Alcohol and Drug Abuse on the Rise in Washington.pdf
Document Sample
F OC U S
WASHINGTON
February 2009
WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES • DIVISION OF ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE
OUR MISSION
Promoting strategies that support
healthy lifestyles by preventing
the misuse of alcohol, tobacco,
and other drugs, and support
recovery from the disease of
chemical dependency.
InSide FOCUS
Alcohol and Drug Abuse on
the Rise in Washington
...Feature Story
Treatment Expansion
Continues to Save Money,
Save Lives ...From the Director
Alcohol and Drug Abuse on Youth Empowered at
Prevention Summit
the Rise in Washington ...Page 3
Skykomish Prevention Team
Treatment reduces economic impact ...Page 4
By David Albert Workforce Development
An increasing number of Washington residents are being hospitalized for injuries and illnesses Update ...Page 5
caused by alcohol misuse and dependency, according to 2008 Tobacco, Alcohol, and Other Oxford House Convention a
Drug Abuse Trends in Washington State (the Trends Report). Memorable Experience
The 16th edition of the Trends Report, compiled by the Division of Alcohol and Substance ...Page 6
Abuse (DASA) in the Health and Recovery Services Administration in DSHS, provides a snap- Youth Development Study
shot view of alcohol and other drug epidemiology in the state. It also documents the efforts Reduces Risk Factors for
and effectiveness of providing quality prevention, intervention, treatment, and aftercare ser- Middle School Kids ...Page 6
vices to Washington residents. Ask Mr. WAC ...Page 7
“Alcohol and other drug abuse costs our state $5.2 billion each year – more than the cost
Join Together and CASA
of cancer and obesity,” said John Taylor, DASA’s acting director. But he noted that prevention
Announce Merger ...Page 7
and treatment services have been able to reduce health care and child welfare costs as well as
crime, school dropout rates, and emergency room admissions and hospitalizations. Asotin City Council Supports
The annual Trends report provides a snapshot of alcohol and other drug use in the state, Youth Coalition ...Page 8
and the effectiveness of providing quality prevention, intervention, treatment, and aftercare Residence XII Receives
services to Washington residents. Science to Service Award
Other trends cited in the annual report include: ...Page 8
• More than one in 10 Washington 10th and 12th graders used a prescription pain medication What’s Working on the Road
to get high in the past 30 days. to Recovery ...Page 9
• Almost one-fifth of 10th and 12th graders reported being drunk or high at school in the past
year.
Trends Report continued on page 3 Table of Contents continued on page 2
Table of Contents continued
FROM THE DIRECTOR
RUaD Launches New
Campaign ...Page 9
Scott’s Story ...Page 9
Links and Alliances
Treatment Expansion
Conference ...Page 10 Continues to Save
More Retailers Selling
Tobacco to Minors ...Page 10
Money, Save Lives
Help Educate During By John Taylor, Acting Director
Problem Gambling
Awareness Week ...Page 11
In 2005, the Legislature and Governor enacted the Omnibus
MillerCoors Stops Brewing Treatment of Mental and Substance Abuse Disorders Act (Sen-
Alcoholic Energy Drinks
...Page 11
ate Bill 5763) to expand treatment access for Medicaid-eligible
adults and youth. The funding was based on assumed cost sav-
The Science of the Positive
...Page 12 ings for medical and long term care.
Upcoming Education and As part of Senate Bill 5763, the Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse is
Awareness Events: March charged with measuring the effectiveness of treatment expansion in meeting
2009 through May 2009 goals. The latest data show that:
...Page 12
• The number of Medicaid-eligible adults receiving treatment rose from
18,181 in SFY 2005 to 22,370 in SFY 2008, representing a 28.5% increase.
• For adult Medicaid-Disabled patients, medical savings are estimated at
$308 per treated patient per month (PPPM) in the 2005-07 Biennium when
compared with costs for untreated clients. This is 54% above the original
estimate in the appropriation of $200 PPPM.
• For adult Medicaid-Disabled patients, nursing home savings are estimated
at $57 PPPM in the 2005-07 Biennium.
• For adult GA-U patients, medical savings are estimated at $181 PPPM in
the 2005-07 Biennium. This is 52% above the original estimate in the ap-
Do you have a propriation of $119 PPPM.
success story or The result is that $20.7 million were saved in medical costs alone in the
news to share? 2005-07 Biennium, more than the $18.5 million in treatment costs. This does
Please contact: not count the savings from preventing crime, child abuse and neglect, unem-
Deb Schnellman, Editor ployment, and other problems. This also does not count the savings that will
(360) 725-3763
email: schneda@dshs.wa.gov add up in future years as a result of more people receiving treatment today.
With our significant state budget deficit, it’s vital that we continue to edu-
Prevention and
Treatment Resources cate policymakers at all levels that investing in quality, publicly funded treat-
DASA website: www.dshs.wa.gov/dasa ment has been proven to pay for itself, and save costs in other government
Chemical Dependency Professionals: services. Even more important, treatment saves lives, reduces the need for
http://www.cdpcertification.org/default.asp
Alcohol/Drug 24-Hour Helpline: emergency, medical and psychiatric care, and creates a safer and more nur-
1-800-562-1240 turing environment for Washington’s children.
www.adhl.org
We are proud of our state’s treatment professionals and our partnering
Alcohol/Drug Prevention Clearinghouse:
1-800-662-9111 state and local agencies for helping more individuals and families begin the
http://clearinghouse.adhl.org path to hope and healing.
Interim DSHS Secretary
Stan Marshburn
Acting DASA Director
John Taylor
2 2009 • Issue 4 FOCUS
Trends Report continued from Front Cover
• Washington state has among the highest rates of non-medi- • The number of military veterans admitted to publicly funded
cal use of prescription pain relievers in the nation. treatment has grown by more than a third since 2002.
