you choose, make it fun. Consider theme parties with games, prizes, and other planned activities.
Invite other parents to be with you during the party. Make sure these parents know that it's an alcohol-free night for them and you. You'll need to be on your toes during the party, and alcohol won't help.
Keep alcoholic beverages locked or out of sight from the teen partygoers.
Provide lots of food and beverages--and serve them yourself. Stock up with treats that your teenager and his or her friends like to eat. But stay in charge of the food, and don't put it all out at once. Serving snacks gives you a reason to enter the party area and interact with kids.
Prepare for emergencies. Make sure you have first-aid supplies and parents' phone numbers.Take the time to get to know your children's friends and their parents. Once they know that you're adamant about no alcohol and other drugs, they will be much likelier to enforce the same rules.

What About Energy Drinks?

What About Energy Drinks?

Locally, 7.2% of youth in grades 7-12 responding to the 2010 Ulster County Youth Development Survey reported use of caffeine and/or diet pills. However, data regarding use of coffee, tea, soda and energy drinks was not collected.

A new report from the Drug Abuse Warning Network addresses emergency department visits involving energy drinks. Trend data shows a sharp increase in the number of emergency department visits involving energy drinks between 2005 (1,128) and 2008 (16,053) and 2009 (13,114), representing about a tenfold increase[1].

These drinks are readily available and provide high doses of caffeine, varying from about 80 to more than 500 milligrams of caffeine, compared with about 100 mg in a cup of coffee or 50 mg in a 12 ounce soda.[2]  Energy drinks typically contain other additives such as vitamins, taurine, guarana, creatine, sugar, and herbal supplements. 

Energy drinks are marketed to appeal to youth and are consumed by 30 to 50 percent of children, adolescents and young adults.[3]The most popular brands of energy drinks are Red Bull, Monster, Rockstar, Full Throttle, and Amp. Sales increased 240% from 2004 to 2009.[4]

Some energy drinks also contain alcohol; however, the DAWN report focuses only on the dangerous effects of energy drinks that do not contain alcohol. About half (52%) of the emergency department visits made by patients aged 18 to 25 involved combination of energy drinks with alcohol or other drugs. High levels of caffeine can mask the symptoms associated with being intoxicated, and younger drinkers may incorrectly believe that consumption of caffeine can “undo” the effects of alcohol.  Males made up 64% of emergency department visits involving energy drinks, and males were more likely to combine energy drinks with alcohol, while more visits for females involved mixing energy drinks and pharmaceuticals.

Visits involving energy drinks alone involved adverse reactions, suggesting that energy drink consumption by itself can result in negative health events significant enough to require emergency care.

DAWN states that research suggests that additives may compound the stimulant effects of caffeine. Excessive caffeine intake can cause dehydration, arrhythmias, hypertension, sleeplessness and nervousness as caffeine acts as a stimulant upon the central nervous system and cardiovascular system. Use over time can cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Additional risks and complications can occur for those with cardiac conditions, eating disorders, diabetes and anxiety disorders[5].

Associations have also been established between energy drink consumption and marijuana use, sexual risk taking, fighting, smoking, drinking, and prescription drug misuse.[6]

The DAWN report concludes by recommending public awareness campaigns focusing on the health effects of consumption of energy drinks alone and in combination with alcohol and/or other substances, and education to dispel the myth that energy drinks can offset or eliminate the effects of alcohol intoxication.

DAWN is a public health surveillance system that monitors drug-related emergency department visits in the United States.

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[1] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for

Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. (November 22, 2011). The DAWN

Report: Emergency Department Visits Involving Energy Drinks. Rockville, MD.

[2] Food and Drug Administration. (2007). Medicines in my home: Caffeine and your body. Retrieved from http://www.fda.gov/downloads/ Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/UnderstandingOver-the-CounterMedicines/UCM205286.pdf

[3] Seifert, S. M., Schaechter, J. L., Hershorin, E. R., & Lipshultz, S. E. (2011).

Health effects of energy drinks on children, adolescents, and young adults.

Pediatrics, 127(3), 511-528.

