THE GOOD NEWS

If you are in recovery, a family member, friend or ally of someone in recovery from alcohol or other drug addiction, you won’t want to miss the 2nd annual recovery conference: Celebrating our Wellness, Celebrating our Recovery. The two-day retreat will be held at the Radisson Hotel Nashua, Saturday, August 7 & Sunday, August 8, 2010. The event is made possible by Sponsored by the New England Alliance for Addiction Recovery (NEAAR), the New England Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC), and the New England Institute of Addiction Studies. It is an opportunity to learn, relax and rejuvenate. Click here for flyer and registration form.

 NEW FUTURES NEWS

New Futures commissioned the Center for Public Policy Studies to examine health insurance claims for AOD related services. This recently released report explores the scope of services accessed by the Medicaid population with AOD issues. http://www.nhpolicy.org/report.php?report=239

It is nomination season for excellence in prevention, treatment and advocacy. Nominate yourself, your friend or your colleague for $1500 in professional development funds or an award. Advocacy awards are open to youth and adults as individuals or groups. http://www.new-futures.org/media-room/recognition-event.html

Please join us in wishing good luck to Aviva Grasso, whose Program & Policy Analyst position at New Futures has been eliminated. Aviva’s contributions to the organization and the issue of alcohol and other drug problems in the state have been substantial, and we wish her well in her future endeavors.

The New Futures Board of Directors nominated and approved three new members, all of whom joined the rest of the board and staff for the annual retreat in late May:

Peter Kelleher, CCSW, LICSW is the President and CEO of the Partnership for Successful Living in Nashua. Peter leads a nonprofit corporation (and affiliates) providing a range of services for persons with long-term mental illness and/or homeless.

Gregory Norman is the director, Office of Community Improvement and Benefits at Dartmouth-Hitchcock in Lebanon. Greg currently chairs Bridges to Prevention, the Strategic Prevention Framework Coalition for southern Grafton County. Greg graduated from Dartmouth College and holds a Master of Sciences in Management from Antioch New England Graduate School.

 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

The 2010 legislative session, scheduled to end on Wednesday, June 2, 2010 appears to be heading into extra innings as the Governor and the Legislature struggle to find a solution to the estimated $295 million deficit for SFY 2010/2011. The House and Senate have been working for weeks on possible solutions to the deficit, including further budget cuts and additional revenue. The focus of their work over the last 10 days has been HB 1128. However on June 1, 2010, the Conference Committee on HB 1128 indicated that it was not able to reach agreement because of a fundamental disagreement between the House and Senate over gambling – the Senate supports and the House opposes using revenues from expanded gambling to close the budget gap. 

It appears likely that the Governor will call the Legislature back for a Special Session as early as next week. If the Legislature fails to act, the Governor and executive branch agencies will be forced to make additional deep cuts to the budget (including to funds for alcohol and other drug prevention and treatment services and programs) because the executive branch does not have the authority to raise revenue.  

We highlight the following and will post a final tracking document on the New Futures website as soon as the session concludes. 

HB 410 permits appropriately qualified masters prepared licensed alcohol and drug counselors to provide treatment to individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. HB 410 has passed both the House and Senate and is on its way to the Governor for his signature. There is no doubt that the strong voices of advocates, including family members of people seeking treatment, providers, and DHHS, made the difference on this bill. Congratulations to those who have been working tirelessly on this issue for the last three years – WELL DONE.

SB 181 relates to the proposed transfer of the Bureau of Liquor Enforcement and Licensing to the Department of Safety. On June 2, 2010, we hope that the House and Senate will approve the conference committee report on SB 181 which suspends the transfer until July 1, 2011 and creates yet another study committee to examine the possible transfer. New Futures will continue its advocacy on behalf of retaining the Bureau within the Liquor Commission.

 RESOURCES/OPPORTUNITIES

This brief documents the prevalence of substance use and mental illness among Northern NH youth, explores the strengths and weaknesses of current health services for youth, and compares the services available to nationally recognized best practices.  http://www.carseyinstitute.unh.edu/publications/IB_Mills_HelpHaystack.pdf

This report provides a snapshot of substance abuse treatment admissions and treatment facilities in the Metropolitan Statistical Area of Manchester-Nashua, NH. Data comparing US, NH, and metro-area rates are drawn from two SAMHSA sources.  http://oas.samhsa.gov/metro/Manchester/508HTML_Manchester.htm#footnote1

OJJDP’s Survey of Youth in Residential Placement is the first comprehensive national survey to survey detainees and show that youth have substantive needs in the four areas examined-mental health, substance abuse, health care, and education.   http://ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/publications/PubAbstract.asp?pubi=249735 

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) provided funding to develop an interactive website and materials for middle school students to learn the science inside alcohol. To date, two lessons, with teacher resources are available.  www.aaas.org/programs/education/ScienceInside/alcohol/materials/alcohol_materials.shtml

The National Institute of Health's Office of Research on Women’s Health podcast provides updates on women’s health research. This month, it features Nora Volkow, the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and prescription drugs.  http://orwh.od.nih.gov/podcast/Pinncast2010-04.mp3+NF_LtrdSubSection