• Adult heavy drinking rates are at their highest point in this “About one in every 10 teens and adults in our state needs
decade. chemical dependency treatment,” said Taylor. “Helping a friend
• The number of alcohol-related deaths from car crashes has or family member begin treatment can make all the differ-
remained stable, but the number of drugged-driving deaths ence.”
is rising. The new Trends Report can be found online: http://www.
• The number of reported methamphetamine laboratories and dshs.wa.gov/pdf/hrsa/dasa/2008-Trends%20Report.pdf. A lim-
dumpsites in Washington State has fallen dramatically. ited number of printed copies are available from the Washing-
• Adult admissions to DASA-funded treatment for prescrip- ton State Alcohol/Drug Clearinghouse at 1-800-662-9111.
tion pain medication have almost quadrupled since 2003.
Youth Empowered at Prevention Summit
By Sarah Mariani
In October, preventionists from across the state gath- ties. The Prevention Jam! involved youth and adults
ered in Yakima to participate in the annual Prevention in an outdoor rally to support the statewide vision
Summit. The Summit capitalized on youth and adults of youth leadership in prevention efforts. The Jam!
together experiencing the power of intergenerational included a motivational address by Attorney General
learning and support for healthy youth development Rob McKenna and inspirational music by the Swinom-
in Washington. ish Youth Gear UP with Music group.
More than 700 people attended the Summit, Darren Mattozzi, Prevention Coordinator for Lin-
including over 300 youth, which is an increase of coln County Alcohol/Drug Center, said he appreciated
more than 100 from the previous year. Experienced the revitalized and fresh atmosphere of the Summit. Dana Bole’s graphic recording of the
Summit’s opening keynote address.
prevention professionals and those new to the field “This year’s Prevention Summit was outstanding”,
benefited from the networking and expert presenters said Mattozzi. “The workshops were informative and
from across the United States. The 29 adult and 26 kept my attention throughout both days.”
youth presentations ranged from new research and The following agencies and coalitions
science to practical implementation strategies. sponsored the 2008 Prevention Summit:
For the first time at the Summit, youth participated Department of Social and Health Services’
in teams to develop project plans for their communi- Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse,
ties and completed six service projects throughout the Office of the Attorney General, Washington
Yakima community. Service projects included clean- State Coalition to Reduce Underage Drink-
up of a shelter, working with elementary students ing, Strategic Prevention Framework-State
to paint part of their school, and participating in pro- Incentive Grant Coalition, Liquor Control
grams at the senior center. The youth experienced Board, Department of Health ’No Stank You’
the joy and fulfillment of serving with a community Campaign, Washington State Mentors, and Lakeside LEFT TO RIGHT: Cinthia Martin, Leslie Estrada,
Tomas Benavides, Elizabeth Pruneda, Roberto
and were especially enthusiastic after connecting Milam Recovery Centers. We appreciate their support Anaya, Leigh Allison-Ray, and Paloma Dominguez
with those they had helped. as well as all of our partners who make the Summit took part in the youth rally at the Prevention Jam!
“I enjoyed the funny presenters and learning the possible.
dangers of drug use”, said Paloma Dominguez, a Presenter handouts and the pictures from the Sum-
youth participant with the Warden Community Co- mit are available at the conference website: http://
alition. “I also learned how to work with our SADD dasa.casat.org.
group to do prevention projects in Warden. I enjoyed SAVE THE DATE: The 2009 Summit is October 30-31,
cleaning the walls at the family shelter because we 2009 in Yakima.
were helping 14 families stay in a clean place.” Sarah Mariani is the Region 4 Prevention Manager
Conference highlights included youth leadership and leads Prevention Summit planning for the state
teams, Native American storytelling, youth service Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse. Sarah can
projects, the Prevention Jam! and a professional be reached at (206) 272-2190 or mariase@dshs.
networking soirée to provide collaboration opportuni- wa.gov. A service learning project at a Yakima elementary school.
FOCUS 2009 • Issue 4 3
Skykomish Prevention Team
By Laura Quinn
Recently I interviewed the Skykomish School’s Prevention to see how attitudes might differ among generations and to
Team in my role as Community Organizer with the King Coun- help plan future activities.
ty Community Organizing Program (funded by the State De- The Prevention Team has been a great leadership opportu-
partment of Community, Trade, and Economic Development). nity for these young people. Every month, one member is in
I have worked with this group for about four years, and have charge of prevention activities. They must organize the efforts
been impressed with their growth and commitment to preven- and coordinate with other team members. So far this year, the
tion. However, they have taken their activities to a new level in Team has organized a show of “Don’t Drink and Drive” signs
recent months. along Highway 2, which has higher than average DUI arrests
Skykomish is a very rural, isolated community of 214 resi- and accidents. The team is also planning to work with younger
dents. The school has 70 students from Kindergarten to 12th students and encourage them to make healthy choices. They
grade. The positives of this are that everyone knows everyone noted that these younger kids need good role models in their
else, and there is more individual attention from teachers. On lives, as sometimes their own families were not modeling
the down side, there is not much to do, so drugs and alco- healthy choices.
hol are easy alternatives. The team reported that alcohol and I wondered what it was like for them to attend the statewide
marijuana are very easy to get, and some team members said Prevention Summit in Yakima, where they won an award for Ex-
they could get methamphetamines as well. emplary Youth Volunteers. The team said they got many good
The students said that in the winter, there is seasonal em- ideas to try in their community, including an increased focus
ployment at the Steven’s Pass Ski resort, but that summer was on community service, and changing community norms.
