NEW DEFINITION SAYS ADDICTION NOT A BEHAVIOR ISSUE, BUT BRAIN DISORDER

For Immediate Release
Sept 12, 2011

Winston-Salem, N.C. – After four years of intensive research involving more than 80 experts, the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) has released a new definition of addiction.

"At its core, addiction isn't just a social problem, or moral problem, or criminal problem. It's a brain problem whose behaviors manifest in all these other areas," says Dr. Michael Miller, past president of ASAM who supervised the development of the new definition of "addiction."

This new take on addiction also identifies it as a primary disease, meaning it's not necessarily the result of other causes like emotional or psychiatric problems.

"The declaration from this physician group is a watershed event in how we think of addiction. As we strive to reduce the stigma of this disease and save lives, the new definition reinforces that treatment is for sick people who need to get well, not bad people who need to get better." says Drug-Free NC President and C.E.O. Bert Wood.

Substance abuse-related issues cost the state of North Carolina an excess of $12 billion, and one in 10 of North Carolina's residents are already addicted.

For the full definition from the American Society of Addiction Medicine, click here.

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DRUG AND ALCOHOL ARRESTS SOAR AMONG YOUNG ADULTS IN NORTH CAROLINA

PAPA JOHN'S TAKES ACTION WITH STATEWIDE MESSAGING CAMPAIGN

For Immediate Release
July 1, 2011, 2011

Winston-Salem, N.C. – Young adults ages 18-29 are the most arrested age group in North Carolina for driving under the influence, possession of marijuana, and possession of other dangerous drugs.

"Drug-Free NC has been telling parents for years 'Talk to your kids about drugs,' and now we see why. We, as parents, and as communities, need to arm our youth with powerful information on the risks of drug and alcohol abuse before they hit those later teen and college years. Young adulthood is when many bad decisions are made, and parents must realize they have a chance to change that," says Drug-Free NC C.E.O., Bert Wood.

The most recent statistics show 1 in 5 teens are abusing prescription drugs, and roughly 40 percent of students in grades 9 through 12 have had alcohol in the last month, with 75 percent of teens reporting their friends "get high" at parties.

Papa John's Pizza is taking action to reach parents across North Carolina through the remainder of the summer. More than 1 million flyers will be distributed on pizza boxes over the next three months with messages to parents about talking to their children about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.

Mike Smith, Papa John's Vice President of Operations for the Southeast, says, "Papa John's Pizza knows the value of a family meal. There is no substitute for face-time with your kids. We wanted to reach parents where they are since so many have such busy lives. This is a great way to do that because as soon as that pizza box hits the table, it will serve as a reminder that meal time is a good time to talk to your kids about drugs and alcohol."

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MORE THAN 50,000 NORTH CAROLINIANS ARRESTED FOR DUI LAST YEAR

For Immediate Release
March 31, 2011

Winston-Salem, N.C. – North Carolina continues its struggles with alcohol abuse and drinking and driving.

More than 1 in 4 of all traffic fatalities are alcohol-related. This is down slightly from a recent high of 29% in 2007, but North Carolina still ranks 10th in the nation.

Approximately 55,000 North Carolinians were arrested for driving while under the influence, and 40 percent of high school students admit to drinking within the past 30 days.

These continuing trends highlight April as Alcohol Awareness month.

Across the state Centers for Prevention Resources (CPRs) and Partnerships, Alliances, Coalitions, and Collaboratives (PACCs) will be engaging in alcohol abuse prevention messaging and activities.

As part of April's activities, The Partnership at Drugfree.org will be releasing its annual Partnership Attitude Tracking Study (PATS) results on April 5th. 2011 marks the first year in-depth research was conducted on teens and their attitudes toward alcohol.

Additionally, David Mineta, the Deputy Director for Demand Reduction from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy will be in Raleigh on April 11th leading a public meeting encouraging parents to learn facts about alcohol use and abuse and talk with their children. More details will be available closer to the event.

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DRUG-FREE NC RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE AND EFFECTIVNESS

For Immediate Release
March 30, 2011

Winston-Salem, N.C. – The Partnership for a Drug-Free NC, Inc. is one of only four substance abuse organizations in the country to receive the Alliance Achievement Award from The Partnership at Drugfree.org, formerly known as The Partnership for a Drug-Free America.

This is the third consecutive year Drug-Free NC has won this national honor, in recognition of its excellence in prevention messaging and activities across North Carolina.

The purpose of these activities is to reduce the negative impact of substance abuse issues on families, individuals, and communities since 1 in 10 of North Carolinians are already addicted and 50 percent are affected by addiction.

Collaborations with colleges and universities, media outlets, sports teams, and law enforcement officials, and prevention and treatment experts have focused on initiatives ranging from drinking and driving education to prescription drug "take backs."

Steve Pasierb, C.E.O. of The Partnership at Drugfree.org, praised Drug-Free NC saying, "Today we are a true partnership dedicated to the indispensible mission of supporting healthy families. Thank you for all you do and congratulations on this well-deserved honor. [Drug-Free NC] is truly making a difference in people's lives."

The Partnership for a Drug-Free NC, Inc. is a nationally accredited non-profit, headquartered in Winston-Salem, and has provided effective treatment and prevention services for substance abuse and mental illness since 1974.

