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A community report provided by: The Greater Valley Substance Abuse Action Council (VSAAC) A program of BHcare

TAKE ACTION!
By: Pam Mautte Director of Greater Valley Substance Abuse Action Council The Greater Valley Substance Abuse Action Council is calling our communities together to take action against an emerging trend that is impacting and changing lives in our communities. What is this emerging trend? Prescription drug abuse. We need to take action and work hand in hand to develop interventions that will drastically reduce initiation to use, reduce use, and prevent accidental overdose. We must also ensure that people who genuinely need medications have access to them and to ensure that medicines are not shared, misused or abused. This handout will provide you with a clear picture of what is happening in our communities and across the nation. It is also the first step in creating a solution to this rapidly growing drug problem. THE PROBLEM WHY? WHY HERE? Prescription pill abuse is growing in our community. Prescriptions are easy to get.

There is high distribution of prescription pills We have recognized an increase of accidental There is normalization of pill use. Individuals have a low awareness of harm and There is limited access to treatment.
addiction. overdoses. in a small geographic region.

STRATEGIES FOR COMMUNITY CHANGE

Our goals are to create a comprehensive approach to address prescription pill abuse in our communities. Encourage all community residents to become a part of the solution and take action with us.

By implementing multiple strategies across our communities we can make a difference. Please join us in being part of the solution. How can you help? You can help by assisting us in any of the following areas:

Provide information or enhance skills by hosting educational presentations or workshops. Provide/encourage supportive services (recovery support meetings, alternative activities for youth).

a ives n g and to is Enhance barriers by providing medication disposal boxes. io r it ript ge, resc dosa e afte ation p Rx t the dicin edic Reduce access by encouraging safe disposal of medications. an and s e m ing o adju the m if the amily av f t H , g Advocate for accessible substance abuse treatment TH: ense akin wise with MY ient lic tinue t d. Like hared options. s not pat ly con neede n be are her a at ot safe onger d, it c Be a positive influence: sign on as a community partner s th y rug ny wa d o l scribe d n with us and provide education and disposal information re . ion in a sidere ous pt is p ds to your group, sponsor media campaign messages, promote er em scri ns on n pre ing th ris c dang perso frie local educational programs. ng tak o r i t o r the ad Tak oct our CT: bedo by a d can le ng ano aring y rson FA scri Modify and change policy by supporting prescription Sh pe ted and ,usi pre direc buse onally e law. other tating drug monitoring programs, drug take back programs a s i n n tha se or Addit inst th ith a deva and legislation, doctor shopping laws, and by promoting w d to u a . mis omes is ag icines lea c use and implementation of drug courts, brief screenings n out icatio n med could and drug testing. ed iptio l and m cr s ga pre so ille l is a lts. resu

National Trends
Second to marijuana, the most common illegal drugs teens are abusing are prescription medications.
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) showed that nearly one-third of people aged 12 and over who used drugs for the first time in 2009 began by using a prescription drug for non-medical reasons. According to the 2009 NSDUH over 70 percent of people who abused prescription pain relievers got them from friends or relatives. ONLY about five percent bought them from a drug dealer or from the Internet.

Rx Access Points Friends & Family Source of Concern

Drug Dealer / Stranger 4% 1% 4% Other Bought on internet 18% One doctor >1 Doctor
81% 2.90% 4.80% 1.10% 1.10% 1.80% One doctor > 1 Doctor Free from friend / relative Bought from friend / relative Stole from friend / relative Dealer Other

6.60%

56% 5% 9%

3%

Stole from friend / relative Bought from friend / relative Free from friend / relative

SOURCE WHERE FRIEND/RELATIVE OBTAINED SOURCE WHERE RESPONDENT OBTAINED

SAMHSA (2008). Results from the 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: National Findings (Office of Applied Studies, NSDUH Series: H-34, DHHS Publication No. SMA 08-4343). Rockville, MD. Available at: www.oas.samhsa.gov/nsduh/2k7nsduh/2k7Results.pdf

The 2009 NSDUH survey also reports that more than 7 million Americans reported using a prescription medication for non-medical purposes in the past 30 days.

Non-medical use of prescription opioids increasing

Number of Emergency Department Visits

Which prescription opioids are involved?

120000 100000 80000 60000 40000 20000 0 2004 2008

(Source: www.samhsa.gov)

(Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN), 2004--2008. )

Closer to home
VSAAC was instrumental in the support of a study funded by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) with principal investigator Traci Green, PhD, MSC, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology, the Warren Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University. Based on the premise that drug overdoses in CT are the leading cause of adult injury and death (out-numbering the combined deaths resulting from motor vehicle accidents, fire and firearms), the study sought to identify issues that surround these overdose injuries and deaths. Three communities in CT were selected to be part of the study - Ansonia, Seymour and Wallingford. The study aimed to determine and understand why high rates of prescription opioid abuse and overdose is occurring in these communities. The data collected addressed three main areas: 1. Problem definition: Is there a prescription opioid problem occurring; what drugs are involved; how do people first initiate use of these medications; perceptions of safety of prescription opioids; relative local street prices; who is using; who is dying; and how are overdoses being discovered and responded to? 2. Sources of prescription opioids and the channeling of these drugs into an illegal market or illegal use. 3. Specific overdose intervention needs: Information needed about local assets and resources for coordinating response.

