What is K2?

A new drug is emerging, that has recently been coined “fake pot” and is growing in popularity among teenagers. It is generally sold as incense or potpourri and is currently legal in the United States. It is made up of herbal and spice plant products, but is sprayed with a psychotropic drug and produces similar results to the chemical THC in marijuana.
K2 is usually smoked and the active ingredient is about 10 times greater than in THC. This means that you can smoke a lot less to get just as high, which is part of the appeal to young people.

Many people think that marijuana use is harmless, but people are finding out that, although similar, K2 has many more dangerous effects. Research has shown that use can cause hallucinations and delusions, as well as increased agitation, elevated blood pressure, and an increase in heart rate. These responses are not typical of marijuana use and seem to imply that the use of K2 is more serious.

Additionally, K2 can not be identified in drug tests and it’s becoming a cause of concern for employers. Different states are beginning to question its legality as well and some have even banned usage altogether. Research is lacking on the long term effects of using K2 because it has only recently been brought to the public’s attention. However, the disclaimer reads “not for human consumption” and it is predicted that long term use of K2 will prove to be very dangerous, and maybe even fatal.

For more information visit: www.alliedtrades-online.com
Sources:
http://star.txstate.edu/print/2002
http://www.livescience.com/health/fake-marijuana-k2-hallucinations-100303.html
http://www.newsweek.com/2010/03/03/fake-pot-panic.print.html

Effects of Methamphetamine (Meth)

Meth is a drug that has become increasingly popular over the years; however, its effects on the body and brain are far worse than that of many other drugs. Many users say they crave the high because it gives them a great sense of pleasure followed by feelings of euphoria. These results may also be experienced with “increased energy, focus, confidence, sexual prowess and feelings of desirability” (www.pbs.org).

Meth & the Brain:
•Prolonged use destroys dopamine receptors (which create the feeling of pleasure in the brain)
•Can also lead to psychotic behaviors, including paranoia, insomnia, delusions, hallucinations, and even death

Meth & the Body:
•Destroys tissues and blood vessels, leaving the body incapable of repairing itself as it usually would
•The skin is damaged; sores do not heal as quickly and acne may appear, in many cases making the person look years older.
•May result in tooth decay or loss

“Meth mouth" is characterized by broken, discolored and rotting teeth. (www.pbs.org)

Meth & Sex:
•Impairs judgment while heightening the libido, leaving individuals more likely to engage in risky behaviors
•Many users take more than one drug at a time, which increases the chances of contracting different STD’s

Other Effects of Meth:
•Liver damage
•Convulsions
•Stroke
•Increased heart rate
•Lowered resistance to illness

Meth is highly addictive and can change a person’s life in as little as one use. Meth alters the body both inside and out, and in many cases the damages are irreversible.

For more information visit: www.alliedtrades-online.com

Sources: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/meth/body/
http://drugabuse.gov/researchreports/methamph/methamph3.html

Image from: Partnership for a Drug Free America

The Benefits of EAP Programs

An EAP program is originally designed to “enhance employee and workplace effectiveness through prevention, identification and resolution of personal and productivity issues.” What this means is that Employee Assistance Professionals (EAP’s) are hired to help assist employees in obtaining treatment if they need it, in part to enhance the efficiency of the company’s workforce.

Some benefits of these programs include:
•Fewer accidents and less absenteeism.“Companies that utilize EAP services report 21% lower absenteeism and 14% greater productivity than other companies"
•Help lessen healthcare costs due to stress related illnesses. “Collectively claims for depression, stress and anxiety cost U.S. employers an estimated $344 billion each year due to lost productivity, disability claims and medical fees.”
•Reduce uses of inappropriate and costly treatments. “In the last two years, 27% of adults have seen a mental health professional for therapy or taken a prescription medication for a personal, emotional or mental health problem. 80% of those who received treatment found it effective.”
•Improve morale of employees. “One-fourth of employees view their jobs as the number one stressor in their lives.”
•Maintain strong employees and lessen employee turnover. “The estimated costs to replace an employee range from 30% of an employee’s annual salary for entry level and unskilled workers to five times the annual salary for executives.”

EAP programs work to increase the effectiveness of any workforce. In many cases, people need treatment for problems that are occurring in their lives and EAP’s help to assist these individuals. Unfortunately a person’s life at home can greatly impact the way they perform at work, and using EAP services is one way to both help the employee, and keep the company’s workforce strong.

