Drive Responsibly This Independence Day: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving

The 4th of July is a time for a national celebration, full of backyard cookouts, pool parties, and fireworks. The buzz of a drink is not needed to feel the thrill of the summer holiday festivities. If you or someone you know decides to drink and is impaired by alcohol, it is not safe to drive a vehicle. This Independence Day, the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, the Van Buren County SAFE Coalition, and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urge drivers to share the message that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. 

In 2021, 212 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes over the 4th of July holiday period. That’s 212 people who started the day with party plans and ended the day with a permanent, unforgettable tragedy. According to NHTSA, 13,384 motor vehicle crash-related deaths in 2021 involved alcohol-impaired drivers. This represented 31% of all traffic fatalities in the United States for the year and a 14.2% increase from 2020. That same year, 538 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes over the July 4th holiday alone (6 p.m. July 2 to 5:59 a.m. July 6). Thirty-nine percent (212) of those fatalities occurred in alcohol-impaired driving crashes. With many Fourth of July festivities wrapping up in the evening or late at night, more cars are on the roads at night. Over the 2021 July 4th holiday period, of the 212 people who died in alcohol-impaired motor vehicle traffic crashes, 82% of those fatalities occurred in nighttime crashes (6 p.m.–5:59 a.m.).

If you have to ask yourself if you’re safe to drive, the chances are low that you are. If you feel buzzed, you don’t belong behind the wheel of a vehicle. For some people, even one drink is too much to safely drive. If your plans include alcohol, make sure you have a sober driver on call to help you get home safely. Stay safe for the people in your life — loved ones, parents or children, and your buddies. Drive sober to protect them and to protect yourself.

We want our community to enjoy the July 4th holiday, and we want our community to celebrate responsibly. We’re partnering with NHTSA to share the message that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. It is never okay to drink and drive, even after just a few drinks. There are options for a sober ride. So, plan if you’ll be drinking this 4th of July, or any other day, and arrange for a sober ride.

The 4th of July holiday period is consistently one of the deadliest times of year on the nation’s roads. From 2017 to 2021, there were 1,460 drivers killed in drunk-driving crashes over the 4th of July holiday period. Thirty-eight percent (552) of the drivers killed during those years were alcohol-impaired (with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher), and nearly half (44%) of the drivers killed aged 21-34 were drunk. Although it’s illegal to drive when impaired by alcohol, in 2021 one person was killed every 39 minutes in a drunk-driving crash on our nation’s roads.

No one should mix drinking and driving, and no one is immune to the effects of drunk driving. If you find yourself drunk and stranded with your vehicle, give your keys to a sober driver who can safely drive you home. Remind your friends to never get in the vehicle with a drunk driver. If you have a friend who is about to drive drunk, take away their keys and help them get home safely. Don’t worry about offending someone, you might be saving their life, or someone else’s. Always have a plan before you head out for the evening. If you wait until after you’ve been drinking to figure out how to get from one place to the next, you’re already too impaired to make the right choices. 

There are options to help impaired drivers get home safely, such as designating a sober driver or calling for a ride. If you see a drunk driver on the road, do not hesitate to contact the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office.

This 4th of July and every day, only drive if you’re 100% sober because Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.

Not My Child

Prescription medicine—a critical piece of our cultural fabric—“a pill for every ill”—all you have to do is turn on the TV, listen to the radio, or view ads on the Internet or in the newspaper to see and hear about the latest medicine that can cure migraines, treat pain and stress, keep you more alert, help you sleep or address depression. We walk that fine line between ensuring access to needed medications to preventing misuse and addiction. 

Just last year, my son broke his leg, and as a prevention specialist, I was most interested in the consult with the doctor—specifically, the type and amount of pain medications he was proposing to give him. To my dismay, he prescribed a very large dose of pain meds. My son and I agreed that this prescribing practice was excessive, and he may not need most of the pills. 

We found ourselves thrust into the middle of the prescription drug misuse problem. How much pain medication would he need? Where would we store the medicine, and how would we discard it after we were done? You say, “Why have this discussion—it won’t be my child.” He would never share medications, nor would he ever misuse or become addicted to this medicine.” Indeed, the discussion was a great exercise, and I was proud of him when he said, “you take care of the pain meds, Mom.” Prevention works! 