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DEA PLACES SYNTHETIC MARIJUANA ON CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE LIST

For Immediate Release
December 1, 2010

Winston-Salem, N.C. – Due to the emergence of K2, Spice, and several other "incenses," the Drug Enforcement Administration has temporarily placed five synthetic cannabinoids (JWH-018, JWH-073, JWH-200, CP-47,497, and cannabicyclohexanol) on the Schedule I controlled substance list.

These are substances typically used to make "fake pot" products. Schedule I places these chemicals in the same category as heroin or cocaine.

This emergency scheduling authority makes it illegal to possess or sell these five chemicals or products that contain them for one year while the DEA and the United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) study the compounds to determine whether the substances should be permanently controlled.

Within the past year, "smokeable" herbal blends have become increasingly popular with teens and young adults. These products consist of a plant material coated in research chemicals that mimic the affects of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. The FDA has not approved these chemicals for human consumption.

"Since this product is sold in stores, many thought it was safe. The DEA decision allows the chemicals to be studied, but it is also a reminder that drug prevention begins at home. Young people want and need to hear from parents and other influential adults about healthy and responsible choices," explains Bert Wood, C.E.O. of Drug-Free NC.

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CAFFEINATED, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE “FOUR LOKO” A NEW AND SICKENING TREND

For Immediate Release
November 4, 2010

Winston-Salem, N.C. – With 12 percent alcohol and as much caffeine as a cup of coffee, "Four Loko" is creating fans in college students across the country.

"Four Loko" sells for about $3.00 a can in North Carolina, but drinking three 24-ounce cans is approximately the same as swilling 18 beers. "The affordability of the drink only leads to increased popularity," says Partnership for a Drug-Free NC C.E.O., Bert Wood. "Our students can get drunk on five or six dollars all night."

Colleges and Universities across the country, including Harvard, have issued warnings or bans on the consumption of "Four Loko" on campus. The move to educate students on the dangers of the beverage came after a rash of trips to the emergency room at Rampoo College in New Jersey and at Central Washington University in Washington.

Its nicknames include "blackout in a can" and "badness in a can."

The flavor in the drink masks the taste of alcohol while the caffeine prohibits one from quickly seeing the tell-tale signs of inebriation until the user is already quite sick.

"There will always be another trend. There will always be something people, teens and young adults especially, will want to try to get high and ‘feel good.’ It’s our job as parents, and as a community, to educate our youth before they’re faced with these decisions in a college environment," explained Wood.

"We are home to some of the best colleges and universities in the country. I am sure our college and university officials as well as student leaders will take effective steps before students get sick, need hospitalization, or worse."

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ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE AND DRUG-FREE NC OFFER PRESCRIPTION DRUG DISPOSAL

For Immediate Release
September 24, 2010

Hillsborough, N.C. – The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is collaborating with Drug-Free NC and Wal-Mart to offer a free, safe, and anonymous prescription "drug drop" on Saturday, September 25 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Hillsborough location on 501 Hampton Point.

This free service is open to the public and is part of a Drug Enforcement Administration (D.E.A.) sanctioned national day of prescription drug "take backs."

Sheriff Lindy Pendergrass believes drops like these are paramount to public health and safety saying, "Participation in this campaign demonstrates our commitment towards a collaborative effort to put a stop to the alarming rise of addiction caused by the misuse of prescription medication."

Research shows prescription drug overdose is the second leading cause of accidental death. Additionally, roughly one in five teens are using prescription drugs to get high.

Bert Wood, the C.E.O. of Drug-Free NC, says law enforcement play a vital role in allowing people to properly dispose of their unwanted to expired medications. "A service like this would not be possible without dedicated partners like the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Their support means we can keep unused prescriptions out of the hands of our children. Many times teens, in particular, mistakenly assume it’s ‘safe’ to take something that comes from a doctor’s office."

The drop site will be conveniently located in the Wal-Mart parking lot just south of I-85 off NC Highway 86. The service is free and no questions will be asked.

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TEENS CONSUMING RECORD AMOUNTS OF MEDIA

For Immediate Release
August 23, 2010

Winston-Salem, N.C. – According to new research from The Partnership for a Drug-Free America, teens are immersed in various forms of electronic media for 53 hours a week.

The research also shows more than one-third of parents are concerned the amount of media consumption hinders their ability to find time to communicate with their children, especially ages eight to 18.

As a result The Partnership for a Drug-Free America and Drug-Free NC are launching the "Time To Talk" campaign as a new school year approaches.

"Back-to-school is a time of new beginnings for teens, but also marks new challenges with added pressure from peers, especially when it comes to drugs and alcohol. Parents, as well as religious and education leaders, need to take every opportunity to be a part of candid conversations with our youth," says Drug-Free NC C.E.O., Bert Wood.

The study shows parents worry mediums ranging from television to Twitter detract from discussions about risky behavior, especially drug and alcohol abuse. This news comes at a time when teen substance abuse is already on the rise for the first time since 1998. In fact 75 percent of teens report "their friends get high at parties."

The "Time To Talk" campaign shows parents how to find teachable moments in every day life to begin conversations about substance abuse. It also focuses on helping parents learn how to use new media to communicate with their children.

All the information, including a downloaded "text messaging cheat sheet," can be found by visiting drugfreenc.org on the home page. Click on the link "Time To Talk."

Downloads:
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Time to Talk Drug Chart
Time to Talk Kit
Time to Text Texting Guide