For more information visit: www.alliedtrades-online.com

Quotes taken from:
Workplace Solutions: http://www.wseap.com/site_org_solutions/benefits_eap.php

Other Sources:
Benefits of an EAP: http://www.utsouthwestern.edu/utsw/cda/dept29260/files/191705.html
http://www.ozarkguidance.org/business/

Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse is an issue that has become more serious as the years have passed. It doesn’t discriminate between age, gender, sexual orientation, race, socioeconomic status, or anything else; it can happen to anyone. Abuse can come in many different forms: physical, psychological, emotional, and sexual abuse are the most common.

Physical abuse can vary in its levels of intensity. It can be a scratch, bruise, burn or something else that has caused someone physical pain. It’s usually somewhat easy to detect if marks are left behind, but frequently, abusers strike their victims in places that are easily hidden by clothing. It is important to keep notice if someone seems afraid of their partner and seems to have a lot of accidents.

Psychological and emotional abuse are similar in that they both affect the victim’s mental well being. The abuser may isolate their victim from their loved ones, try to control many aspects of their life, and attack their self esteem by calling them names or making them feel worthless. This puts the victim in a state that makes them feel trapped and helpless in the abuser’s world.

Sexual abuse can be more harmful than any other abuse because it may leave both physical and emotional scars. If any type of sexual act is performed against someone’s will, it is considered abuse, and sometimes even rape, and can leave an individual damaged for the rest of their life.

Helping people that end up in a domestic abuse situation can be very difficult. Abusers can be very dangerous and it is important to keep that in mind when handling the situation. People that are victims of domestic abuse should develop a safe escape plan (including a packed bag and a safe place to go), as well as reach out to people that they trust. In any situation, it is important to be careful and precise.

It is estimated that a woman is beaten every 15 seconds and unfortunately people continue to be affected by domestic abuse every day. People are raising awareness across the world, and hopefully the future generations will see fewer victims.

For more information visit: www.alliedtrades-online.com

Sources:
http://helpguide.org/mental/domestic_violence_abuse_types_signs_causes_effects.htm
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/domestic_violence

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Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA's)

Children that grow up in a family where alcoholism is present tend to develop differently than children that are raised in an “average” household. They are not sure what to expect from their alcoholic parent and they learn to live in a world where chaos and confusion are normal. These ACOA’s eventually develop patterns of survival skills to cope with their unstable lifestyles, and these habits create issues in adulthood.

There are a few common characteristics of ACOA’s:

1.They are extremely fearful of losing control in their lives. This fear impacts their relationships with other people, as well as themselves. They generally like to be in control, and to avoid vulnerability, and these tendencies greatly affect how they live their lives.

2.They usually have issues with trust as well. “Repeatedly told to ignore the obvious, deny their own feelings, and distrust the accuracy of their own perceptions, ACOA's eventually begin to distrust not only other people but their own feelings and senses as well.”

3.They often feel uncomfortable expressing their own feelings. When they were younger, their feelings were probably met with disapproval and that teaches them that it is safer to keep their thoughts and emotions to themselves.

4.They often become over-responsible and strive for perfection. They may set very high standards for themselves, and be overly critical if they fail to meet them. When they were younger, they may have blamed themselves for the alcoholic’s problems and the yearning to make things better may never go away.

5.They generally avoid taking care of themselves and spend their time caring for other people instead. They may consider satisfying their emotional needs as being weak or vulnerable, so they tend to avoid them altogether.

ACOA’s may also fear abandonment, be more prone to compulsive behaviors, and/or struggle maintaining intimate relationships.

Unfortunately, what ACOA’s come to learn is that alcoholism (and other types of addiction) affect more than just the person addicted; it is a disease that can have everlasting affects on all of the people surrounding it.

For more information visit: www.alliedtrades-online.com

Sources:
http://www.mental-health-matters.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=434
http://addictionrecoverybasics.com/adult-children-of-alcoholics-5-common-characteristics/

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Grief

Grief is a natural response to loss and losing something or someone you love can be very difficult and painful. When you experience a loss, you may feel a variety of emotions that range from anger to sadness, and many others in-between. Sometimes it feels like the hardship will never end, but the good news is that with time, the feelings of grief seem to lessen.

Elizabeth Kubler-Ross developed a theory based on the way that people grieve. She found that people generally go through 5 various stages:
1.DENIAL: “This can’t be happening to me.”
2.ANGER: “Whose fault is this and why is it happening?”
3.BARGAINING: “If I do this, then can I get that..?”
4.DEPRESSION: “I’m too sad to do anything.”
5.ACCEPTANCE: “I’m at peace with what happened.”
*They may or may not occur in this order and some stages may never be reached at all.