An American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement encourages pediatricians to be aware of risk factors for substance use among their patients and to support prevention programs for all ages as well as realistic media portrayals. Spread the word!  http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/pediatrics;125/5/1078

 IN THE NEWS

FOR-NH has been rebuilding for the past year or so. In her new role, Lisa Peakes, a member of the New Futures board, will be able to put even more energy into building the network and supporting recovery. http://www.fornh-faster.org/

While the data do not identify cause and effect, researchers conducting ten-year tracking study of high school students in Coos County are seeing links between the self-reported substance use and involvement in out-of-school activities. http://www.carseyinstitute.unh.edu/publications/IB_Sharp_SubstanceAbuse.pdf

Media Power Youth recently released a video highlighting the importance of media literacy, particularly for our media-saturated youth. While some media are beneficial, many are intended to drive purchasing and behavioral decisions in unhealthy directions.  http://www.mediapoweryouth.org/prevention.html

The Strategy emphasizes community-based prevention, integration of evidence-based treatment into the mainstream health care system, innovations in the criminal justice system, and international partnerships. New to the strategy is a focus on recovery.  Hear about it or read more: www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov    

Judges may depart from federal sentencing guidelines in order to refer offenders with alcohol and other drug problems to addiction treatment or other alternatives to incarceration, according to new guidelines issued by the U.S. Sentencing Commission.  http://www.jointogether.org/news/headlines/inthenews/2010/sentencing-commission.html

The tax increase, which works out to about 28¢ per six-pack, will apply only to major brands, not micro-brews and is scheduled to expire in 2013. By practically tripling the existing tax, the state will generate about $200 million per year.  www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gkjw8KdmzdDwTANi3ckkJ3kTdFXwD9F93FVO0

Although one to two alcoholic drinks a day is often considered safe or even beneficial for health, older adults put themselves "at risk" if they consume one or two drinks on most days and take certain medications, such as antidepressants or sedatives.  http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_98149.html

Discussion fueled in part by national healthcare reform reframe "prevention" and could mean more money for public-health approaches to addiction and mental health problems and less for programs that focus solely on alcohol and other drugs.  http://www.jointogether.org/news/features/2010/future-of-prevention-funding.html

"This report surveys some of the major features of the contemporary marketing landscape and their connection to the promotion of alcoholic beverages. One of its goals is to alert stakeholders to some of the emerging practices that demand greater scrutiny." http://www.democraticmedia.org/files/u1/2010-05-alcohol-marketing.pdf

Yet another study shows relationships between young people's drinking and risk and protective factors in the family environment. Findings support the need for alcohol misuse prevention interventions which address risk and protective factors within the family setting.  http://www.substanceabusepolicy.com/content/5/1/6

All 193 Member States signed on to 10 recommended target areas for policy options include health services' responses, community action, pricing policies and reducing the public health impact of illicit alcohol and informally produced alcohol.  http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2010/alcohol_20100521/en/index.html

 UPCOMING EVENTS

June 14-17, Colchester, VT

The Summer School is a four-day intensive experience for participants to further their knowledge, skills, and experience in the field through in-depth coursework. There is something for everyone with keynote addresses and a wide variety of workshops. http://www.neias.org/SS/nesas10.html

June 16 – 17 Concord, NH

Wednesday evening, Grammy nominated folk singer, platinum recording artist, and UNICEF ambassador Judy Collins will sign copies of her book Sanity and Grace. At the association meeting the next morning, Judy will return as the featured speaker. She will discuss growing up in an alcoholic home, her personal recovery, and the suicidal death of her son by overdose. She will also perform appropriate songs and readings. http://registration.sitesolutionsworldwide.com/synergy/v_1_/home/eventOptions.php?syntrack=qa0x18DS&scid=332

August 11, or November 17, 8:30 – 4:00 p.m., Concord, NH

This introductory training on addiction is designed to raise awareness and understanding of the dynamics and impact of addiction. It will cover the neurological basis of addiction; mental, behavioral, emotional and spiritual dimensions; stages of change; recovery; motivational techniques and resources. www.dhhs.nh.gov/DHHS/ATOD/e5-conference-Training.htm

August 12, or November 18, 8:30 a.m. – noon, Concord NH

This session explores how the addiction of an individual affects the entire family system. Special attention will be paid to the effects on the children in the family and discussion will center on strategies and resources to help increase their resiliency and coping skills.  www.dhhs.nh.gov/DHHS/ATOD/e5-conference-Training.htm

August 18-20, Anaheim, CA

OJJDP’s 12th Annual National EUDL Leadership Conference will highlight communities, programs, and other initiatives that have successfully implemented science, performance, and data-driven strategies to support the reduction of youth access to alcohol. http://ojjdp.dgimeetings.com

November 5, Loon Mountain Club, Lincoln, NH

Brought to you by the Suicide Prevention Council & the Youth Suicide Prevention Assembly. Various CEUs are in the works. Contact Elizabeth Fenner-Lukaitis (603) 271-5028 for more information

December 5-7, Washington, DC

This 15th conference will explore, develop, and advance public policy approaches to the prevention of alcohol problems in order to promote evidence-based strategies and to bring focus to the need for alcohol policy reform at all levels. www.silvergategroup.com/ap15/index.htm