“boring. The school (which is the center of this community) Staying in a hotel was a novel experience for many of the
sponsors one volleyball team and the Prevention Team (the youth. They spoke about meeting other young people doing
only school club). Along with having few activities for youth, a similar work around the State. They especially connected with
massive clean-up effort by the BNSF Railroad and the Wash- a SADD team from Whidbey Island, and were invited to attend
ington State Department of Ecology to remove contaminat- the SADD Conference on Whidbey in the spring. Another high-
ed soil has resulted in homes and businesses being moved light was Magic Brad, a presenter, who tied all the ideas to-
around the town, and periods of time when the school is unus- gether. The youth said it was an experience they would never
able. The students commented that this clean-up effort has led forget.
to a sense of displacement in the community. Finally, I asked the Prevention Team how they would like to
The members told personal stories about how their own be seen. They replied that they hoped to be seen as role mod-
families have been impacted by addiction. One student said els and leaders, and to dispel the myth that all teens are irre-
that his father was a severe alcoholic, which led to him be- sponsible. They wanted to help teens and adults make better
coming a diabetic and suffering seizures. Another young man and healthier choices. And finally, they wanted to be seen as
said that his mother had been killed while riding with a drunk the best prevention team in the State of Washington. I feel that
driver. The youth agreed that they were hoping to work with the they are truly on their way.
Prevention Team to change attitudes about drugs and alcohol, Laura Quinn is with King County’s Community Organizing Program.
especially with adults in the community. She can be reached at Laura.Quinn@kingcounty.gov.
For this reason, the youth have expanded the work they are
doing with the Prevention Team to include adults. They have
formed the “Adult Family and Friends for Prevention and Lead-
Got FOCUS?
ership” Team to gather parents, teachers, and adult friends to To continue bringing you
work with youth to raise awareness about real issues facing useful information in
FOCUS, let us know what
youth in this community. They are hoping the group will help
matters most to you,
hang signs around the community promoting drug and alco- and the drug prevention
hol-free lifestyles, and generally try to change the norms of the and recovery news and
community from accepting that youth will drink. successes happening
in your community.
This effort was kicked off by a “Thankfulness Meal” prepared Send your comments
and served by the Prevention Team to thank the community for and information to Deb
its support and to encourage them to join in future activities. Schnellman at schneda@
The students distributed adult and youth surveys at this meal dshs.wa.gov.
4 2009 • Issue 4 FOCUS
Workforce Development Update
DASA Workforce Development Strategic Plan
DASA in conjunction with the ACHS and CAC has updated the DASA stra-
tegic plan and also created a specific goal for Workforce Development. The
DASA Workforce Development work group conducted its first meeting to
prioritize the workforce development objectives and make recommenda-
tions to DASA. Individual work groups will begin the
process of addressing the objectives.
NIATx Process Improvement
Process improvement through the Network for the
Advancement of Addiction Treatment (NIATx) con-
tinues through the NIATx 200 project in Washington
State. The success of the NIATx 200 project and of the
NIATx model have yielded positive outcomes nation-
wide. Research as well as the experience in Washing-
ton State reveals that clients will benefit as they will
be enrolled more quickly and be more likely to com-
plete treatment successfully. Preliminary NIATx 200
data in Washington State reveals that adopting new
business practices through process improvement
will increase organizational efficiency and effective-
ness. Some of these outcomes were demonstrated
and presented by NIATx 200 provider participants in
last October’s NIATx 200 Learning Session.
Sean Johnson of Providence St. Peter Chemical De-
The NIATx 200 project is close to completing the second phase, which
pendency Center’s intensive outpatient treatment
addresses increasing retention of patients in treatment. The last phase of program presents their client attendance and
addressing sustainability of process improvement begins in March. Data retention project. Each Friday, clients are allowed
to enter a drawing if they have attended group all
analysis will begin in April and the first reports should be available for three times that week. The program’s retention
Washington State in the summer of 2009. rate increased from 84.3 % to 88.6 % in only
two weeks. This resulted in 15 additional groups
Dual Diagnosis Capability in Addiction Treatment (DDCAT) Index attended – a net gain of $28, 392 annually.
There has been much discussion with addictions and mental health treat-
ment agencies to understand the need to integrate services in providing
co-occurring treatment. Agencies face the daunting task of where to start
and how to work within limited resources. The DDCAT/NIATX project is an
evidenced based model for evaluating and improving the level of integrated
co-occurring disorder services. These agencies will also receive NIATx Pro-
cess improvement training and support as they implement change projects
to address improving integrated co-occurring services.
The DDCAT/NIATx pilot project is designed to help agencies use the
DDCAT fidelity measure to identify needs and target change to improve in-
tegrated COD services. The pilot agencies will receive technical assistance
and coaching to help find practical ways to provide services to clients with
addiction, complicated by mental health issues, in an evidenced based ap-
proach. The DDCAT pilot begins in February and is expected to be com-
pleted in September.
For questions or comments about workforce development, contact Robin Roberts, DASA
Treatment and Prevention Manager, at roberrl@dshs.wa.gov.
