Binge Drinkers Often Drive Drunk, Researchers Say

A study of 14,000 binge drinkers found that 12 percent admitted driving after their most recent episode of heavy alcohol consumption, the Associated Press reported Sept. 1.
Researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also found that about half of those who drove drunk did so within two hours of consuming seven or more drinks, and that about a quarter drove after downing 10 drinks or more.
About half of binge drinkers who drove under the influence had been drinking at a bar, restaurant, or nightclub. Researchers called for states to more rigorously enforce laws against establishments overserving their customers.
The study is scheduled to be published in the October 2009 issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.-->
This article summarizes an external report or press release on research published in a scientific journal. When available, links to the sources are provided above.

Upcoming Events

National Recovery Month - September 2009
The RPC will be hosting an evening event for the public to help raise awareness by hearing from a panel of those in recovery, community resources, and professionals who can help. Check back for more specifics

Family Day- a day to eat dinner with your children
September 28, 2009
Children who eat dinner regularly with their family are at less risk of experimenting with risky behaviors. Check out www.kansasfamily.com to find out about family day events in your community.

Sobering Truth: Emerging youth drug trends in Kansas
September 29, 2009 9 am to 3 pm
Workshop for anyone who wants to know more about the drug trends in Kansas. Carol Spiker, Prevention Team Leader, with Prevention and Recovery Services in Topeka will be the workshop presenter. Cost is $45 and will include workshop materials and lunch. Pre-registration is required at www.greenbush.org or calling 620-724-6281.

The Dangers of Mixing Energy Drinks with Alcohol

Mixing energy drinks with alochol has gotten a lot of media attention, leaving many to wonder if this practice is safe. But studies are revealing some very dangerous effects of mixing these cocktail drinks. www.righthub.com/health/dietnutrition.

FDA and Public Health Experts Warn About Electronic Cigarettes

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced that laboratory annalysis of electronic cigarette samples has found that they contain carcigogens and toxic chemicals such as diethylene glycol, an ingredient used in antifreeze. For more information check out www.fda.gov/newsevents.

$1 Spent on Prevention Saves $10, Study Says

Investing in addiction prevention programs yeilds a 10-1 return for society, according to researchers from Iowa State University who studied the Iowa Strengthenign Families Program and the Life Skills Training Program.

Researchers Richard Spoth, Ph.D. and Max Guyll, Ph.D., detailed findings from the "Prevention's Cose Effectiveness: Illustrative Economic Benefits of General Population Interventions" and "Prevention of Substance-related Problems: Effectivenes of Family-focused Prevention" studies for a conference sponsored by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the World Health Organization.

"Effective and efficient prevention promises to save possibly billions of dollars per year, provided we can learn how to effectively implement it on a larger scale," Spoth, director of ISD's Partnerships in Prevention Science Institute .

For more information, check out www.jointogether.org