The initial phase was the collection of information which VSAAC helped to simplify for the field team. Two of VSAAC staff members are part of the Community Advisory Board; and the organization remains actively involved in the current phase of the study which is collaborating with community partners to develop evidence based tools to promote safer methods of prescribing opioid medications in order to prevent unintentional injury and death.

re s. mo g are al dru ns leg io il cat edi than m s n x rug : Rx tai se R ese d ily TH t to ob abu th m MY cul ho that m fa al ffi di e w ort ro tion f p i hos ed T: T ions re btain s. Add dicine ets, AC icat ily o end me F d bin e e eas d fri mily en ca m b fa an tch can bers clude as ki es. l m me rces in s wel purs u ets a and so in ds cab htstan nig

Prescription drug abuse is a problem among teens today. And a major source of the problem is right under your nose: the medicine cabinet. This may be happening in your house, which means you can definitely do something to stop it. Safeguard your medications and keep track of the quantity. Educate yourself. Find out more at theantidrug.com. You can stop the dealer.
Office of National Drug Control Policy / Partnership for a Drug-Free America

theantidrug.com

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CT Study Findings: Growing trend of prescription opioid use

Deaths at home were primarily female ages 24 to 58, most being over the age of 35. Nearly all involved opioid medication prescribed to the deceased. Toxicology reports suggest use of other pharmaceuticals such as antidepressants, sedatives and hypnotics. Alcohol use was not a primary factor. More often, deaths resulted from prescription pill interaction with cocaine and/or heroin along with opioid medication. Deaths at home occurred with others in the house. History of the deceased often showed past involvement with substance abuse, mental health treatment, suicide attempts, domestic violence, incarceration, recent acute events such as surgery, work injury or chronic disease or conditions like diabetes, obesity and back problems.
Accidental Opioid Intoxication Deaths in CT

300
Not opioid Not opioid involved involved

250 Polyopioid Polyopioid 200

150

Methadone only Methadone only

100

Single prescription Single prescription opioids other than opioids other methadone than
methadone

Accidental overdose deaths are the leading cause of adult injury death in CT; more than deaths due to motor vehicle accidents, fire and firearms combined.

Count Count

50

Heroin only Heroin only

1997 1997

1998 1998

1999 1999

2000 2000

2001 2001

2002 2002

2003 2003

2004 2004

2005 2005

2006 2006

2007 2007

Source: TC Green, LE Grau, HW Carver, M Kinzly, R Heimer, Epidemiologic and geographic trends in fatal opioid intoxications in Connecticut, USA: 1997-2007. Drug and Alcohol Dependence (2011).

Recent burglaries in Oxford, Seymour and Shelton were fueled by addiction to prescription pills and heroin, according to police. People are desperate. They do desperate things. That is the bottom line, said Seymour Police Lt. Paul Satkowski.
5

National Trends: Youth Perception of Rx Medications

Teens believe that using prescription medications is safer than using illegal drugs. 1 in 5 young adults has abused a prescription drug. 1 in 3 teens report knowing someone who abuses prescription drugs.

According to the 2010 Monitoring the Future Study, sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2.1% of 8th graders, 4.6% of 10th graders, and 5.1% of 12th graders had abused OxyContin for non-medical purposes at least once in the year prior to being surveyed.

20% of U.S. high school students say they have taken Rx drugs without consulting a doctor.

Rx drugs are part of teen culture; Teens: Normalize this form of drug abuse. Take these meds for legitimate reasons with or without a prescription to stay awake, remain alert or to go to sleep. Purposely abuse these drugs to get high. They participate in pharming* and bowling** parties. Are often unaware that these activities can lead to disastrous results.

gal, are le isky tions r a is less medic se Rx hese drugs u : Beca of t MYTH and abuse drugs. s e misus ing illegal enefit any b care. us ide m ibers than s prov cr t as cation der a pres can be jus n di ey Rx me rectly un ake : d, th y when t FACT sed cor abuse ll en u misused or gs, especia wh en dru h t But w ous as illici er drugs. nger r oth da lo lcoho with a

WHAT TEENS SAID: Agree strongly / somewhat Rx drugs, even if they are not prescribed by a doctor, are much safer to use than illegal drugs. There is nothing wrong with using Rx drugs without a doctors prescription once in a while. Rx pain relievers, even if they are not prescribed by a doctor, are not addictive.
(Source: RX Abuse Prevention Tool Kits)

% 40% 31% 29%

* Pharming is when kids get high by raiding their parents medicine cabinets for prescription drugs. ** Bowling party is where teens bring prescription drugs from home, mix them together into a big bowl and grab a handful.

Of ce of National Drug Control Policy / Partnership for a Drug-Free America

P SC I T ON DRUGS CAN GE YOUR T RE R P I T EENS JUS AS H GH T I .

Learn more at theantidrug.com.

