2/3/12: Alcohol and the Superbowl

Alcohol and the Superbowl

On February 5, millions of Americans will drive to a friend or family member's house to watch the Giants meet the Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI. While the big game is one of the most exciting events of the football season, it is also one of the most dangerous as roads are filled with too many impaired drivers wending their way back home after the parties. Contributing to the inherent dangers of drinking and driving is the relatively late kickoff (6:30 p.m., ET) and the fact that the game may go on for hours.

Last year approximately 151.6 million people viewed at least part of the Super Bowl. Americans consume more than 325.5 million gallons of beer during the Super Bowl, which is approximately 17 times the amount consumed on the average any other day of the year (Nielsen Research).

According to the most recent figures from the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2010, alcohol-impaired-driving crashes accounted for 31 percent of the total motor vehicle traffic fatalities. On Super Bowl Sunday, 48 percent of the fatalities occurred in crashes in which a driver or motorcycle rider had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .08 or higher. In fact, more than 13,000 Americans died that year in crashes involving an impaired driver.

The U.S. Department of Transportation and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with support from the National Football League (NFL) have joined forces with local highway safety and law enforcement officials to spread an important safety message to the public about designating a sober driver on Super Bowl Sunday – Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.

“This message is for everyone who will be drinking during the big game. Make the right play and pass your keys to a designated driver so they can get you home safely,” said Captain Ivan Minsal. “There is no excuse to get flagged for a false start.”

Driving while impaired could result in a loss of your driver’s license or even possibly the loss of your or someone else’s life. On Super Bowl Sunday, make it a team effort to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. If you plan on driving, plan not to drink alcohol.

If you are hosting a Super Bowl party:
• Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers before kick-off or help arrange ride-sharing with sober drivers.
• Find unique ways to recognize the designated drivers at your party:
  -Give them a great spot to watch the game.
  -Whatever non-alcoholic beverage they are drinking, make sure their glass is always full.
 - Let them have the first pass at the buffet table.
 - Make sure their cars are easy to access when it is time to start driving people home.
• Serve plenty of food.
• Offer a variety of non-alcoholic choices like soft drinks, juice, and water.
• Serve one drink at a time and serve measured drinks.
• Only serve alcohol to guests over 21 years of age.
• Determine ahead of time when you’ll stop serving alcohol, such as one hour before the party ends or at the end of the third quarter (just like NFL stadiums) and begin serving coffee and dessert.
• Add the numbers of local cab companies into your phone so they are just one touch away.
• Take appropriate steps to prevent anyone from drinking and driving.
• Be prepared for guests to spend the night if an alternative way home is not available.
• Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served ends up in a drunk-driving crash.

If you are attending a Super Bowl party or watching at a sports bar or restaurant, please follow these guidelines to make sure you enjoy Super Bowl XLVI responsibly:
• Designate your sober driver before the party begins.
• Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself—eat enough food, take breaks, and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
• If you don’t have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend, or family member to come and get you; or just stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.
• Use your community’s sober ride program.
• Always buckle up – it’s the best defense against other drunk driving.

Ulster County Data Sets Show Significant Declines in Youth Alcohol Use Over Last Decade

Ulster County Data Sets Show Significant Declines in Youth Alcohol Use Over Last Decade

Ulster County has been collecting youth substance use data biannually through the use of student surveys since 2000. Recently the Ulster Prevention Council was asked by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services to analyze trends in alcohol use rates based on these data sets

Data analysis found that over the course of the decade (2000-2010) 8th grade lifetime prevalence for alcohol decreased from 46% to 38.4%, and 10th grade lifetime prevalence for alcohol decreased from 71% to 66.9%.  Lifetime prevalence tracks the percentage of youth reporting that they have ever had a drink. Over the same time period 8th grade past 30 day prevalence decreased from 22% to 12.8% and 10th grade 30 day prevalence decreased from 45% to 35.9%. Past 30 day prevalence tracks the percentage of youth reporting that they have had at least one drink within the last 30 days.

Survey data sets also show significant declines in binge drinking from 2008 to 2010. 8th grader binge drinking declined from 6.7% to 5.8%, 10^th grade binge drinking declined from 19.2% to 17.3%, and 12^th grade binge drinking declined from 31.3% to 26.9%. Overall, binge drinking declined from 18.7% to 16.3%. Binge drinking is defined as consuming 5 or more drinks in a row within the last two weeks.

Collecting and sharing this information is vital to planning and assessing prevention efforts in Ulster County, and in advocating for ongoing prevention funding.

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