FOCUS 2009 • Issue 4 5
Oxford House Convention a Youth Development Study
Memorable Experience Reduces Risk Factors for
The following letter was sent to DASA by an Oxford House Middle School Kids
resident who received a federally funded scholarship to at- By Linda Becker, Ph.D.
tend the Oxford House World Convention. Residents are
Recently our colleagues at the University of Washington have report-
nominated by Oxford House outreach workers, based on
ed some excellent news about a project that DASA has been involved
their commitment to their recovery, their recovering house-
in since 2002. Drs. Hawkins, Catalano and Arthur, of the U.W. So-
mates, and their community.
cial Development Research Group (SDRG), have been studying the
impact of their prevention service system: Communities That Care
I am so grateful for the opportunity that you gave me. (CTC). They started the study with 24 communities in seven states,
I truly mean thank you from the bottom of my heart, including Washington. 12 were randomly selected to implement CTC;
this was an experience that I will never forget and an the others serve as comparison sites.
opportunity to learn. I came home with a new per- The goal of Communities That Care is to provide training and tech-
spective about my purpose in Oxford House. I also nical assistance for community leaders and stakeholders to:
now realize what a blessing Oxford House is for those • stimulate community prevention action;
in recovery. • assess levels of risk, protection, drug use, violence, and other
youth outcomes;
Some of the things I learned about Oxford Houses
• assess existing community prevention resources;
are:
• develop an action plan to address gaps in prevention resources and
• the problems and solutions that pertain to wom- to fill those gaps with effective prevention policies and programs;
en’s houses are all pretty much the same. • implement the chosen policies and programs with fidelity; and
• the prison systems do not adequately prepare • monitor and evaluate progress.
people to return to society, or even to do the every Besides training and technical assistance, the 12 CTC sites received
day things they need to do. Oxford houses provide funding for coordinators, and funding to implement effective preven-
the support, time and structure they need to even tion programs and policies.
try to get their lives back together. Some of us have At the beginning of the study, the 24 communities had comparable
a substantial amount of clean and sober time and levels of prevention resources. Recent findings in the study show that
we can help mentor those who are directly out of the communities implementing Communities That Care were doing
prison, so they do not repeat their past behaviors. significantly better in adopting science-based prevention planning
• Assuring quality in an Oxford House means be- and services.
ing respectful of residents and visitors, and being The benefits of adopting CTC can be seen in the findings that relate
respected. Communication and respect are tools to youth risk factors. All kids experience greater risk as they move
we learn through communication, mentoring and from elementary school to middle school. In the CTC communities
being supportive of each other. that increase in risk is significantly lower than in the comparison
• To take pride in my recovery and be respectful to sites.
everyone. It is important that we represent Oxford SDRG will continue to monitor these communities. They hope to
as an organization that helps people find a new see declining rates of community delinquency and substance use ini-
way of life. Show the other members of your house tiation. We hope so too. Many prevention providers across the state
that you have pride in your recovery. have been trained in CTC, and there are some CTC coalitions that
have been in existence for many years (though not a part of the
• I am living in the best place I can be living for me
research study).
right now.
To read the full report, see: Hawkins, J.D., Brown, E.C., Oesterle,
This experience really opened my eyes to the fact S., Arthur, M.W., Abbott, R.D., & Catalano, R.F. (2008). Early effects
that Oxford is a miracle as long as the members can of Communities That Care on targeted risks and initiation of delin-
make it work and the members of Oxford support quent behavior and substance use. Journal of Adolescent Health, 43,
each other in making their recovery strong. 15-22.
Linda Becker is a Prevention Research Manager with the state Division
~ Candace
of Alcohol and Substance Abuse. She can be reached at BeckeLG@
dshs.wa.gov.
6 2009 • Issue 4 FOCUS
Ask Mr. WAC
By Darrel Streets, DASA Region 6 Certification Specialist
“ most often-
Q: Why doesn’t Wash- “Attend group three times a week,” or “Meet with counselor
ington Administrative once a month.” Required program elements can be listed
Code (WAC) require The elsewhere, such as on a form signed by the patient at in-
agencies to do things cited deficiency take.
the same way and use is the lack of The following bullets contain some of the ways clinicians en-
the same forms? individualized sure the treatment plan is developed for the individual pa-
A: Certification require- treatment plans. tient:
ments found in WAC
”
• Problem statements are based on problems identified dur-
388-805 are purposely ing the assessment process and during the course of treat-
written to be prescriptive rather than proscriptive. Providers ment that pose barriers to treatment or recovery. They are
are given the latitude to develop their own procedures and designed to indicate how the problem relates to chemical
forms within the framework provided by WAC. dependency, such as “Patient does not understand that his
Q: Doesn’t meeting WAC mean I am providing good treat- legal problems are a consequence of his chemical depen-
ment? dency.”
A: An important point to remember when developing agency • Treatment plans are developed based on the patient’s moti-
procedures is that the WAC contains minimum require- vation for change, learning style, and unique skills and abili-
ments. To paraphrase Julián Gonzales, Certification Field ties.
Services Manager (as he motions with his hands on an • Approaches to resolve the problem (also called “means” or
imaginary grid), “You can choose to meet the minimum re- “objectives”) are what really make the treatment plan indi-
quirements and operate way down here, or you can operate vidualized. Approaches should be developed with the pa-
at a higher level, way up here.” Operating at a minimal level tient whenever possible. The patient may come up with an
doesn’t leave much room for error. It also means providing approach the counselor hasn’t even thought of. Approaches
only the level of treatment services necessary to “pass” an should be specific “tasks” or “assignments” that are behav-
on-site survey and maintain agency certification. Patients ioral (something the patient is to do), measurable, attain-
deserve a higher quality of treatment than “minimal.” able, and time-linked.
A specific element of treatment may not be cited as defi- The Ask Mr. WAC article in the next issue of FOCUS will con-
cient because it meets the minimum requirements of WAC. tain a discussion on treatment plan periodic reviews. If you
Even so, it may not meet best clinical practice standards. have questions for Mr. WAC, please contact Darrel Streets,
If that is the case, the Certification Specialist will usually DASA Region 6 Certification Specialist by e-mail at streedr@
make a recommendation on how the quality of that item can dshs.wa.gov or by phone at 360-725-3819.
be improved and provide technical assistance.
Q: What is the most common deficiency cited?