In this age of a “pill for every ill,” we live in a society where the potential for prescription drug misuse and addiction is ever-present. Among teens and young adults, next to marijuana and alcohol, Rx drugs are misused the most. A recent National Institute on Drug Abuse article states that an estimated 2 million Americans misused prescription pain relievers for the first time within the past year. Additionally, misuse of prescription drug rates are 14.4 percent for youth ages 18 to 25 and 4.9 percent for youth ages 12 to 17. 

In 2019, 4.9 percent of U.S. youth ages 12 to 17 reported using nonmedical prescription drugs. Important items to note:
 Many teens and young adults still believe that Rx medicines are safer to misuse than illegal drugs.
 These medicines are easy to get—about 54 percent of those abusing them obtain them from friends and relatives.
 Approximately 2000 teens each day misuse Rx drugs for the first time (NIDA FOR TEENS).

Some teens and young adults will fall down that slippery slope of misuse and addiction. Before you can say, “Not my child,” you may find yourself saying, “it is my child—now what?” 

We see the more visible signs of Rx misuse every day:
 Philip Seymour Hoffman—died of a heroin overdose, triggered by an addiction to prescription pain medicines.
 Whitney Houston—died of an overdose of cocaine and prescription drugs.
 Heather Ledger—died of an overdose of sleeping pills—both prescription and over-the-counter.
 Michael Jackson, Marilyn Monroe, Anna Nicole Smith, Brian “Crush” Adams (professional wrestler), and Ken Caminiti (1996 Most Valuable Player-played for Houston Astros, San Diego Padres, and the Atlanta Braves)—died of a prescription drug overdose. 

Out of the spotlight are the teens and young adults who misuse and may become addicted to these Rx drugs. We need to protect our teens and young people. Be a part of the solution. Start by locking up your meds and properly disposing of them at the Rx Take Back Box at the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office when they’re no longer needed. Then, get involved. Talk with your teen or young adult. I did! My son ended up taking only 1 of the 30 pain tablets he was prescribed for his broken leg, the remaining pills were successfully disposed of through our local drop-box, and the ensuing discussion—the impetus for this article—created a foundation for him to establish healthy, medicine-taking practices that will last a lifetime.

To learn more about how to prevent Rx drug misuse and addiction, contact the Van Buren County SAFE Coalition at 319-293-2579 or safe.coalition@vbcwarriors.org. 

Two Local Businesses Sell Alcohol to a Minor

On April 23, 2022 Alcohol Compliance Checks were completed at 23 alcohol establishments in Van Buren County. Two businesses, Circle B and the Vet’s Club, made sales to a person under the age of 21. The clerks making alcohol sales were issued citations for furnishing alcohol to a person under the legal age. The businesses may face additional fines from the alcohol and beverage division of Iowa.

The ultimate goal of the compliance checks are to keep youth from accessing alcohol from local retail outlets. The community wants to be sure that all merchants are taking action against youth alcohol access. This can be accomplished by ensuring that all employees are properly trained in checking identification cards. It is important that all employees check the ID of anyone who looks under the age of 40. This process will ensure that youth are unable to purchase alcohol from local retailers. 

Congratulations to the businesses who checked the ID and refused the sale, they included: AJ’s, American Legion, Boyd Grocery, Bridge Café & Supper Club, Casey’s, Crane Winery, Dollar General = Keosauqua, Dollar General - Farmington, Douds Kwik Stop, Flower House, Hel-Mart, Hotel Manning, Birmingham Jet Stop, Bonaparte Jet Stop, Milton Jet Stop, Moore’s Grocery, Riverbend Pizza & Steakhouse, River View Country Club, Simply Irresistible, Tillie’s Tap, and Town & Country Tavern.   

In an effort to protect the young people of our community, The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office will continue to do random alcohol compliance checks of all alcohol establishments in the county. If your business would like to take part in a FREE merchant alcohol training you may contact the Van Buren County SAFE Coalition at 319-293-2579 or safe.coalition@van-burencsd.org.

Drug Use Severity in Adolescence Affects Substance Use Disorder Risk in Adulthood

 NIH-funded study shows screening for substance use disorder in teens may help predict adult prescription drug use and misuse and prevent overdose.  People who reported multiple symptoms consistent with severe substance use disorder at age 18 exhibited two or more of these symptoms in adulthood, according to a new analysis of a nationwide survey in the United States. These individuals were also more likely, as adults, to use and misuse prescription medications, as well as self-treat with opioids, sedatives, or tranquillizers. Published today in JAMA Network Open, the study is funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institutes of Health.