Grief does not only occur when a loved one dies. Losing a relationship, a job, your health, your financial stability, your pet, or your feelings of safety can all cause grief as well. However, there is not one right way to grieve; everyone does it their own way. The pain does not go away faster if it is ignored and it is important to go through it the way that best suits the individual.

Therapists and counselors can be very helpful when someone is dealing with a loss. It can be helpful for them to talk to someone about the pain they are feeling. It is possible that the pain of grief will never disappear in its entirety, but it definitely can get better.

For more information visit: www.alliedtrades-online.com

SOURCES:
Coping with Grief and Loss
How to Deal with Grief 0104/default.asp>
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Prescription Drug Abuse

Adequate pain treatment has always been a struggle in our society. Frequently, doctors prescribe medication to their patients in hopes that the patient’s symptoms will be minimized. However, recently many people have started abusing these prescription drugs. Unfortunately, these drugs are easily obtained through multiple doctor shopping, over prescribing by physicians, use of someone else’s medication, forgery of prescriptions, and/or from illegal online pharmacies. It is important to recognize that both the physician and the patient are at fault here, as doctors should more closely monitor their patients and as patients should not abuse the system.

The most commonly abused prescription drugs are:
1.Opioids: usually prescribed for pain
2.Central Nervous System Depressants: usually for sleep disorders or anxiety
3.Stimulants: usually to treat ADHD, obesity, and narcolepsy

Statistics:
•At least half of all Americans take at least one prescription drug.
•In a 2006 survey of teenagers, 62% said it was easy to get prescription pain relievers from their parent’s home.
•19.5 million Americans (8.2% of population) age 12 and over currently use illicit drugs. Of this total, 6.3 million abuse prescription drugs (2.7% of population).
•Admissions to federally supported treatment programs for prescription opioid about increased 342% from 1996 to 2006.

Almost all of the states in the U.S. have made an attempt to battle this epidemic by keeping electronic files on patients and attempting to monitor their usage. Consumers can help by acknowledging the issue and taking extra steps to make sure their prescriptions are securely locked up. Both the DEA and the FDA have been working together to battle these issues and are striving to press criminal charges against anyone involved in the misuse of prescription drugs. The battle is far from over, but it is important to recognize how serious of an issue it has become and to take steps to prevent it from getting any worse.

For more information visit: www.alliedtrades-online.com

SOURCES:
Fear of Prescription Drug Abuse Affects Pain Management (2010)
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/175137.php
Prescription Drug Abuse (2005)
http://www.ncsl.org/default.aspx?tabid=14428
Prescription Drug Addiction, Abuse, and Treatment (2007)
http://www.addictionsearch.com/treatment_articles/article/prescription-drug-addiction-abuse-and-treatment_32.html
Prescription Drug Abuse (2009)
http://kidshealth.org/teen/drug_alcohol/drugs/prescription_drug_abuse.html#
Almost Half of Americans Take at Least One Prescription Drug (2010)
http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/healthcare/a/usmedicated.htm
Image from: http://www.familiesandcommunities.org/showDoc.cfm?pObject=269&pMenuTop=14

Mental Health in the Prison System

“With the reduction of psychiatric beds in past years, there is only one place that can't say `no' when you need someone kept away from society: the criminal justice system,” (Daly, 2006).

Due, in part, to changes in the economy, the number of mental health services available for prisoners have been reduced, while the number of people being incarcerated has increased. The administrators involved are looking to reduce costs, but unfortunately they are taking away much needed opportunities for these prisoners.

Many prisoners are sent to jail, but what the prison system has been failing to acknowledge is that many of these people have mental health issues and/or substance abuse issues. What this means is that prison is not always the most suitable place for these people: in many instances, the person would be better helped at a different facility. However, when a person commits a serious crime they are generally sent to prison, with good reason, but without any opportunities to recover when they are in jail, the prisoners are more likely to commit additional crimes, violate parole, and/or return to prison at a later date.

It is important to recognize that prisoners are not always “bad” people; many of them have disorders or other underlying issues. If there is hope for prisoners to ever really change, their real condition should be examined and their opportunities for success should not be limited.

SOURCES:
Daly, R. “Prison Mental Health Crisis Continues to Grow”

Image from: http://bloomingpeaches.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/jail.jpg

For more information visit: www.alliedtrades-online.com

Child Abuse

“Almost five children die everyday as a result of child abuse. More than three out of four are under the age of 4,” (Childhelp, 2010).