A: Individualized treatment planning is the most-cited defi-
Join Together and CASA
ciency. WAC 388-805-325(11) requires initial and updated Announce Merger
individual treatment plans, including results of the initial Join Together, a leading provider of news, information, and continuing edu-
assessment and periodic reviews. Treatment plans are cation on tobacco, alcohol, and drugs, and the National Center on Addiction
sometimes found to be generic and vague, as opposed to and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University, a leading research
being specific and focused. organization, announced that they will merge. David L. Rosenbloom, Ph.D.,
current Executive Director of Join Together, will become the President and
Q: What makes a treatment plan “individualized”?
Chief Executive Officer of CASA effective May 1, 2009. Joseph A. Califano,
A: One way to answer this question is to say what an individu- Jr., CASA founder, will continue to serve as CASA Chairman.
alized treatment plan is not. A “program-driven” treatment For more information visit the organizations’ Web sites at www.jointo-
plan that includes elements every patient must do is not gether.org or www.casacolumbia.org.
an individualized treatment plan. Program-driven treatment
plans often contain vague problem statements such as, “Pa-
tient is in denial,” or “Patient has legal problems.” Examples
of program-driven objectives to resolve the problem are,
FOCUS 2009 • Issue 4 7
Asotin City Council Supports Youth Coalition
By Marcia Via
A goal for all community coalitions is to sustain positive im- Miller honored the Asotin-Anatone School District for being
pacts over time. One way to do this is to get active support an active participant in the Coalition. In 2006, the only anti-
from community leaders and agencies. The Asotin-Anatone drug-use curriculum the school district had was the Drug
Youth Alcohol Community Coalition took a big step toward Abuse Resistance Education program. Since then, the district
reaching this goal in November when the Asotin City Council has adopted and implemented the following evidence-based
adopted a resolution declaring its support and commitment to school curricula:
the vision, mission, and goals of the Coalition. • Grades 3-4 – Life Skills Training for Elementary Students
Asotin Mayor Jim Miller has supported the coalition’s efforts • Grades 6-8 – Project Northland
since the community was awarded the Strategic Prevention • Grade 9 – Life Skills Training
Framework – State Incentive Grant (SPF-SIG) in 2006. In ad- In addition to the prevention curricula, a Students Against
dition to thanking the Coalition and their volunteers, Mayor Destructive Decisions club was launched last year that includes
20-percent of the high school student body. A
Prevention-Intervention Specialist has also been
funded by the Coalition.
Dan Button, the SPF-SIG project’s community
coordinator, has been working to build support
from key leaders since the project began, in ad-
dition to working with the school district to add
programs.
Marcia Via is a Technical Assistance Consultant with the
Strategic Prevention Framework-State Incentive Grant
(SPF-SIG) project administered by DASA. She can be
reached at viamr@dshs.wa.gov or (509) 329-5816.
Residence XII Receives Science to Service Award
Recognized for “blazing the trail to show how it can be done” Residence XII, the number of women who abused substances while in outpatient treatment.
an alcohol and chemical dependency treatment center in Kirkland, Washington, With strong evidence of clinical benefit, minimal additional cost and long-term
received a 2008 Science and Service Award from the national Substance Abuse sustainability, Residence XII has now integrated the program into their outpa-
and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA). The award recognizes tient services.
exemplary implementation of treatment for mental illnesses or substance abuse. Residence XII provides alcohol and drug treatment for women in their residen-
SAMSHA stated that Residence XII has “worked to improve the community and tial inpatient, intensive outpatient, family, continuing care and relapse preven-
people’s lives by providing the best service possible.” tion programs. In addition to the trauma program available through intensive
Residence XII was one of the first gender-specific treatment centers for wom- outpatient treatment, Residence XII employs a senior specialist working with
en with alcohol and drug abuse issues in the country; research has confirmed women over 50 who can develop problems with the abuse of prescription drugs
that women achieve better outcomes in gender-specific treatment. The agency when combined with alcohol. Treatment at Residence XII focuses on the disease
has served over 8,000 women and their families since 1981 and has received of addiction and 12 Step Program principals as well as assertiveness skills, life
numerous awards including the 2008 James W. West Quality Improvement skills for sober living, nutrition, relationship and guilt and shame issues.
Award from the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP). The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Residence XII has consistently received the highest level of accreditation from has issued a request for applications for its 2009 Science and Service Awards,
the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). a national program that recognizes community-based organizations and coali-
In order to continue to advance state-of-the-art treatment for women, Resi- tions that have shown exemplary implementation of evidence-based mental
dence XII began the Trauma Integration Project in February of 2007. This re- health and substance abuse interventions.
search project took into account the high rate of traumatic life experiences in Applications must be emailed by February 27, 2009 to Michelle Duda at
women who were in need of substance abuse treatment. By addressing these duda@mail.fpg.unc.edu. For more information and application materials, visit
experiences with a specific curriculum during treatment, both the frequency and http://www.samhsa.gov/ScienceAndService/.
severity of trauma symptoms decreased. This research also found a decline in
8 2009 • Issue 4 FOCUS
• “The whole team at RCKC flowed as a stream.”
What’s Working on the Road to Recovery • “All of them were excellent in teaching group be-
A Look Inside a Seattle Intensive Inpatient Treatment Facility cause they have been through the same thing we
By Jessica DiCennzo and Mandy Owens have been through.”