While use of alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs is common among adolescents, previous studies have suggested that most teens reduce or cease drug use as they enter adulthood. However, this study indicates that adolescents with multiple symptoms of substance use disorder – indicating higher severity – do not transition out of symptomatic substance use.

“Screening adolescents for drug use is extremely important for early intervention and prevention of the development of substance use disorder,” said Nora Volkow, M.D., director of NIDA. “This is critical especially as the transition from adolescence to adulthood, when brain development is still in progress, appears to be a period of high risk for drug use initiation.” Dr. Volkow further discusses the findings and implications of this study in a related commentary.

Researchers in this study argue that key knowledge gaps currently hinder the initiation of screening, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment efforts for teens with substance use disorders. For example, previous methods evaluating persistence of substance use disorder tended to treat substance use disorder as one broad category, without looking at severity. They also failed to account for the possibility of polysubstance use, whereby individuals may use multiple drugs or switch the types of drugs they use as they grow older.

The NIDA-funded Monitoring the Future Panel study at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor helped close this research gap by examining substance use behaviors and related attitudes among 12th graders through their adulthood in the United States. Since 1976, the study has surveyed panels of students for their drug use behaviors across three time periods: lifetime, past year, and past month. In this study, researchers looked primarily at a subgroup of 5,317 12th graders first evaluated between 1976 and 1986, who were followed with additional surveys at two-year, then five-year intervals for up to 32 years, until they reached age 50. Among the respondents, 51% were female and 78% were white.

The research team examined the relationship between substance use disorder symptom severity at age 18 and prescription drug use, prescription drug misuse, and substance use disorder symptoms up to age 50 in these individuals.

To measure severity of substance use disorder symptoms in adolescence, researchers recorded the number of substance use disorder symptoms that participants reported in response to initial survey questions. These questions were based on criteria for alcohol, cannabis, and “other drug” use disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The researchers categorized substance use disorder symptoms into five levels of severity: exhibiting no symptoms, one symptom, two to three symptoms, four to five symptoms, and six or more symptoms. Symptoms included, but were not limited to, substance use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations and repeating substance use even when dangerous to health.

Approximately 12% of surveyed teens indicated “severe” substance use disorder, defined by this study as reporting six or more symptoms. Among this group, more than 60% exhibited at least two symptoms of substance use disorder in adulthood – an association found across alcohol, cannabis, and other drug use disorders. By comparison, roughly 54% of teens reporting two to three symptoms – indicative of “mild” substance use disorder – had two or more substance use disorder symptoms in adulthood. Higher severity of substance use disorder symptoms at age 18 also predicted higher rates of prescription drug misuse in adulthood.

Overall, more than 40% of surveyed 18-year-old individuals reported at least two substance use disorder symptoms (across all substances). More than half of the individuals who were prescribed and used opioids, sedatives, or tranquilizers as adults also reported two or more symptoms at age 18. This finding underlines the importance of strategies to increase safety and properly assess a potential history of substance use disorder symptoms when prescribing controlled medications to adults.

“Teens with substance use disorder will not necessarily mature out of their disorders, and it may be harmful to tell those with severe symptoms that they will,” said Dr. Sean Esteban McCabe, senior author of this study and director of the Center for the Study of Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking and Health at University of Michigan. “Our study shows us that severity matters when it comes to predicting risk decades later, and it’s crucial to educate and ensure that our messaging to teens with the most severe forms of substance use disorder is one that’s realistic. We want to minimize shame and sense of failure for these individuals.”

The authors note that more research is needed to uncover potential neurological mechanisms and other factors behind why adolescents with severe substance use disorder symptoms are at increased risk of drug addiction and misuse in adulthood. Characterizing possible causes of more severe substance use disorder could help improve understanding of vulnerability to chronic substance use and help make prevention and treatment strategies more effective.

References:

SE McCabe, JE Schulenberg, TS Schepis, VV McCabe, PT Veliz. Longitudinal analysis of substance use disorder symptom severity at age 18 and substance use disorder in adulthood. JAMA Network Open. DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.5324 (2022)

ND Volkow, EM Wargo. Association of Severity of Adolescent Substance Use Disorders and Long-term Outcomes. JAMA Network Open. DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.5656 (2022)

Alcohol Causes Cancer – Who Knew?