Child abuse is a very serious issue in today’s society and it is impacting more and more children as the years pass. There are four major types of abuse:

Physical: This type of abuse goes beyond spanking a child to discipline them. The caregiver may be angry and harm or injure the child. If the child lives in fear, it is not discipline; it is abuse.
Emotional: When a caregiver emotionally abuses a child, they make them feel sad and worthless. They are generally very critical of the child and they are always saying things that make them feel bad about themselves.
Sexual: Sexual abuse is when a caregiver exposes a child to sexual situations or materials. The abuser is usually someone the child knows and they make the child feel ashamed and guilty, so they do not expose the secret.
Neglect: This is when a caregiver fails to provide for a child’s basic needs (food, hygiene, clothing, or supervision).

In some cases, the caregiver has a substance abuse or mental health issue and this greatly impacts their ability to adequately raise their children. The caregiver may also have been abused in their own life, so they may not know any other way to treat their children. Child abuse may not always be easy to detect, but it is best to trust your instincts if you think it is happening to someone you know; you could be saving a child’s life. Abuse takes a psychological toll on children later in their life, and in many cases, the harm is irreversible. Additionally, if a child confides in you, you should take their words to heart and take them seriously. Children depend on their caregivers to teach and protect them, but when their caregivers fail to do so, someone else should be there to save them.

SOURCES:
National Child Abuse Statistics: http://www.childhelp.org
Child Abuse and Neglect: http://helpguide.org/mental/child_abuse_physical_
emotional_sexual_neglect.htm

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For more information visit: www.alliedtrades-online.com

How a Struggling Economy Affects Mental Health

When an economy starts to weaken, it causes more stress for the people involved. Economic turmoil such as struggling to pay bills, unemployment, or threats of foreclosure play an enormous role in people’s mental health: risks include depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and/or compulsive behaviors (such as overeating, gambling, or spending).

Warning Signs that the Economy is Affecting YOU:
•Excessive anxiety or anger
•Change in sleep patterns
•Increased use of narcotic drugs and/or alcohol
•Not feeling up to doing everyday activities

Recent studies and polls have shown that from 2008 until the present, Americans have felt much sadder, more stressed, and more overwhelmed than in past years. The unemployment rates are significantly higher as of late and many people are struggling to make ends meet. It is normal for these extra stressors to cause turmoil in one’s life and frequently it takes a toll on people’s mental well-being.

It is important to acknowledge that the economy is affecting everyone, and that at some point it is all going to get better. People should reach out to their community and work together to make the hard time easier for everyone.

SOURCES:
Getting Through Tough Economic Times: http://www.samhsa.gov/ECONOMY/

Mental Stress Spirals with Economy:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-03-11-stress-poll_N.htm

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Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are characterized by extreme changes in a person’s diet and lifestyle. People may choose to eat almost nothing at all, or extremely overeat, while being preoccupied with thoughts about their weight and the food they are taking in. In many cases, eating disorders have a psychological component, and are a way for people to have some control in their lives. Additionally, many people try to hide their eating disorder, as they hope it will go unnoticed. Eating disorders are usually classified into two types:

ANOREXIA NERVOSA:
People with this disorder yearn to be thin and try so hard that they may not eat much of anything. They feel like they are overweight and see themselves as looking that way, even after significant weight has been lost. Their body loses a lot of its strength and weight and eventually, this disease can take a person’s life.

BULIMIA NERVOSA:
People who suffer from this disease, eat unusually large amounts of food, and then feel a lack of control, so they get rid of the food from their system- usually by purging (laxatives, extreme exercising, or diuretics may also be used). A person suffering from this disorder may have problems with their throat, glands, and teeth if the disorder continues, and may eventually end in death as well.

Eating disorders are more common in women, but they are popping up everywhere in today’s society. They are treatable in most cases, through use of counseling, monitoring, medications, and by creating a new life-style plan. Eating disorders are very serious and can ultimately lead to death, so they should be treated as soon as someone notices a problem.

SOURCES:
Eating Disorders: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/eating-disorders/complete-index.shtml

Image from: http://ehgazette.blogs.brynmawr.edu/files/2009/12/anorexia02ez3.jpg

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Dealing with a Troubled Teen

The teenage years are commonly a time of rebellion and experimentation for adolescents. Arguments may become more frequent, they may change their appearance, they may experiment with drugs and alcohol, and they may spend less time at home. These are common behaviors for a teenager, but in some cases they are far more extreme.