[4] Mintel Global New Products Database. (2009, August 28). Energy drink

ingredients continue down unhealthy path (Press release). Retrieved

from http://www.mintel.com/press-centre/press-releases/386/energy-drinkingredients-

continue-down-unhealthy-path

[5] Bernstein, G. A., Carroll, M. E., Thuras, P. D., Cosgrove, K. P., & Roth, M. E.

(2002). Caffeine dependence in teenagers. Drug and Alcohol Dependency,

66(1), 1-6.

[6] Miller, K. E. (2008). Energy drinks, race, and problem behaviors among

college students. Journal of Adolescent Health, 43(5), 490-497.

Marijuana Use May Double the Risk of Accidents for Drivers

Last week I discussed the issue of talking to teens about medicinal marijuana and the harmful effects of smoked marijuana. Since most teens are very interested in driving, a discussion of the risk of accidents may be helpful.
A recent meta-analysis by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health[1] examined the link between marijuana use by drivers and risk of a car accident.
The 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimated that over 10 million people age 12 or older had driven under the influence of illicit drugs in the prior year. While marijuana is the most commonly detected non-alcohol drug in drivers, its role in causing crashes has remained in question.
To examine the link between marijuana use by drivers and risk of a car accident, the researchers at Columbia University did a meta-analysis of nine epidemiologic studies and found that drivers who test positive for marijuana or report driving within three hours of marijuana use are more than twice as likely as other drivers to be involved in motor vehicle crashes. The researchers also found evidence that crash risk increases with frequency of self-reported marijuana use.
8 of 9 studies found that drivers who use marijuana are significantly more likely to be involved in crashes than drivers who do not. The analysis indicates that 28% of fatally injured drivers and more than 11% of the general driver population tested positive for non-alcohol drugs, with marijuana being the most commonly detected substance.
Guohua Li, MD, DrPh, professor of Epidemiology at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, and senior author points out that although this analysis provides compelling evidence for an association between marijuana use and crash risk, one should be cautious in inferring causality from these epidemiologic data alone. However, "if the crash risk associated with marijuana is confirmed by further research, this is likely to have major implications for driving safety and public policy. It also would play a critical role in informing policy on the use of medical marijuana."
While education can be helpful in pointing out risk factors to teens, it is important to remember that teens may experience a sense of invulnerability or “optimism bias” whereby they feel that they would avoid negative outcomes. Therefore, multi-pronged approaches including social norming campaigns and publicized penalties for drugged driving behaviors are more likely to have an impact on behavior than education alone.

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[1] M.-C. Li, J. E. Brady, C. J. DiMaggio, A. R. Lusardi, K. Y. Tzong, G. Li. Marijuana Use and Motor Vehicle Crashes. Epidemiologic Reviews, 2011; DOI: 10.1093

Talking with Students about Medical Marijuana

Talking with Students about Medical Marijuana

Data from the 2010 Ulster County Youth Development Survey showed an alarming trend whereby students feel that marijuana is less and less harmful as they progress from 7^th through 12 grade.  Only 22% of 12th graders who took the survey felt that there was a “moderate risk” or “great risk” from smoking marijuana. This puts our students at significant risk for marijuana use, and Ulster Prevention Council has identified this as a critical issue for 2012.

A recent discussion with several local prevention providers focused on the difficulties of discussing the harmful effects of marijuana with high school students.  Often there are one or two students present in a classroom presentation who want to make a strong case for legalizing marijuana because of its perceived safe, medicinal properties.

The prevention providers discussed the importance of media literacy training. Students often do not distinguish between information found in formal research studies and information found by, say, Googling “benefits of marijuana” online.  The development of critical thinking is an important task of adolescence.

Adults also must be ready to listen to youth and not shut them down with a “Drugs are bad, just say no” message. Balanced, accurate information must be presented.  
However, distinctions must be made between use of non-smoked pharmaceuticals such as Marinol and Sativex by seriously ill patients and recreational use of smoked marijuana, an unstable mixture of over 400 chemicals including many toxic psychoactive chemicals. We can then quickly progress to the important discussion of the well documented risks of marijuana use by youth.

