CDC Survey Finds that 1 in 5 U.S. High School Students Have Abused Prescription Drugs

One in 5 U.S. high school students say they have ever taken a prescription drug without a doctor’s prescription,according to the 2009 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is the first year the survey assessed prescription drug abuse among high school students. The YRBS has been conducted every other year since 1991.

The survey asked if they’d ever taken a prescription drug such as OxyContin, Percocet, Vicodin, Adderall, Ritalin, or Xanax, without a doctor’s prescription. Prescription drug abuse was most common among white students (23 percent), followed by Hispanic students (17 percent) and then black students (12 percent). Prescription drug abuse was most common among 12th grade students (26 percent) and lowest among 9th grade students (15 percent). There was no difference in prescription drug abuse by gender (20 percent for both male and female students).

“We are concerned to learn that so many high school students are taking prescription drugs that were not prescribed to them,” said Howell Wechsler, EdD, MPH, director of CDC’s Division of Adolescent and School Health. “Some people may falsely believe that prescription drugs are safer than illegal drugs, yet their misuse can cause serious adverse health effects, including addiction and death.”

The YRBS also asks several questions related to alcohol and drug use. The 2009 survey found that about 72 percent of high school students ever used alcohol, about 37 percent ever used marijuana, 6.4 percent ever used cocaine, 4.1 percent ever used methamphetamine, and 6.7 percent ever used ecstasy. These percentages are similar to those found in the 2007 survey…. click to read more…

What is Recovery Month?

Recovery Month is an annual observance that takes place during the month of September.

The Recovery Month observance highlights the societal benefits of substance abuse treatment, lauds the contributions of treatment providers and promotes the message that recovery from substance abuse in all its forms is possible. The observance also encourages citizens to take action to help expand and improve the availability of effective substance abuse treatment for those in need. Each year a new theme, or emphasis, is selected for the observance.

Recovery Month provides a platform to celebrate people in recovery and those who serve them. Each September, thousands of treatment programs around the country celebrate their successes and share them with their neighbors, friends, and colleagues in an effort to educate the public about treatment, how it works, for whom, and why. Substance abuse treatment providers have made significant accomplishments, having transformed the lives of untold thousands of Americans. These successes often go unnoticed by the broader population; therefore, Recovery Month provides a vehicle to celebrate these successes.

Recovery Month also serves to educate the public on substance abuse as a national health crisis, that addiction is a treatable disease, and that recovery is possible. Recovery Month highlights the benefits of treatment for not only the affected individual, but for their family, friends, workplace, and society as a whole. Educating the public reduces the stigma associated with addiction and treatment. Accurate knowledge of the disease helps people to understand the importance of supporting treatment programs, those who work within the treatment field, and those in need of treatment.

Source: http://www.recoverymonth.gov/About-Recovery-Month.aspx

Broadway Palm’s National Tour of Bill W. and Dr. Bob to support Community Bridges – A Pathway To Hope

The National Tour of BILL W. and DR. BOB
A Sobering Story of Survival, Courage and Grace …

Mesa, Arizona (April 27, 2010) The Broadway Palm Dinner Theater is proud to present The National Tour of the powerful drama, Bill W. and Dr. Bob (Produced by Prather Entertainment Group). This production is now touring the U.S. and will be performing in Mesa at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater from May 14 through June 19 – before travelling to their next engagement at the Cameo Center in San Antonio during the 75th International A.A. Conference in July.

Bill W. and Dr. Bob is an inspirational, timely and often hilarious true story about the men and their wives whose relationships pioneered the beginning of Alcoholics Anonymous and the creation of Al-Anon. It is about ordinary people achieving the extra ordinary through willingness and Divine Grace.

In 1929, famous stockbroker Bill Wilson crashes with the stock market and becomes a hopeless drunk.  Dr. Bob Smith, a surgeon from Ohio has also been an alcoholic for 30 years, operating hung over and with the shakes.  Guided by desperation, error and an astonishing series of events the two men meet at the home of Goodyear Rubber heiress Henrietta Sieberling and form an unbreakable bond, while helping each other stay sober. This amazing, gripping and often humorous story of perseverance and faith show us how Bill W. and Dr. Bob stumbled onto the cure for alcoholism.  They test their theory on a “third drunk” and pass along what they’ve discovered about sobriety.

Gary Kimble portrays the role of Bill Wilson and also directs the production.   Kimble has performed on stages around the world, in 34 countries and in 800 cities across the U.S. He was featured in the Barbara Walter’s television special Finding Annie. Gary played Henry Higgins in the award-winning world tour of My Fair Lady and the legendary Captain Hook in the national tour of Peter Pan. Kimble was last seen in Arizona at the Broadway Palm as Sheriff Ed Earl in The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas.  Richard Davis Springle plays the role of Dr. Bob Smith.  He has appeared in over 30 feature films, numerous television commercials and New York theatrical productions.  He appeared as Colonel Pickering opposite Kimble in the World Tour of My Fair Lady. The book is by Samuel Shem and his wife Janet Surrey (both available for interviews).