But what do you do when a teen becomes out of control, and how do you know when that is? If you notice any extreme changes in the teen’s life, this is a warning sign that something may be wrong: for example, new friends or no friends, becoming violent or harmful to other people or things, change in school performance, change in behavior and/or dramatic mood swings. Parents usually know their teenagers the best, so they are best equipped to notice these differences.

But what do you do when you see these changes? First you should observe their behavior and think about why they might be doing these things: explore the options. The next step is realizing that a change needs to be made (maybe with the parent as well) and to reconfigure the established parenting style.

HELPFUL HINTS:
• Reward positive and responsible behaviors and decisions.
• Create clear rules and enforce them regularly. This also means establishing reasonable consequences if the rules are not followed.
• Try to communicate with the teen about what is going on in their life and stay open-minded.
• Stand by your decision.

Boot camps, wilderness treatment facilities, boarding schools, and the like should all be last resort options. If making changes in the home does not seem to work, try going to see a professional. Sometimes all teenagers need is a little help and they will be able to get back on track.

SOURCES:
Troubled Teen 101 http://www.troubledteen101.com/articles11.html

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Cocaine

coke, blow, snow, flake, snowball, nose candy, etc.

Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant that is put into the body in three common ways: smoking, sniffing, and/or injection. It gives users a feeling of extreme pleasure, but it lasts only a short amount of time. If cocaine is smoked (known as crack cocaine) the high is almost immediate but only lasts about 5 or 10 minutes; if it is snorted, the high may not occur as rapidly, but will most likely last longer, about 15-30 minutes.

Some Signs of a Cocaine User:
•Bloodshot eyes and/or frequent runny nose
•Nosebleeds
•Weight loss
•Dilated pupils

Some Risks of Using:
•Addiction
•Risk of paranoia and/or depression
•Headaches
•Decrease in strength of immune system
•Irritability, anxiety, or restlessness
•Decreased appetite
•Long term: cardiac arrest or damage to nasal septum

Cocaine is a very addictive substance and the high is only short-lived, so when the high ends, users continue to go back for more. They may experience a crash after their high has ended and this only helps to feed the addiction. The risks and side effects are very serious and often times using leads to serious addictions.

Sources:
Cocaine Facts (Blow) http://www.abovetheinfluence.com/facts/drugs-cocaine.aspx#
Cocaine http://www.theantidrug.com/drug-information/commonly-abused-
drugs/cocaine.aspx
Signs of Cocaine Addiction http://www.addictionca.com/signs-of-cocaine-use.htm

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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (also known as PTSD) can occur after a person has witnessed or experienced a traumatic event.
These events can include:

•Combat
•Violent attacks (such as rape, abuse, or assault)
•Serious and sudden accidents (such as a car accident)
•Natural disasters (flood, hurricane, etc)
•Death of a loved one
•And other life changing events

It is natural for people to feel upset or anxious after such an event has occurred, but if the symptoms continue for more than a month without seeming to get better, the individual may have PTSD. These people may distance themselves from friends and family, become depressed, turn to drugs or alcohol, have nightmares or problems sleeping, and/or think about the event regularly. For some, these thoughts are overwhelming and can consume much of their life.

The onset of PTSD usually occurs soon after the traumatic event has occurred. However, it is possible that people will feel the effects of it years down the road. There are medications to help people diagnosed with this condition, but many professionals believe that therapy is a stronger, more long-term solution. It may help the person open up about their experiences and learn to think about life in a different way.

PTSD is a very serious condition that goes beyond people that go away to war. It is affecting more and more people, and treatment is readily available to those who seek it out.

SOURCES:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: 1372-4D20-C8E6CFE1B56A38AB>
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Overview: < http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-
panic/tc/post-traumatic-stress-disorder--topic-overview>

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Suicide

“More than 90 percent of people who kill themselves have a diagnosable mental disorder, most commonly a depressive disorder or a substance abuse disorder.” (www.nimh.nih.gov)

Suicide is a serious issue that is plaguing the world today. It is the third leading single cause for death in America and has been occurring more frequently in recent months due to the declining economy and other uncontrollable factors. People commit suicide when they feel that something is terribly wrong in their life and they cannot think of another way out. Friends or family members should try not to judge these people or try to counsel them alone; the best option is for the individual thinking about suicide to seek treatment.