One useful website that I have used is medicalmarijuanaprocon.org.  This site contains a wealth of information with appropriate citations, including synopses of 100 peer-reviewed studies on marijuana, U.S. Government reports, a listing of pharmaceutical drugs based on cannabis, polls and surveys, great quotes from leaders in the field and other helpful reference materials.

How Prevalent is Inhalant Abuse in Ulster County?

How Prevalent is Inhalant Abuse in Ulster County?

In 2009, over 2.1 million kids, ages 12 - 17 used an inhalant to get high[1]. The NIDA-funded 2010 Monitoring the Future Study showed that 8.1% of 8th graders, 5.7% of 10th graders, and 3.6% of 12th graders had abused inhalants at least once in the year prior to being surveyed.

In Ulster County, 12.9% of 8^th graders reported using an inhalant to get high at least once, and 6.1% reported using within the last 30 days[2]. 9.3% of 10^th graders and 5.8% of 12^th graders reported using an inhalant at least once.

Inhalants pose a particularly significant problem since they are readily accessible, legal, and inexpensive. They also tend to be abused by younger teens[3] and can be highly toxic and even lethal.

Most inhalants produce a rapid high that resembles alcohol intoxication. If sufficient amounts are inhaled, nearly all solvents and gases produce a loss of sensation, and even unconsciousness. Irreversible effects can be hearing loss, limb spasms, central nervous system or brain damage, or bone marrow damage. Sniffing high concentrations of inhalants may result in death from heart failure or suffocation (inhalants displace oxygen in the lungs).  Even a single session of repeated inhalations can lead to cardiac arrest and death by altering normal heart rhythms or by preventing enough oxygen from entering the lungs. Some abusers experience restlessness, nausea, sweating, anxiety, and other symptoms of withdrawal when they stop taking the drug[4]. Like any other drug when abused, inhalants can also lead to accidents and injuries.

Inhalants include a variety of products that produce breathable chemical vapors that can have mind-altering effects.  The substances inhaled are often common household products that contain volatile solvents, aerosols, or gases. Many of these products are commonly found in the home. People do not think that products such as spray paints, nail polish remover, hair spray, glues, and cleaning fluids present any risk of abuse, because their intoxicating effects are so totally unconnected to their intended uses. Yet, young children and adolescents do seek them out for that purpose. Intoxication occurs quickly and usually lasts only a few minutes, making abuse of inhalants easier to conceal than abuse of alcohol or marijuana.
Parents may be unaware of the risks of inhalant abuse. Even those who are watchful for signs of alcohol or drug abuse may not realize the risk associated with products found under the kitchen sink and in the garage. Adults don't have to clear out cabinets, utility closets, and garage shelves to keep young people safe from inhalant abuse. Rather, they should store household products carefully to prevent accidental inhalation by very young children; they should also remain aware of the temptations that these dangerous substances pose to children in their homes, learn the facts, and communicate with children in a way that guides them toward healthy life choices.

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[1] National Survey on Drug Use and Health

[2] 2010 Ulster County Youth Development Survey

[3] NIDA Community Alert Bulletin on Inhalants published in January, 2005

[4] NIDA Notes, Volume 20, Number 3 (October 2005) Inhalant Abuse: Danger Under the Kitchen Sink

It's not too late to win $500 for your community group or youth group!

It's not too late to win $500 for your community group or youth group! The Ulster Prevention Council is still accepting submissions for the Phil Terpening Memorial Award. Please visit
http://www.ulsterpreventionproject.org/page/Awards

Philip Terpening, a County Legislator from Rosendale was a founding Chair of the Ulster County Substance Abuse Prevention Board until his untimely passing.  As a tribute to Phil and his vision for Ulster, The Board has established an annual memorial dedicated to his commitment to reduce substance use and abuse among youth in Ulster. 
This memorial will award $500 to the community group and $500 to the youth group that promotes substance abuse prevention in the most effective manner. 

The submission Deadline for both awards is November 30, 2011.