Closer to Home
In the Fall of 2009, nearly 3000 Valley 7th, 9th, and 11th, students participated in VSAACs biannual Survey of Student Needs. The students are from the towns of Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and Shelton. This survey provides the only Valley specific data about alcohol and substance abuse usage and attitudes among youth. Some disturbing facts were revealed about prescription medication.

VSAAC SURVEY SAYS...

Survey Sample Size: 2007 (2,965 students total) Grade 7 Grade 9 Grade 11 1028 1077 860 Survey Sample Size: 2009 (2,997 students total) Grade 7 Grade 9 Grade 11 999 1002 996

Pain Medication (Oxycodone, OxyContin, non-medical use) % of Teens that Used Past Year (source: VSAAC Survey of Student Needs)

Pain Medication (Codeine, Darvocet, Demerol, Percocet, etc. non-medical use) % of Teens that Used Past Year (source: VSAAC Survey of Student Needs)

In most cases, doctors contribute innocently because they havent been trained properly on how to prescribe in a responsible way, how to identify a drug addict and help them. Said Dr. David Kloth, a pain management physician from Connecticut and spokesman for the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians. In fact, 80-90% of physicians in the US have absolutely no training or education in the use of controlled substances, he said.

Take Immediate Action!

Dispose of unwanted or unused over the counter and prescription medications at the following drop box locations:
Ansonia Police Department, 2 Elm Street, Ansonia CT 06401 Seymour Police Department, 11 Franklin Street, Seymour CT 06483 Shelton Police Department, 1 Wheeler Street, Shelton CT 06484

Safe Guarding Medications

Parents (and other family members) are in the best position to reduce access to prescription drugs by locking up medicines and properly disposing of expired or unused medicines. Monitor all medications in the homeprescription and OTC medicines. Lock up medications. Safely store medicines out of childrens reach and sight. Get rid of old or unused medicines.

Talking to Teens:
EVERYONE IS NOT DOING IT: Only 1 in 5 teens are abusing Rx drugs, 4 in 5 teens are not. DEBUNK COMMON MYTHS: Rx abuse is just as dangerous as abusing other substances; it can be addictive; and its not OK to misuse these drugs even once in a while. PROVIDE CLEAR GUIDELINES: If youre a parent, let teens know you will be disappointed if they misuse Rx medications. Adults should be careful when using prescription medications. They are role models. Children and teens notice how parents use their medications.

x e eR bus aus care not a ec lth ill tb tha y hea ults w ve d b ie ad bel ibe ng t d nts rescr d you re tha use p : Pa s are ns an are ing ab w e TH n e na b e MYdicatio nals, te eve s are er th get ot ion d uld e ssio m fe nsi en t how s ar edica ot co nes co now ro . p m nt m tk on ici are the y p cribed ome d d med do no an res M p t, s nuse many es. y n fac CT: FA monl h. In their us, and edici m m ig hat d d co et h han f ol yt g to sibilit rong ose o pos the w ly disp r o int rope p to

Become Involved in Community Based Prevention:

Host educational workshops / trainings Disseminate prevention and intervention materials Assist in advocacy to expand treatment Promote medical provider education Promote brief screenings and interventions Support Prescription Monitoring Programs Support / Sponsor public awareness campaigns Support / promote medication drop boxes Become involved in public policy

Donate now to support the mission of VSAAC.

Learn more about these initiatives at www.vsaac.org

Local Resources / National Resources:

Greater Valley Substance Abuse Action Council http://www.vsaac.org ABOVE THE INFLUENCE http://www.abovetheinfluence.com/facts/drugs-prescription-otc.aspx# COMMUNITY ANTI-DRUG COALITIONS OF AMERICA www.cadca.org THE DRUG TAKE-BACK NETWORK http://www.takebacknetwork.com/ NATIONAL COUNCIL ON PATIENT INFORMATION AND EDUCATION www.talkaboutrx.org NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DRUG DIVERSION INVESTIGATORS www.naddi.org NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE, PRESCRIPTION DRUGS http://www.nida.nih.gov/drugpages/prescription.html PARTNERSHIP FOR A DRUG-FREE AMERICA www.drugfree.org WHITE HOUSE OFFICE OF NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL POLICY, EFFORTS TO REDUCE PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE http://ofsubstance.gov/blogs/pushing_back/archive/2010/07/06/51426.aspx

Dont let her sleep it off.

BHcares Greater Valley Substance Abuse Action Council (VSAAC) is a public/private partnership comprised of community leaders and citizens who develop and carry out strategies to reduce alcohol, tobacco, drug use and other risky behaviors in the Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven and surrounding communities. VSAAC offers a variety of interactive workshops and presentations for youth and adults, as well as resource materials, curricula, training programs, referrals, and other information about drug abuse, alcohol, and tobacco that can help parents, children, and the larger community become better aware and equipped to combat the intrusion of these harmful substances in their daily lives. VSAAC is a CEU provider for the CT State Dept. of Education and also provides Mental Health First Aid Training.

P.O. Box 658 435 East Main Street Ansonia CT 06401 203-736-8566 www.vsaac.org