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"The Challenge" provides information and resources to help schools create safe and healthy learning environments for students. Articles in this issue include: (1) Research Shows Consequences of Drug Abuse on the Teenage Brain (Don Vereen); (2) Interview: NIDA [National Institute on Drug Abuse] Director Discusses Drug Abuse among Teens; (3) Know the Warning Signs of Teen Drug Use; and (4) Programs to Prevent Drug Abuse: One Size Does Not Fit All. OSDFS Grants Forecast for Fiscal Year 2007, recent research findings, and resources for finding more information are also included. ["The Challenge" is published by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools. For "The Challenge. Volume 14, Number 2," see ED494849.]

The Child Welfare League of America is the nation's oldest and largest membership-based child welfare organization committed to engaging people everywhere in promoting the well-being of children, youth, and their families and protecting every child from harm. By publishing a diverse range of views on a wide array of topics, "Children's Voice" seeks to encourage public discussion and debate among those who are committed to helping children and families. The following are included in this issue of "Children's Voice": (1) Growing Up with Meth: Meth Addiction is Spreading among American Families, Leaving Thousands of Children Vulnerable and Child Welfare Systems Stretched (Jennifer Micheal); (2) Facility Facelifts: How Courthouses Are Accommodating Children and Youth (Manka Ngwa-Suh); (3) Video Game Violence (Mark Hoerrner and Keisha Hoerrner); (4) The Down to Earth Dad: Make No Mistake about It Dads "Are" Necessary (Patrick Mitchell); (5) Exceptional Children: Navigating Learning Disabilities and Special Education (Ellen Notbohm); (6) Management Matters: Technology Growth in Youth-Serving Organizations (Alexandra Krasne); (7) Executive Directions; (8) Agency Briefs; (9) Other Voices: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (Donna Butts and Brigitte Castellano); (10) National News Roundup; (11) Eye on CWLA; and (12) Bulletin Board.

Substance abuse is a major social problem and concern for counselors. It is the most prevalent mind disorder encompassing some 40% of the diagnoses in the DSM-IV, the number one continuing health problem, and the number one prison problem in the United States. Yet, school, rehabilitation, and mental health counselor education programs do not require expertise in this area as a prerequisite to receiving a degree. This digest focuses on identification of counseling outcome research implications for counseling individuals with substance abuse problems and highlights the following conclusions regarding counseling individuals with substance abuse problems: (1) All counselors will counsel individuals with presenting or related problems of substance abuse; (2) Counselors counsel and empower individuals with substance abuse problems versus treating the substance abuse problem; (3) Counselors must be able to establish the same open, collaborative, and therapeutic relationship in counseling individuals with substance abuse problems as they do with other client populations; (4) Counselors must focus the counseling relationship on addressing the client's presenting problems directly and identifying client need for change (5) Counselors must know community resources and procedures for referral to be able to insure access to effective and appropriate support services for clients. (Contains 4 references.) (JDM)

The main private organization in Germany dedicated to combatting drug addition--the DHS and the Federal Health Information Agency (BzGA) jointly estimate the number of persons addicted to "illegal" drugs in Germany at around 200,000. Yet, people may grow up immune to drug addiction if they acquire a stable basis for self-confidence and self-awareness in childhood. Ways to teach children to solve everyday problems and increase their self-confidence are explored. Highest priority should be given to primary prevention (pre-emptive action to avoid addiction) and should be emphasized during the pre-school years, as part of drug policy in Germany's most populous federal state, North Rhine Westphalia (NRW). A key role in drug use prevention is played by kindergarten staff, school teachers, social pedagogues active in youth organizations and supervisors in apprentice-training companies or centers. Various programs and resources can educate young children and help them recognize the risks associated with addiction. If primary prevention efforts do not work, then secondary prevention, such as withdrawal, therapy, substitution, or learning to live with drugs, are recommended. Specifics of illegal drug use in Germany are presented, along with statistics of first-time "hard" drug users from 1993-1995. Methods of prosecution and justice are also explored, as are efforts at international cooperation in stemming the drug trade. It is important to educate potential consumers and victims of drugs on the consequences of drug use. (RJM)