Please visit our website for more information.  http://www.ulsterpreventionproject.org/page/Awards

New Resource from National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

New Resource from National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) has just released a guide for health care professionals to help identify children and teenagers age 9 to 18 who are at risk for alcohol-related problems, provide brief counseling, and refer them to treatment resources if that is indicated.

The evidence-based guide, Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention for Youth: A Practitioner's Guide, includes a two-question risk assessment as well as links to resources for motivational interviewing. NIAAA developed the guide and supporting pocket guide in collaboration with the American Academy of Pediatrics, a team of underage drinking researchers and clinical specialists, and practicing health care professionals.  

In contrast to other screens that focus on established alcohol problems, this early detection tool aims to help prevent alcohol-related problems in patients before they start or address them at an early stage.

The screening questions and risk scale, developed through primary survey research, are powerful predictors of current and future negative consequences of alcohol use.
 The screen consists of just two questions, which can be incorporated easily into patient interviews or pre-visit screening tools across the care spectrum, from annual exams to urgent care.

It’s the first tool to include friends’ drinking. The “friends” question will help identify patients at earlier stages of alcohol involvement and target advice to include the important risk of friends’ drinking.

U.S. Bans Chemicals in "Bath Salts" Street Drug

U.S. Bans Chemicals in "Bath Salts" Street Drug
 
WASHINGTON | Fri Oct 21, 2011 5:22pm EDT

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. authorities on Friday issued a temporary ban on chemicals used in a new type of street drug known as "bath salts" that is increasingly popular among teens.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) took emergency action that makes possessing and selling these chemicals or products that contain them illegal in the United States.
"This emergency action was necessary to prevent an imminent threat to public safety," the DEA said in a statement.
Under the federal order, the chemicals used to make bath salts -- mephedrone, methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and methylone -- are banned for at least one year.
Studies will then determine if the chemicals should be permanently banned.
The action places the chemicals on the DEA's most restrictive list, reserved for substances with high potential for abuse and that do not have a currently accepted use for treatment.
Bath salts are marketed with catchy names like "Ivory Wave," "Purple Wave," "Vanilla Sky" and "Bliss" and are comprised of chemicals that mimic the effects of drugs like cocaine and LSD, authorities said.
Users have reported impaired perception, reduced motor control, disorientation, extreme paranoia and violent episodes, with other unknown longer-term physical and psychological effects.
Bath salts, also sometimes sold as "plant food," are growing in popularity among young adults and teens. They are sold at tobacco shops, gas stations, convenience stores and online, according to the DEA.
The products are typically marked "not for human consumption" but are commonly snorted, swallowed or injected by users. They have not been approved by the federal regulators for human consumption or medical use.
Poison control centers, hospitals and police have been fielding an increasing number of calls about products containing the chemicals in bath salts, the DEA said.

Snoop Dogg Endorses Dangerous New “Blast” Drink.

The makers of Colt 45 malt liquor have stirred up a controversy with a new beverage that some fear will encourage kids to drink. 18 state attorneys general – both Republicans and Democrats and from a wide range of states sent a letter to Pabst asking it to take Blast off the market.
Blast is a fruity new blend boasting twice the alcohol as Pabst Brewing Co.'s original malt liquor. The drink in a colorful 23.5-ounce can resembles soda pop but has an alcohol content of 12%, more potent than a typical can of beer.
"Colt 45 makers are raising the alcohol level from the already high 6% to the even higher 12%, and enticing young people with hip hop themes and lollipop flavors," said Paul Porter of Industry Ears, a think tank that promotes justice in the media. Blast comes in such flavors as grape, strawberry watermelon and blueberry pomegranate. According to the state Attorney Generals, each can of the product, which comes as large as 23.5 ounces, is equal to drinking as much as five servings of alcohol.

It is being promoted on hip-hop radio stations, at concerts, and by popular hip-hop/rap artist Snoop Dogg. Snoop Dogg, a presenter at Nickleodeon’s Kids Choice Awards, has been asked to withdraw his endorsement of the controversial Blast beverage.