• “My counselor helped me with my first step
On the road to recovery, there are often forks in comes. This could include longer periods of sobriety breakthrough with her caring, courage, strength
the path leading people to relapse. What is it that and entering outpatient treatment after IIP. and hope.”
keeps them on that road to recovery? The Recovery After talking with clinical staff at RCKC, one be- Many patients also report how much they learn
Centers of King County (RCKC), a treatment facility gins to understand why patients stick around here: about their disease, including those who have gone
that serves mainly publicly funded, homeless and they feel comfortable. Choosing to enter addiction through treatment elsewhere. Counselors use Proj-
low-income patients, provides an Intensive Inpatient treatment is difficult and intimidating, for some it ect MATCH’s Twelve Step Facilitation Therapy Man-
Program (IIP) with higher than average completion is not a choice at all. Patients at RCKC share a bond ual. RCKC adheres to the principles of effective drug
rates for our state. RCKC’s success seems to come with the staff and feel accepted. addiction treatment: implementing evidence-based
down to its staff and what they have to teach that The staff are culturally diverse – most are people treatment to enhance patient success, providing bio-
makes this recovery center stand out. of color. Even more important than sharing cultural psycho-social treatment methods, offering different
RCKC’s IIP completion rate is 95%, compared to the and ethnic backgrounds, the majority of staff are in levels of care, and ensuring that all treatment plans
state average of 79%. These rates span across Cau- recovery. Sharing a similar past allows the patients adhere to individual needs including age, gender,
casian (97%) and African-American (95%) patients, to learn from the staff’s experience, while also creat- ethnicity and culture. Although these principles
which make up the majority of patients at RCKC. ing a feeling of equality and camaraderie, instead contribute to patient success, RCKC’s treatment ef-
Although smaller in number, Asian/Pacific Islander of simply a patient-counselor relationship. Patient fectiveness lies in establishing positive, therapeutic
patients have a completion rate of 100%, and 84% satisfaction surveys are completed for all patients relationships and demonstrating professional clinical
of Hispanic and Native American patients complete that complete RCKC’s IIP program. Here are some skills that save lives.
treatment. While completing treatment is not a di- comments about staff: Jessica DiCenzo and Mandy Owens coordinate two
rect indicator of better health, continued sobriety, or • “These people are kind, considerate, helpful, re- research projects at RCKC funded by the National
less crime, length of stay is correlated to better out- spectful and professional.” Institute on Drug Abuse.
RUaD Launches New Campaign Scott’s Story
The Washington State Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking (RUaD) launched a new statewide educa- By Rosemary Reistroffer, Snohomish
County Recovery Support Services
tion campaign in February to encourage parents to talk with their middle school-age children about the
dangers of alcohol. Scott, a 42 year-old father who lives in
The campaign began with airing four radio messages, including one in Spanish. Key messages for Everett, grew up in a home where both
parents are: of his parents misused alcohol and oth-
• one in every six Washington 8th graders has already started using alcohol; er drugs. He thought it was the thing to
• alcohol can permanently damage the developing teen brain; and do, and felt pressured by his peers to do
• set clear rules about no underage drinking, and keep talking throughout the teen years. the same. Scott went on to use drugs for
The campaign messages will also reach parents through 30 years, which he says devastated him.
billboards, newspapers and coupon mailings. The messages After someone intervened, Scott be-
direct parents to the RUaD Web site, www.StartTalkingNow. gan and successfully completed treat-
org, where they can get facts about the short and long-term ment. “It was exactly the kind of help I
consequences of underage drinking, and tips for talking with needed”, Scott said. “I’ve been in recov-
their kids. ery for 15 months, I’m attending college
The campaign is based on underage drinking prevention to get a degree in chemical dependency
messages developed and tested by the Utah Department of counseling, and my 15-year-old son will
Alcoholic Beverage Control. The messages will reach com- soon be living with me again.”
munities throughout Washington, except for Clark County, Scott received help through the Sub-
which was selected as the control group for evaluation pur- stance Abuse and Mental Health Servic-
poses. es’ Access to Recovery program admin-
The campaign is scheduled to run through May. For istered by the DSHS Division of Alcohol
questions about the campaign, contact Deb Schnellman at and Substance Abuse.
schneda@dshs.wa.gov.
FOCUS 2009 • Issue 4 9
The 12th Annual Links and Alliances Conference “Very touching, interactive and educational”,
held in November focused on issues impacting “I’m so inspired!”, and “Brings up a lot of impor-
gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and question- tant topics.” When asked “What are the needs
ing youth between the ages of 14 and 20. Over of GLBTQ youth in your community?”, some re-
130 youth and young adults who attended are sponses were: “To have more groups like GLOBE”,
striving to make healthy choices, be positive role Links and “Support, safety and role models”, “More educa-
models, learn, and have fun in a safe and sup- tion within schools”, “Safe places to have fun!”
portive environment. Parents, educators, com-
Alliances What began as a vision to create an event for
munity service providers, and government repre- Conference GLBTQ youth in Snohomish County that was fun,
sentatives were there to provide encouragement safe and supportive has grown into 12 years of
By Harvey Funai
and support. and Brenda Newell youth and adults working together to provide
Louise Chernin, Executive Director of the this very important experience. The Links and
Greater Seattle Business Association, presented the keynote Alliances Conference has grown and thrived through the strong
address entitled “Growth of an Activist: Moving from Anger to support of community partners, excellent facilitators, and the
Effectiveness” and stressed involvement, dedication, and pro- strong leadership of the youth.
moting equality. Workshops included: Gay/Straight Alliances; The conference was sponsored by the Everett Community Col-
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays; Transgen- lege’s Diversity and Equity Center, Everett/Snohomish PFLAG,
der and Gender Expression at School and Work; Sexually Trans- Skagit PFLAG, Snohomish Health District, Snohomish County
mitted Diseases and HIV; Drag 101; and the documentary film Human Services, Compass Health, and 24 community based
“It’s Still Elementary.” agencies from Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom Counties.
Youth attending the conference provided positive feedback For more information and to be added to next year’s mailing
through written evaluations, such as: “Awesome! Bring back list,contact Brenda Newell at 425-339-5239 or bnewell@shd.sno-
next year! Funny, unique, interesting”, homish.wa.gov.
identification and how to refuse sales to underage customers.