This volume focuses on therapeutic recreation, as a subject of inquiry and as a treatment tool. The 11 articles include original field based research, program development initiatives, issue and theory of practice papers, and original tutorials in assessment and research. The article titles are: "The Role of Leisure Education with Family Caregivers of Persons with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders" (M. J. Keller, S. Hughes); "Selected Assessment Resources: A Review of Instruments and References" (N. Stumbo); "The Family Lab: An Interdisciplinary Family Leisure Education Program" (M. Malkin, R. Phillips, J. Chumbler); "Perception of Client Needs in Chemical Dependency Treatment Programs" (C. Hood); "Caregivers, the Hidden Victims: Easing Caregiver's Burden through Recreation and Leisure Services" (L. Bedini, C. W. Bilbro); "Facilitating the Child's Adjustment to Parental Disability" (R. Blesch-Hill, L. Heeney); "The Interface between Social and Clinical Psychology: Implications for Therapeutic Recreation" (D. Austin); "Relationships between Meanings of Work and Meanings of Leisure among Wheelchair (Basketball) Athletes" (S. Hunt); "Answering Questions about Therapeutic Recreation Part 1: Formulating Research Questions" (B. McCormick, D. Scott, J. Dattilo); "Answering Questions about Therapeutic Recreation Part 2: Choosing Research Methods" (J. Dattilo, B. McCormick, D. Scott); and "Standards: A Tool for Accountability, the CARF Process" (A. Toppel, B. Beach, L. Hutchinson-Troyer). (IAH)

Issues pertinent to prenatal drug-affected students are discussed in this ERIC Digest. The rising number of drug-exposed children approaching school age presents a challenge to school personnel in meeting their special needs. Topics covered are: (1) seriousness of the problem; (2) problems unique to drug-affected children; (3) creation of a classroom environment conducive to optimal development; and (4) the pros and cons of placement in special education programs. (7 references) (LMI)

This digest focuses on the clinical supervision of counselors involved in addictions counseling. An overview notes the growing field of addictions counseling and describes Powell's model of clinical supervision which blends aspects of several supervision theories. This model is developmental in nature, addresses nine descriptive dimensions of clinical supervision issues. These include: influence, therapeutic strategy, and counsel or in-house treatment. Issues specific to addictions counseling and supervision are outlined. The next section considers what it is that makes addictions supervision different from other forms of supervision. Three supervision issues that are idiosyncratic to substance abuse counseling are identified: the fact that a significant number of addictions treatment providers are paraprofessionals; the belief of many professional counselors and paraprofessionals facilitating addictions treatment that one must be in recovery to provide effective treatment; and that, to some degree, all treatment providers are influenced by personal issues. Other ingredients vital to the supervision process are discussed. Contains 5 references. (NB)

This is a Searchlight Plus document, an informational analysis paper based on a computer search of the ERIC database from 1966 through November 1985 and on pertinent outside resources. This paper reviews, analyzes, and interprets the literature on the topic of substance abuse prevention in schools and points out the implications of the information for human services professionals. The problems of alcohol and drug abuse among young people are discussed. It is noted that, while drug abuse by youth is declining, drinking and driving is the leading cause of death in the United States for young people. The rationale of substance abuse prevention programs as well as their components, planning, and implementation are discussed. Included in this discussion are extensive references to relevant ERIC sources. A resource list of agencies involved in substance abuse prevention is given. Sixty-four pages of computer search from the ERIC database with complete bibliographic citations are included. (Author/ABL)

This issue of "Media & Values" provides essays and teaching ideas for addressing the influence of the media in society and the growing incidence of addiction. Articles in this issue include: (1) "Culture of Addiction" (Rosalind Silver); (2) "Crack and the Box" (Pete Hamill); (3) "When It Comes to Drugs, Beware the Censor's Fix" (David Musto); (4) "How Free is Commercial Speech?" (Steven Shiffrin; Kerry Gerot); (5) "Deadly Persuasion" (Jean Kilbourne); (6) "Cigarettes Under Fire" (Richard Pollay); (7) "The More Things Change..."; (8) "Anti-Smoking Campaign Fights Fire with Ads" (Eric Vollmer); (9) "Alcohol and Television" (Kathryn Montgomery); (10) "How Advertisers Sell Addiction"; (11) "The Selling of Addiction to Women" (Carol Moog); (12) "Learning from Television: Commercials Influence Kids"; (13) "Cultural Dynamics Mold Hispanic Marketing" (Bruce Maxwell; Michael Jacobson); (14) "Cancer is an Equal Opportunity Disease" (Marilyn Kern-Foxworth); (15) "Giants in the Advertising World" (Beth White); (16) "The New Third World Fight Is over Tobacco" (David Holley); (17) "Resources for Follow-Up"; and (18) "Just Say Yes to Media Literacy" (Elizabeth Thoman). (EH)