Once known as a crippling and devastating diagnosis, cancer is now often treatable and survivable thanks to the rapid strides we’ve made in medicine. One of the biggest advancements in cancer research in the past few decades is the discovery that nearly half of all cancer deaths in the United States are attributable to modifiable risk factors, such as environmental conditions and/or life choices, including alcohol consumption.

With alcohol consumption on the rise nationally during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever that we take the necessary steps to educate ourselves about alcohol to prevent its dangerous impact, such as the risk of cancer. Healthcare professionals know that most of their patients recognize the importance of diet and exercise in preventing long-term disease, but many are unaware of the risks posed by alcohol. According to the American Cancer Society, alcohol increases the risk for developing seven types of cancer: mouth, throat (pharynx), voice box (larynx), esophagus, liver, colon/rectum, and female breast cancer.  #ProofIsInTheNumbers. The more you drink, the higher your risk of cancer.

States with strong alcohol policy safeguards tend to have fewer alcohol-related cancer deaths, among other negative outcomes, according to new research released from the National Institutes of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Safeguards like limited hours and days of sales, increases in price, and government control over the sale of alcohol all have positive and protective results for the larger community.

Iowans need clear, credible information about the danger that alcohol and binge drinking can pose to your health. A key priority should be educating the public about the connection between alcohol and cancer. Most people don’t know that alcohol causes cancer. For example, just one drink per day increases a woman’s relative risk of breast cancer by up to 50%. These are important numbers that people have a right to know as a basic consumer protection.

The American Society of Clinical Oncologists has called for states to strengthen their alcohol policy safeguards to address this preventable risk factor. Improved knowledge of the link between alcohol and cancer also improves people’s support of alcohol-related policies. Clinicians can take the time to discuss the risks associated with alcohol consumption and its linkage to cancer with all patients.

Reducing alcohol consumption should be in the Cancer Prevention Plan of every state, as recommended by the American Public Health Association. By enhancing and reinforcing our cancer prevention policies, we can continue to lead the way on this critical public health issue.

Community Resources

The Best You & SAFE Coalitions       (319) 293-2579

ADDS                                                   (319) 524-4397

Sieda Community Action                  (641) 682-8741

Counseling Associates                      (319) 524-0510

Young House Family Services           (319) 524-2386

R & R Counseling Solutions              (319) 293-3635

Quitline Iowa                                     (800) 784-8669

Your Life Iowa.org                             (855) 581-8111

Senator Grassley Visits Van Buren County

 

Wednesday, April 13, 2022 the Van Buren County SAFE Coalition hosted a visit to Van Buren County by Senator Chuck Grassley for a question and answer time with high school students, community and coalition members.  This meeting was part of Senator Grassley’s annual tradition to hold at least one Q & A in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties. 

During the meeting Senator Grassley allowed the attendees to ask questions and share information on what was happening in their area of the community.  The issues discussed included substance misuse prevention work and substance misuse issues in the county, agriculture, rural health care, school funding, what a day in the life of a senator looks like, how can citizens feel safe in today’s climate, etc.  Each attendee was allowed a time to present their information to the Senator and ask questions of him.  He also took time to ask questions of the individuals present about the work they are doing and issues they are facing. 

The Van Buren County SAFE Coalition would like to thank Senator Grassley for allowing them to host this event and for coming to Van Buren County to interact with his constituents.  The coalition would also like to thank all of the community members who attended the meeting and added to the active and productive dialogue. 

For more information on the SAFE Coalition please check out these online sites:

Blog: http://vbsafecoalition.blogspot.com/

Website: http://www.van-buren.k12.ia.us/vnews/display.v/SEC/RESOURCES%7CSAFE%20COALITION

SAFE Coalition Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/vanburencountysafecoalition/

YLC Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/vanburencountyyouthleadershipcouncil/

 You may also contact the coalition at 319-293-2579 or safe.coalition@van-burencsd.org.

Investing In Our Future

As a parent, guardian, or mentor, there are many conversations we dread having when it comes to talking to kids, but a conversation about alcohol doesn’t have to be one of them! It’s very important to talk to the kids in your life about the use of alcohol. This is a topic that I’m passionate about and I hope you are too! This article will look at why we should talk to kids, provide some tips on how to talk to them, and provide some online resources. 

