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Continued Decline in Youth Substance Abuse

Current illicit drug use among teens is continuing to decline, according to a new report by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released today. The study also shows positive signs that teens are seeing the dangers of abusing prescription drugs and methamphetamine and are pushing back. Among youth ages 12-17, the 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), the Nation's largest substance use survey, shows that the significant decline in overall past month illicit drug use that began in 2002 continued through 2007, from 11.6 percent to 9.5 percent.

The survey, released at the start of the 19th Annual National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, shows that the reductions in youth drug use occurred for nearly every type of illicit drug including marijuana, cocaine, hallucinogens, LSD, and Ecstasy. The survey also shows dramatic declines in meth use, down by 67 percent (from 0.3% to 0.1%) and prescription drug abuse among teens, which declined overall by 18 percent, from 4 percent to 3.3 percent between 2002-2007.

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From the Editor June 2007

From the Editor - From the Editor

Written by Stephanie L. Muller

Monday, 06 August 2007

Dear Readers,

With the days getting longer and summer fast approaching, many of us look forward to some traveling. As I head out to various conferences and events in the upcoming months, I look forward to broadening my knowledge in the ever changing field of addiction, as well as the opportunity to meet many of you — the people who support Counselor Magazine through your readership and your contributions to the field. In fact, many of you who hit the conference circuit might get a slight sense of déjà vu when you read our first feature this month, “New Developments in Treatment for Alcohol Dependence: The Impact on Clinical Practice,” by Kyle M. Kampman, MD and Christopher R. Wilkins, MHA. The authors first presented this critical information at last year’s Southeast Conference on Alcohol and Drug Addiction (SECAD). I was very pleased that the people responsible for bringing us the very latest information on the importance of integrating pharmacotherapies and counseling to treat alcoholism, chose to do so on the pages of Counselor Magazine.

Turning to another very important topic, our next feature focuses on meeting the needs of women who are entering treatment — in particular, those who face barriers that may limit or obstruct them from getting the help they need to recover from their addictions. In her article, “Barriers to Treatment for Women,” Susan M. Gordon, PhD, identifies barriers to treatment, and explains some of the differences in how they may affect access to treatment for women of varying backgrounds and circumstances.

Our third feature is the second in a two-part series entitled, “Counseling Difficult-to-Reach Adolescent Males with Substance Use Disorders: A Strength-Based Approach.” Authors Shannon Mayeda, PhD, LCSW, CRADC and Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC explain the merits of a strength-based approach toward counseling difficult-to-reach adolescent males, which focuses more on the client’s positive characteristics, thus providing him with the necessary tools and encouragement to take a more proactive role in his recovery.

In this month’s history feature, “The Treatment of Addicted Women: Modern Perspectives from the Betty Ford Center, Caron Treatment Centers and Hazelden,” authors William White, MA, Brenda Iliff, MA, Candis Siatkowski, BS and Nancy Waite-O’Brien, PhD, profile the treatment of addicted women at three prominent, private institutions.

In a welcome return to the pages of Counselor Magazine, author Howard Rosenthal, EdD, CCMHC, MAC, discusses the important topic of eating disorder treatment with noted psychiatrist and eating disorder specialist Kimberli McCallum, MD. In his article, “When Death Begins at the Dinner Table,” the two discuss some of the signs a counselor should look for in clients they suspect may have eating disorders, and recommended treatment modalities to aid them in their recovery.

Our final feature this month reports on an approach that shows promise in preventing relapse in clients as they transition from residential to outpatient addiction treatment. In their article, “Can You Hear Me Now? An Innovation to Promote Continued Treatment,” authors Louise Haynes, MSW, Nancy Waite-O’Brien, PhD and Robert L. Hubbard, PhD discuss an intervention that could make a significant difference in long-term recovery from addiction.

Also in this issue, Counselor Magazine Associate Editor Jenna Bensoussan reviews some of the new features of our new and improved Counselor Magazine website. We are very proud of these improvements, and hope they will enhance your experience, as well as provide a more user-friendly venue for getting the very latest news and information in the addiction field. We invite you to log on to www.counselormagazine.com and check it out!

As always, I encourage you to contact me with any questions, comments or concerns regarding the content of Counselor. You can reach me by phone (800) 851-9100, ext. 258, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or by mail. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Stephanie L. Muller
Editor
Counselor,
The Magazine for Addiction Professionals
A Health Communications, Inc. Publication