The story and this production have received critical acclaim across the country. The San Diego Tribune called it, “One of the best plays of the year.” Variety called it “A deeply human, audience embracing tale.” The Boston Globe said, “Inspiring.”  “These actors humanize the world of addiction so honestly that this production transcends that universe – you don’t have to be in A.A. to appreciate this show.” Ft. Myers News Press

Both actors have a personal story of recovery. Fourteen years ago, Springle broke through Kimble’s front door, carried him down four flights of stairs and checked him into rehab. He then proceeded to walk Kimble through his first year of recovery and sobriety. These men are truly inspired to be chronicling the co-founders of the Twelve-Step Program. Their chemistry on stage is electrifying. (Both are willing to freely share their personal journeys of sobriety and are available for interviews).

The Broadway Palm will donate a portion of the proceeds from Bill W. and Dr. Bob to  Community Bridges, Inc. – providing Clinical Treatment, Family Preservation, Prevention and Education to reduce the negative impact of alcoholism and drug addiction – valuing human life, sustaining human life and the recovery of human life, always with dignity.

TICKETS to Bill W. and Dr. Bob can be purchased online at broadwaypalmwest.com, by phone, (480) 325-6700, or at the Box Office, located at 5247 E. Brown Road in Mesa.  Adult ticket price is $35 and includes a buffet meal, show and tax..  Show Only tickets are available for $20.

PERFORMANCE TIMES: Wednesday through Saturday Evenings:  Dinner buffet begins at 5:30pm, show begins at 7:30pm.  Saturday and Sunday Matinees:  Luncheon buffet begins at 11:45am, show begins at 1:15pm.  Contact the Box Office at (480) 325-6700 or visit broadwaypalmwest.com for exact dates and times.

GROUP SEATING is available for parties of 15 or more.  Contact Group Sales Coordinator Laurie DiMonte at (480) 325-6700 ext. 109 or laurie@broadwaypalmwest.com for further information about group reservations.  The Broadway Palm is fully ramped and handicap accessible.  Hearing devices are available free of charge.

LOCATION: The Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre is located at 5247 E. Brown Road, on the southeast corner of Brown and Higley Roads in the Alta Mesa Plaza.  The theater is easily accessible from the Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) or the US 60 (Superstition Freeway) via the Higley Road exits.  Parking is free.

The Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre presents a wide variety of the finest professional entertainment for all ages in an atmosphere of casual elegance.  Located in the Phoenix-Mesa metropolitan area, the 500 seat complex has entertained over 800,000 guests since opening its doors in 2001.  The 2007 Mesa Business of the Year, the Broadway Palm has recently been named “Best Dinner and A Show” (2007 New Times “Best of Phoenix”) and “Best Place to Bring a Visitor” (2007 azcentral.com’s “Best – Reader’s Choice”).  Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre:  The Valley’s Premier Dining and Theatrical Experience! Visit the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre at broadwaypalmwest.com.

The Prather Entertainment Group (PEG) is the largest operator of Dinner Theaters in the United States.  The Prather Family produces over 30 productions annually at its three entertainment facilities:  the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatres in Fort Myers, Florida and Mesa, Arizona, and also produces and presents full-scale tours of musicals in venues throughout the country. Owners Thomas Ross Prather, Deborah Z. Prather and William T. Prather have entertained over 3 million audience members with critically-acclaimed Broadway-caliber musicals year-round for more than three decades.

THE IMAGES BELOW ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST – Please email photo requests to linda@broadwaypalmwest.com

“this is more than just a play: It’s the story of two men who changed the lives of millions of people throughout the world…a powerful drama that de-mystifies the founders of AA and shows them as real, flawed people who nonetheless created something larger than themselves…” Charles Runnells, Fort Myers News-Press

BILL W. and DR. BOB

Directed by Gary Kimble; sets Thomas R. Prather; costumes by Jim Conti; lighting design by Russell A. Thompson; sound design by Chris McCleary.

WITH: Gary Kimble (Bill W.), Richard Davis Springle (Dr. Bob Smith), Bonny Knapp (Anne Smith), Nancy Antonio (Lois Wilson), Jim Heffernan (Ebby Thatcher), Jaron Druyon (Billy D.),

Jillyn Jacobs (Henrietta Seiberling), Matt Zimmer (Rev. Walter Tunks)

RUNS: May 14 – June 19.

PRESS NIGHT: Friday, May 14.

LISTING INFO: Bill W. and Dr. Bob. May 14 through June 19, 2010.  Times vary.  Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa.  $20-$35.  (480) 325-6700 or www.broadwaypalmwest.com.

SYNOPSIS: Bill W. and Dr. Bob is an inspirational, timely and often hilarious true story about the men and their wives whose relationships pioneered the beginning of Alcoholics Anonymous and the creation of Al-Anon. It is about ordinary people achieving the extra ordinary through willingness and Divine Grace.

TICKETS: $35 (dinner & show), $20 (show only); available at the box office (480) 325-6700 or www.broadwaypalmwest.com.  For group discounts (15+), contact Laurie DiMonte at (480) 325-6700 x109 or laurie@broadwaypalmwest.com.