Why? As parents, guardians, and mentors, we are an important influencer in the lives of kids. I know sometimes that’s hard to believe, but trust me – kids are always watching, listening, and imitating the adults in their lives. By having an open relationship with good communication, we can help the kids in our lives make better decisions. By talking to kids about the use of alcohol, we can help protect them by giving them the facts before they find themselves in a risky situation. Kids who have had conversations with a trusted adult are less likely to experiment with alcohol. They are also less likely to depend on their peers for information. By including your expectations and the hopes and dreams you have for them, you can build self-esteem while telling them the risks that using alcohol will have on their future. Keep in mind that the earlier you start having conversations with kids about substance use, the better! By age 12, 10% of kids have already tried alcohol. By age 15, it jumps to 50%. By the time kids are seniors, 70% have tried alcohol. By talking to kids early, you can help to lower those percentages. 

How? Talking to kids about important issues like alcohol use can be daunting. Here are some tips on how to have a successful conversation about alcohol use:

·        Start early! Kids as young as 5 can handle an age-appropriate conversation about alcohol use. Find the teachable moments like when a commercial involving alcohol comes on the tv, when you see products being sold at a store you’re visiting, or when you’re at a restaurant that sells alcohol to hold an appropriate conversation. If age appropriate, mention the dangers and peer pressure found in social media. Also keep in mind that genetics play a role in addictive personalities and that prevention is even more important to those kids genetically at risk.

·        Be open and honest. By talking about our experiences (or even lack thereof), we build trust and respect. Tell them that you try to be a good role model, but that no one is perfect.

·        Be consistent and repetitive. This will help you send a clear message about your expectations and rules when it comes to alcohol use. By talking often, you can keep the lines of communication open and make the right choice an easier option when kids are in risky situations.

·        Hold your boundaries. This is important because kids need to understand there are consequences to every choice. It’s safer for them to learn that with someone they trust. Keep your boundaries clear and be firm with them. However, always allow them the chance to explain their choices to help them prepare for the next time.

·        Stay calm and focus on guidance. Don’t get defensive! Remember, our job is to better guide them when it comes to choices involving alcohol. We’re not going to always be there when the choices are presented so giving them tools to make a good choice is essential. As you focus on guidance, remind them how assertiveness, strength, and confidence are excellent leadership qualities that are important to have when choices are presented.

·        Listen! Don’t be judgmental. Keep the focus on connection in order to continue to build trust. Most often, we all just want someone to hear what we’re saying. If appropriate, make sure to slip in an “I love you” or a “You’re important to me” and a “Thanks for trusting me enough to tell me this”. You can also use this time to build self-esteem by acknowledging their feelings.

·        Be accessible. Make time to focus on the conversation – especially when kids approach you. Always do your best to be there for them, even during a crisis.

·        Talk about healthy coping mechanisms. We know that most people use alcohol as a coping mechanism. Offer healthy options like exercise, hobbies, taking a nap, or self-care as better options. End the stigma of asking for help!

 

Here are three great websites that can help to guide you in conversations, provide tools to help you recognize when kids are using substances, and some do’s and don’ts.

·        The first is the SAMHSA website. They have a great resource called “Talk. They Hear You”. You may have seen some advertisements (billboards) with this slogan. Visit www.samhsa.com .

·        A second resource is the University of Rochester’s website. Their site gives pointers on guiding conversations and some signs that the kids in your life may be using substances. Visit www.urmc.rochester.edu .

·        The third resource is from Vertava Health. Their site gives you some do’s and don’ts when it comes to talking to kids about substance use. Visit www.vertavahealthtexas.com .

I hope this information helps when it comes to talking to the kids in your lives about alcohol. Thanks for helping to lead prevention efforts at home, work, church, and out in the community!

Community Resources

The Best You & SAFE Coalitions       (319) 293-2579

ADDS                                                   (319) 524-4397

Sieda Community Action                  (641) 682-8741

Counseling Associates                      (319) 524-0510

Young House Family Services           (319) 524-2386

R & R Counseling Solutions              (319) 293-3635

Quitline Iowa                                     (800) 784-8669

Your Life Iowa.org                             (855) 581-8111