Local health agencies and the Liquor Control Board will continue to conduct ran-
dom checks of tobacco retailers to find stores that violate the law. Working with law
enforcement, under-age customers try to buy cigarettes and other tobacco products.
The state recently began using older teens, primarily 16 and 17-year-olds, for these
compliance checks. That may account for some of the increase in illegal sales.
Clerks who sell tobacco to minors can be fined up to $100; retail owners can
be fined up to $1,500 and have their license permanently revoked after multiple
violations. A study conducted by Public Health – Seattle and King County found that
More Retailers Selling stores with attached gas stations are most likely to sell tobacco to minors. Extra
Tobacco to Minors education will be directed at these retailers.
State increases outreach to educate retailers about the law The national “Synar Report” shows the percentage of stores selling tobacco to
minors. Until recently, the rate in our state had steadily declined. If it exceeds 20
The number of Washington retailers illegally selling tobacco to minors percent, Washington could lose about $13 million in federal funding for drug, alcohol,
has tripled since 2006, according to the newest Synar report submitted and tobacco prevention and treatment. Official youth checks determine the rate of
by the Department of Social and Health Services’ Division of Alcohol and illegal sales, yet anyone can report a violation on the Liquor Control Board’s Web
Substance Abuse (DASA). The annual rate of illegal sales was about 15 site.
percent in 2008. That’s up from nine percent in 2007 and five percent in Along with outreach to tobacco retailers, DASA, DOH and its community partners
2006. DASA and the state Department of Health (DOH) are working with work to prevent youth tobacco use through support for youth anti-tobacco groups,
state and local agencies to expand the effort to make sure retailers know educational programs in schools, grassroots efforts, and a multimedia advertising
what’s expected of them – along with the penalties they face for violating campaign and Web site, NoStankYou.com. Since the comprehensive state Tobacco
the law. Prevention and Control Program began in 2000, smoking rates have decreased
DASA and DOH have updated retailer education materials and created among youth by about 50 percent overall and there are 65,000 fewer youth who
new, practical tools to address common barriers to compliance. The materi- smoke in the state.
als include pamphlets and posters in multiple languages, listing acceptable The entire Washington Synar Report is available at http://www.dshs.wa.gov/
forms of identification and where to find age information. Online training pdf/hrsa/dasa/FFY_2009_ASR%20FINAL%201.pdf.
for clerks is also being developed. It will show the correct way to read For questions about the report, contact Heidi Dodd at doddhj@dshs.wa.gov.
10 2009 • Issue 4 FOCUS
Help Educate During Problem Here are some signs that someone may have a gambling
problem:
Gambling Awareness Week • Becoming increasingly obsessed with gambling
By Linda Graves • Spending more time and money on gambling
• Losing interest in usual activities
The seventh annual National Problem Gambling Awareness
• Using gambling as a way to escape life’s problems
Week is March 8-14, 2009. The goal of this event is to edu-
• Acting restless and irritable when not gambling
cate the general public and health care professionals about
• Trying to stop gambling, without success
the warning signs of problem gambling and raise awareness
• Lying about losses and exaggerating wins
that help is available both locally and nationally for those with
• Betting until their last dollar is gone
gambling problems. In the United States, six to nine million
• Chasing his or her losses
people a year have problems related to gambling behaviors.
• Begging, borrowing or stealing money to gamble or pay off
Governor Gregoire proclaimed March 7-14, 2008 as Washing-
gambling related debts
ton Problem Gambling Awareness Week, and efforts will be
made to gain that proclamation again in 2009. Washington’s’ What can you do to help educate people in your community
publicly funded Problem Gambling Program and its partners, about problem gambling?
Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling and statewide stake- - Spread the word that anyone with a gambling problem can
holders, will be getting the word out to the public about ser- get immediate help by calling 1-800-547-6133.
vices offered in our state. Specific strategies will include: - Invite a speaker to come to your agency or place of business
• Providing free screenings for problem gambling at 24 sites to talk with staff about problems that can occur from gam-
around the state. bling. Call Linda Graves at (360) 725-3813.
• Distributing posters and brochures to gambling venues, be- - Order free posters and brochures from the Alcohol and Drug
havioral health agencies, libraries, churches, civic organiza- Clearinghouse by calling 1-800-662-9111, or emailing clear-
tions and others. inghouse@adhl.org.
• Distributing information to the media about the week’s ac- Linda Graves is the Problem Gambling Program Manager for the state
tivities, how to get help in Washington, and online informa- Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse. She can be reached at gravell@
tion for youth and adults: www.NotaGame.org. dshs.wa.gov.
MillerCoors Stops Brewing health-related claims about the energizing effects of Sparks
and illegally marketed the products to underage youth.
Alcoholic Energy Drinks MillerCoors has also agreed to stop using images in its mar-
In December Attorneys General (AGs) in 13 states reached keting that imply energy or power, like the battery-themed +/-
an agreement with MillerCoors to stop producing Sparks, the symbols on the can, and to end marketing images and giv-
best-selling, pre-mixed alcoholic energy drink in the country. aways that appeal to underage youth, such as skateboarding,
As part of the agreement, MillerCoors will not produce any snowboards, and free movie downloads.
caffeinated alcohol beverages in the future. Attorneys General Wake Forest University found that college students who mix
and the City Attorney commend MillerCoors for its decision to alcohol and energy drinks were more likely to be hurt, be sexu-
remove these dangerous products from the market. ally assaulted or drive drunk than those who drank only alco-
In early 2008, published research about the dan- hol. In addition, college students who reported drinking
gers of alcoholic energy drinks and con- alcohol mixed with energy drinks engage in increased
cerns about the way they were being mar- heavy episodic drinking and have twice as many epi-
keted led AGs to initiate an investigation sodes of weekly drunkenness.
into the safety and marketing of the Mill- In June, AGs announced that Anheuser-Busch would
erCoors’ Sparks brand products, which stop producing alcoholic energy drinks, including Tilt
include Sparks Original, Sparks Light, and Bud Extra. By removing Sparks from the market,
Sparks Plus and an unreleased higher al- nearly 85% of all alcoholic energy drinks are no longer
cohol product called Sparks Red. available. AGs are investigating alcoholic energy drinks
The investigations were launched based manufactured by other companies, and will explore all
on state consumer protection laws, trade options to address these dangerous concoctions, in-
practice statutes, and allegations that cluding regulation, legislation and litigation.