LOCATION: 5247 E. Brown Road (southeast corner of Brown and Higley Roads) in the Alta Mesa Plaza in Mesa, Arizona.  Handicap accessible.  Hearing devices available free-of-charge.  Parking is free.

PHOTO EDITORS: High-resolution digital images are available upon request.

PRESS CONTACT: Gary Kimble gary@broadwaypalmwest.com
(480) 325-6700 x123

Performances of this work do not imply affiliation with nor approval or endorsement of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

PERFORMANCE DATES & TIMES:

• May 14 FRI at 7:30pm (buffet at 5:30pm)
• May 15 SAT at 1:15pm (buffet at 11:45am)
• May 15 SAT at 7:30pm (buffet at 5:30pm)
• May 16 SUN at 1:15pm (buffet at 11:45am)
• May 19 WED at 7:30pm (buffet at 5:30pm)
• May 20 THU at 7:30pm (buffet at 5:30pm)
• May 21 FRI at 7:30pm (buffet at 5:30pm)
• May 22 SAT at 1:15pm (buffet at 11:45am)
• May 22 SAT at 7:30pm (buffet at 5:30pm)
• May 23 SUN at 1:15pm (buffet at 11:45am)
• May 26 WED at 7:30pm (buffet at 5:30pm)
• May 27 THU at 7:30pm (buffet at 5:30pm)
• May 28 FRI at 7:30pm (buffet at 5:30pm)
• May 29 SAT at 1:15pm (buffet at 11:45am)
• May 29 SAT at 7:30pm (buffet at 5:30pm)
• May 30 SUN at 1:15pm (buffet at 11:45am)
• June 2 WED at 7:30pm (buffet at 5:30pm)
• June 3 THU at 7:30pm (buffet at 5:30pm)
• June 4 FRI at 7:30pm (buffet at 5:30pm)
• June 5 SAT at 1:15pm (buffet at 11:45am)
• June 5 SAT at 7:30pm (buffet at 5:30pm)
• June 6 SUN at 1:15pm (buffet at 11:45am)
• June 9 WED at 7:30pm (buffet at 5:30pm)
• June 10 THU at 7:30pm (buffet at 5:30pm)
• June 11 FRI at 7:30pm (buffet at 5:30pm)
• June 12 SAT at 1:15pm (buffet at 11:45am)
• June 12 SAT at 7:30pm (buffet at 5:30pm)
• June 13 SUN at 1:15pm (buffet at 11:45am)
• June 16 WED at 7:30pm (buffet at 5:30pm)
• June 17 THU at 9:00pm (buffet at 7:00pm)
• June 18 FRI at 7:30pm (buffet at 5:30pm)
• June 19 SAT at 1:15pm (buffet at 11:45am)
• June 19 SAT at 7:30pm (buffet at 5:30pm)


Interested in attending? Details are as follows…

BILL W. AND DR. BOB
THE TRUE STORY ABOUT THE FOUNDERS OF
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS


MAY 14 – JUNE 19, 2010
Tickets: $20-$35

WEDNESDAY – SATURDAY EVENINGS: Dinner at 5:30 PM; Show at 7:30 PM

SUNDAY MATINEES: Lunch at 11:45 AM; Show at 1:15 PM



The powerful drama Bill W. and Dr. Bob tells the story of a stockbroker and a surgeon, both alcoholics, whose relationship becomes the genesis of Alcoholics Anonymous. What eventually leads to the Twelve Steps of AA begins as a combination of inspiration and accident.

Click Here to Download a Copy of the Event Flyer – for more information be sure to visit: www.BroadwayPalmWest.com

Even her drug dealers didn’t want to sell to her anymore because they feared the damage to her unborn child.

“You feel worthless. The shame is the big one. An innocent child, are you kidding me?” she said. “The only thing that gives you relief is to use again.”

But that seems like a lifetime ago. Paceley, 31, has been clean now for three years, thanks to the Center for Hope in Mesa. Since 2005, 105 women have given up drugs and given birth to drug-free babies with no birth defects while living at the center.

Now the agency and many of its alumni fear that state budget cuts and loss of funding will jeopardize their progress.

They’re not worried so much about their own agency, which relies primarily on federal Medicaid funding, but they fear for agencies down the line that rely on imperiled state funding.

Those agencies provide transitional housing, education and job placement once the women are off meth.

“We can only go so far. We need the rest of the system to help us,” said Kim Craig, vice president and director of women’s and children’s programs at the Center for Hope. “We need a continuum of care and can’t have a block wall.”

Read the rest of this article on www.azcentral.com

Article by: by Jim Walsh – Apr. 13, 2010 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic

The Mesa Prevention Alliance, a community coalition addressing youth substance use through education, prevention, and healthy alternatives, helped organize the event to counteract any celebrations associated with marijuana use on that date. 

Read the full story on ABC15.com -
Mesa skating event gives teens opportunity to get involved »

Watch The Video

Help available for growing problem of substance abuse by children and youth

Watch the Video

Community Bridges was recently the proud recipient of a vehicle donated to the Payson SRU. This will meet a great need at our facility in Payson and we appreciate the community support of our program!