Articles in this special issue are reviews that focus on issues related to the evaluation of addiction treatment outcomes over longer term followup periods (2 years or more). The primary conclusion that can be drawn is that research evaluations of substance abuse treatment should reflect, to a greater degree, the chronic nature of addiction. (SLD)

For the past 20 years West Germany has actively combatted its country's drug-related problems, and has been a leader in international narcotics' coordination and control efforts. Part 1 of this document describes West Germany's attempts to contain and eradicate addiction and to assist persons who are addicted to legal drugs, such as alcohol, tobacco, medications, and substances that can be sniffed, and to illegal drugs, such as heroin, morphine, cocaine, and opium. Part 2 discusses West Germany's role in international anti-drug campaigns and policies. The dissemination of information and materials to children and youth, parents and teachers, and youth center workers is described. West Germany's proactive actions are highlighted through an examination of its: (1) legal principles and the 1982 law governing narcotics; (2) nationwide network of advisory centers; (3) international proposals; (4) international cooperation with police and customs' officials; and (5) cooperation with United Nations narcotics agencies. (JHP)

This digest defines drug abuse and examines ensuing family problems, methods of intervention and treatment, school related problems, and prevention of chemical dependency. (BH)

The article present an interview with American guitarist Dave Navarro. Topics discussed include Navarro's reflective journey in music, detailing his evolution from his early influences to his current work with rock band Jane's Addiction; his turbulent upbringing and its impact on his career; the eclectic musical styles that shaped Jane's Addiction; and his personal battles with drug addiction and how music served as a refuge.

The text is a personal narrative from the perspective of a narrator who reflects on their complicated relationship with their father, who was abusive and struggled with drug addiction. The narrator expresses a lack of grief upon their father's death and believes that he deserved the suffering he experienced due to his actions. The narrator also discusses their own feelings of guilt and complicity in not intervening to protect their mother from the abuse. The text raises questions about the narrator's potential for future grief, the deservingness of empathy for individuals with cancer, the impact of addiction and abuse on culpability, the acceptability of feeling happiness at someone's death, and suggestions for the narrator's future well-being. [Extracted from the article]

The article follows Jim Best's journey from an ADD diagnosis in childhood to his struggles with ADHD and Adderall addiction. Topics include Initial ADHD Diagnosis, detailing Jim's transition from ADD to ADHD and the prescription of Adderall; Adderall Dependency, exploring how Jim's increasing reliance on the drug affected his personal and professional life; and Recovery and Withdrawal, covering his attempts to wean off the medication and the challenges he faced during this period.

With her compassion and knowledge, Linda Hurley, CEO of CODAC Behavioral Healthcare in Rhode Island, is able to convince corrections staff of the benefits of methadone and buprenorphine. But it isn't easy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses Titus Kaphar's new film, "Exhibiting Forgiveness," which explores the complex dynamics of forgiveness and trauma within a family. The film challenges traditional narratives of forgiveness in Black cinema and offers a raw portrayal of processing childhood trauma into adulthood. Through the story of a painter grappling with his abusive father's return, the film delves into the limits of forgiveness and the emotional toll it takes on individuals. The article highlights the deep personal connections and emotional struggles of the actors and director involved in bringing this powerful story to life. [Extracted from the article]

The article highlights the recovery-friendly workplace movement in the U.S. in recognition of substance abuse disorder and addiction as a workforce issue. It provides an overview of the experiment in hiring workers in recovery from drug addiction at telemarketing company Chameleon Group. It discusses the cost for businesses that fail to address substance use disorder, importance of preventing relapse and recovery-friendly approaches like building workplace connection, empathy and work ethic.

The article focuses on the pervasive impact of prescription drug addiction, highlighting stories of individuals driven to extreme measures like self-injury to obtain opioids. Topics include the origins of addiction after medical procedures, the culpability of pharmaceutical companies like Purdue Pharma in promoting addictive drugs, and the challenges of recovery and treatment in a landscape flooded with opioid prescriptions and addiction-related services.