MillerCoors made false or misleading Source: Maine Office of the Attorney General
FOCUS 2009 • Issue 4 11
The Science of the Positive resonated most with them. This turned out to be a
very simple task, with the majority of parents choos-
Social Norms Marketing
ing, “Congratulations Wenatchee Parents, 9 out 10
By Marcia Via
know where your kids are.” The Orchard Coalition and
The Strategic Prevention Framework – State Incen- survey that provided baseline behavior and perception Together! for Drug Free Youth can now begin their
tive Grant (SPF-SIG) sponsored social norms expert, data. It is critical to determine if and where “gaps” campaign to increase accurate perceptions among
Dr. Jeff Linkenbach, to provide training in Yakima last occur between actual behaviors and community per- parents that monitoring kids is the “norm.”
October. Dr. Linkenbach developed the Seven-Step ceptions of those behaviors. For example, Warden’s The White Swan Community Coalition to Reduce
Social Norms Marketing model, which he and his survey results showed that 79% of parents report Underage Drinking kicked off their Campaign at a
staff work through with communities to develop their that they had talked to their children in the past home basketball game in January. The chosen mes-
campaigns. Dr. Linkenbach three months about alcohol use, sage, “Thank You White Swan for Supporting Alcohol
focuses on the “Science of and made it clear that they had Free Kids,” was seen on donated banners and on a
the Positive” which works a no-use expectation. Those same giant cake that was shared at half-time. The message
to increase communities’ parents said they believed that only was also displayed on a handout with community sur-
healthy behaviors by mar- 38% of other parents talked with vey results, baby basketballs, and posters.
keting positive norms. their children about alcohol use. The ability to constantly test messages with the
This is a new prevention There is an obvious gap be- target audience, refine materials and provide consis-
strategy that several SPF-SIG tween 79% (reality) and 38% tent message exposure will be the key to success.
communities are implement- Dr. Jeff Linkenbach focuses on the (perceived.) Warden can use this This prevention strategy is a process involving action,
ing. The training conducted “Science of the Positive” which works to information to promote the norm reflection on action, re-development, new action, and
increase communities’ healthy behaviors
used a unique approach by marketing positive norms in their community and close the then further reflection.
called The Fishbowl, which gap. The Warden Community Coali- For more information on social norms marketing
allows one community to receive one-on-one techni- tion will be marketing the fact that parents do talk to and Dr. Jeff Linkenbach, visit www.mostofus.org.
cal assistance while others observe the process and their kids about alcohol. Marcia Via is a Technical Assistance Consultant with the
learn from the coaching. The three communities cho- The next step is to design the message. In Strategic Prevention Framework-State Incentive Grant
sen to be the “fish in the bowls” were Warden, White Wenatchee, the Orchard Middle School Community (SPF-SIG) project administered by DASA. She can be
Swan, and Orchard Middle School (Wenatchee.) Youth Alcohol Prevention Coalition tested eight dif- reached at viamr@dshs.wa.gov or (509) 329-5816.
All three locations had completed a community ferent messages and asked 70 parents which one
For training details and registration, see DASA’s online Training Calendar
at http://www.dshs.wa.gov/dasa/services/training/calendar2009.shtml.
APR
Upcoming Education and Awareness Events: APRIL ‘09
8 HEALTHY YOUTH SURVEY WORKSHOP
March 2009 – May 2009 Location: Pasco
Share news about your prevention, intervention, treatment, and aftercare program. If you have 9 HEALTHY YOUTH SURVEY WORKSHOP
events, success stories, announcements, or a policy/advocacy issue you want to write about, e-mail Location: Yakima
Deb Schnellman at schneda@dshs.wa.gov, or call (360) 725-3763. 10 HEALTHY YOUTH SURVEY WORKSHOP
Location: Wenatchee
MAR
13-17 EVALUATION ONLINE COURSES
Hiring and Managing
MARCH ‘09
24 HEALTHY YOUTH SURVEY WORKSHOP 22 HEALTHY YOUTH SURVEY WORKSHOP
2-6 SAPST TRAINING IN SPANISH
Location: Vancouver Location: Spokane
Location: Mount Vernon, Washington
19 HEALTHY YOUTH SURVEY WORKSHOP 25 HEALTHY YOUTH SURVEY WORKSHOP
MAY
Location: Olympia Location: Renton
23 HEALTHY YOUTH SURVEY WORKSHOP 30 HEALTHY YOUTH SURVEY WORKSHOP
M AY ‘09
Location: Bremerton Location: Anacortes
8 SAYING IT OUT LOUD CONFERENCE
23-27 EVALUATION ONLINE COURSES Mar. 30 EVALUATION ONLINE COURSES Location: Shoreline Conference Center,
Data Collection Methods thru Effective and Useful Data Presentation Shoreline, Washington
Apr. 3 Contact: Jeanette Demianew at 206-272-2152
or demiajm@dshs.wa.gov