The fruit flavors, as well as the marketing, is oriented towards youthful drinkers, maintain the AGs, who have a history of getting such products removed from the market. Pabst, in a statement, denied it is marketing the product to underage drinkers.
In describing Blast, the chairman of Pabst, Dean Metropoulous, called it a “uniquely positioned product.” The company then described a marketing campaign that appears to be heavily aimed at the African-American community because of the campaign’s heavy use of hip-hop concerts and radio stations.
In order to cooperate with FDA regulations, Blast by Colt does not contain caffeine, taurine, or guarana. The drink’s slogan is “Works Every Time”.

National Survey Shows a Rise in Illicit Drug Use From 2008 to 2010 The use of illicit drugs among Americans increased between 2008 and 2010, according to a national survey conducted by SAMHSA. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) shows that 22.6 million Americans age 12 or older (8.9 percent of the population) were current illicit drug users. The rate of use in 2010 was similar to the rate in 2009 (8.7 percent), but remained above the 2008 rate (8.0 percent). Another disturbing trend is the continuing rise in the rate of current illicit drug use among young adults age 18 to 25—from 19.6 percent in 2008 to 21.2 percent in 2009 and 21.5 percent in 2010. This increase was also driven in large part by a rise in the rate of current marijuana use among this population. “We stand at a crossroads in our Nation’s efforts to prevent substance abuse and addiction,” said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, J.D. “These statistics represent real lives that are at risk from the harmful and sometimes devastating effects of illicit drug use. This Nation cannot afford to risk losing more individuals, families, and communities to illicit drugs or from other types of substance abuse—instead, we must do everything we can to effectively promote prevention, treatment, and recovery programs across our country.” The annual NSDUH survey, released by SAMHSA at the kickoff of the 22nd annual National Recovery Month observance, is a scientifically conducted annual survey of approximately 67,500 people throughout the country, age 12 and older. Because of its statistical power, NSDUH is the Nation’s premier source of statistical information on the scope and nature of many behavioral health issues.

New Paltz Coalition Receives Federal Funding

The White House Office of National Drug Policy announced that the Community Partnership for a Safer New Paltz has been awarded $125,000 in Drug Free Communities (DFC) Support Program funding.  The DFC is a Federal grant program that provides funding to community-based coalitions that organize to prevent youth substance use. The philosophy behind the DFC program is that local drug problems require local solutions.  Recent evaluation data indicate that where DFC dollars are invested, youth substance use is lower.  Over the life of the DFC program, youth living in DFC communities have experienced reductions in alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use.

A Great Time at the Ulster County Fair!

Thank you so much to everyone who visited our booth at the Ulster County Fair.  We had many visitors come and fill out our surveys and were entered in the drawing to wim the 22 inch Philips Flatscreen TV. 

Congratulations to our lucky winner, Bernadette Pikul from Highland. 

UPC at Ulster County Fair!

Come visit us at the Ulster County Fair from August 2nd-7th.  We will have a booth in the big tent.  If you fill out one of our surveys you automatically get entered in our drawing for the 22" Philips Flatscreen HDTV. 

Please come say hello!

Phil Terpening Award Submission Extension

Please be advised that the Ulster Prevention Council has extended the submission date for the Phil Terpening Award to November 30, 2011.  Please click here for all information about this award.

Where We Stand 2011 Conference

We had a great turnout at the Where We Stand 2011 Conference at Ulster Community College on June 16th.  We released the results of the 2010 Youth Development Survey.  Thank you to all who attended!

2010 Youth Survey Results

Please be advised that we have posted the 2010 Youth Survey Results.  Please click here to view the survey results.

2010 Annual Report

Please be advised that we have posted the 2010 Annual Report.  Please click here to view it.

UPC welcomes Cheryl DePaolo as new director!

On March 7, 2011 Cheryl DePaolo started as the new director of the Ulster Prevention Council.  If you have any questions about UPC, please contact Cheryl at 845-458-7406 or cdepaolo@familyservicesny.org.

Temporary Contact Information for Ulster Prevention Council

To contact the Ulster Prevention Council, please call or e-mail Joan Crawford:  845-452-1110 x3431 or jcrawford@familyservicesny.org