Tonya Mosley, cohost of NPR's Fresh Air, shares the story of her sister's disappearance in a new podcast called She Has a Name. The podcast explores the life of Anita Wiley, a single mother who went missing in Detroit in 1987. Through the podcast, Mosley and her nephew, Antonio Wiley, aim to give a voice to the voiceless and bring healing to families who have lost loved ones. After more than three decades of searching, Antonio finally received confirmation that his mother's body had been found and identified. Although questions about Anita's murder remain, Antonio finds solace in finally knowing what happened to his mother. The podcast also allows others to share their memories of Anita and helps Mosley heal from her own childhood fears. [Extracted from the article]

Patients with insurance coverage under Medicare — in particular, Medicare Advantage — or Medicaid are less likely to receive medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) because providers are just unwilling to treat them, according to a report released last month by the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG). The report repeatedly refers to "behavioral health," so in this article, we do too. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Not just another meeting, the conference of the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD) held last week in Las Vegas was a coming together of the minds of the only providers in the country who have ever treated patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) with methadone. And it was clearly time for this meeting to be a positive one, focused on the importance of comprehensive care to patients. ADAW has written about the challenge to opioid treatment programs (OTPs) posed by the Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act (MOTAA) many times (see https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.34028, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.34003, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.33951), and one key advocacy session on May 21 presented the case very clearly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Billy Idol, the '80s superstar, reflects on his career and personal life in a recent interview. He discusses his rise to fame, his struggles with addiction, and his transformation into a family man. Idol shares the wisdom he has gained over the years, including the importance of perseverance, understanding parents, and knowing one's limits. He also talks about his current lifestyle, which he describes as "California sober," and the joy he finds in being a grandparent. Despite his wild past, Idol remains grateful for his success and continues to rock out on stage. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the often overlooked mental health challenges faced by individuals involved in touring, despite their increased risk of addiction, depression, and anxiety. It highlights the need for greater awareness and support for the psychological well-being of touring musicians and personnel, drawing attention to the detrimental effects of the touring environment and proposing psychotherapy as a means to address these issues effectively.

The article discusses medications that can be used as treatment for pediatric attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to address the shortage of prescription stimulants in the U.S. Topics discussed include the results of a clinical study of the dextroamphetamine patch Xelstrym, the contraindications and adverse drug effects of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse), and the administration of viloxazine (Qelbree). Also discussed are other medications including atomoxetine and clonidine.

Observing Georgia's leadership in pioneering the certified peer specialist movement and its role in paving the way for Medicaid reimbursement for peer support services, the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) has released a new documentary that highlights the journeys of peer specialists in the state and their impact on recovery and support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gay rapper PrettiBoiRoq has released his new single "In My Ride," which explores the theme of real romance in gay hip hop. The song, with its pop-oriented sound, is a departure from his previous work and aims to showcase his versatility as an artist. The music video, directed by Nicholas Eastman, depicts a young couple on their first date, emphasizing the connection between two people rather than explicit content. PrettiBoiRoq, who grew up facing adversity in North Carolina, has found solace and self-expression through hip hop music. [Extracted from the article]

While artificial intelligence (AI) may have utility in some medical practices such as reading X‐rays, it is not going to be useful in diagnosing or treating conditions with nuances — notably, substance use disorders (SUDs) — experts suggested in a panel on the topic at last week's College on Problems of Drug Dependence (CPDD) annual conference in Montreal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On Feb. 2 the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released its final rule for opioid treatment programs and methadone, just as ADAW went to press (see SAMHSA issues final rule updating OTP methadone rules, ADAW Feb. 5; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.34023). The American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD), which represents more than 1,300 opioid treatment programs (OTPs) in the United States, last week commended SAMHSA for the guidance, which it called "enlightened and thoughtful." In a Feb. 5 press statement, AATOD president Mark Parrino noted that the regulations have been reviewed by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). For the final rule, go to https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/02/02/2024‐01693/medications‐for‐the‐treatment‐of‐opioid‐use‐disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a reactionary movement in San Francisco, California backed by wealthy interests, that manipulates urban crises such as homelessness, drug addiction, and crime for political gain. Topics include the resurgence of conservative forces, efforts to roll back progressive policies, and the use of fearmongering narratives blaming the left for the city's struggles.

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This article provides an insight into the life and career of Nicki Minaj, a popular rapper and musician. It discusses her early struggles and ambitions, her rise to fame, and her personal growth and perspective on various issues. Minaj reflects on her experiences with addiction, her role as a mother, her views on body positivity, and her use of social media. The article also touches on her controversial comments about COVID-19 vaccines and her desire to connect with other mothers and raise awareness about mental illness and drug addiction. Overall, it presents a multifaceted portrait of Minaj, highlighting her artistic talent, personal journey, and evolving perspectives. [Extracted from the article]