Warning Signs:
•Talking about suicide or what life would be like if they were “gone”
•Depression
•Previous suicide attempts
•Getting rid of prized possessions
•Personality changes
•Engaging in risky behaviors

People who have attempted suicide before are very likely to commit suicide in the first year after the attempt. Also, people who are depressed make up about 30-80% of the population that does commit suicide. Statistics say that on average 8 out of 10 people give some type of warning sign before they commit suicide.

How to Help if you Fear Someone you Love is Considering Suicide:
•Trust your instincts
•Don’t swear to secrecy or leave the person alone
•Don’t be judgmental and talk to the person about their concerns
•Have them get treatment, even if they resist

Suicide is a very devastating event and can potentially be prevented if someone is brave enough to intervene. People who are thinking about killing themselves are often crying out for help, so help them if you can. And if you, or someone you know, is thinking about suicide, seek treatment- the benefits are endless.

Sources:
Fact sheet: Suicide
The Numbers Count: Mental Health Disorders in America

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How Substance Abuse Affects Families

When a person becomes addicted to a drug, it often affects the people around them. Although the others are not actually using the drug, they sometimes feel its effects in different ways. An addict does not always realize how their actions are impacting the people they love, but family and friends do pay a price as well.

Financial Effects:
When an addict lives with his/her family, they may spend more money on their addiction than their budget allows. Money that is needed for bills or food may be spent on drugs and it leaves the rest of the family responsible for making up the loss. Additionally, if the addiction becomes severe, an addict may steal from their loved ones in order to get a high and again the family is left to figure out the issues that are created.

Exposure Effects:
Exposure may begin in someone’s life before they are ever born. If a woman is pregnant and still using drugs, her unborn baby may face irreparable damages. And later, when someone begins (or continues) to use drugs in their everyday life, it is not long before the people around them begin to notice. Children are sometimes exposed to these drugs and do not even understand what they are. The largest problem with this is that exposure leads to familiarity and could potentially cause them to consider using drugs in the future.

Emotional Effects:
Despite the numerous battles that families of addicts have to fight, the emotional one may be the toughest. Children may lose their parents and adults lose their siblings or spouses to addiction, and the loss is immeasurable. Often times, the loved ones feel the stress from the addiction when they try to cover up the addict’s problems as well as argue with them about what is going on. Addiction may cause more arguments and sometimes even physical abuse, and people can only handle so much.

Sources:
Substance Abuse- Effects of Substance Abuse on Families
http://family.jrank.org/pages/1647/Substance-Abuse-Effects-Substance-Abuse-on-Families.html
Drug Abuse and Addiction
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/drug_substance_abuse_addiction_signs_effects
_treatment.htm
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Marijuana - The Facts

Marijuana may be the most commonly accepted drug within our society, but the truth is that it can be very dangerous. “Some common names are: pot, grass, herb, weed, Mary Jane, reefer, skunk, boom, gangster, kif, chronic, and ganja,” (teens.drugabuse.gov). A common misconception is that everybody uses it, when in fact marijuana use is on the decline. People generally choose to use it to escape from their everyday lives into a more calm and mellow place. However, this mellow place isn’t all it’s cracked up to be…

Short term effects:
(+) Dopamine is released which creates the good feeling
(-) Loss of coordination can occur
(-) Impacts perception, memory, and judgment skills
(-) May increase the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors
(-) Increases Heart Rate
(-) Effects are often unpredictable

The most dangerous aspect of using marijuana is that it may affect the brain in irreversible ways. The THC in marijuana is suspected to affect the hippocampus, the cerebellum, the basal ganglia, and the cerebral cortex of the brain; these areas of the brain are mostly responsible for coordination, learning and memory. Many users’ brains are still developing and because the effects of marijuana use are so unpredictable, one must decide if the risk is really worth the benefit?

Sources:
-Marijuana What is it? http://teens.drugabuse.gov/facts/facts_mj1.php
-Image from: http://latinolikeme.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/marijuana.jpg

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Employee Assistance Professionals (EAPs)

“In the US, over 97% of companies with more than 5,000 employees have EAPs. 80% of companies with 1,001 - 5,000 employees have EAPs. 75% of companies with 251 - 1,000 employees have EAPs,” (www.eapassn.org).

What does an employee assistance professional do?
EAPs are hired to assist both the employer and his/her employees. It is their job to address productivity in the workplace while assisting people who may have a mental health or addiction concern. A main component of their job is to make referrals to appropriate treatment facilities when the situation calls for it.

EAPs are beneficial to everyone in the workplace. Employees who seek treatment are more likely to maintain a steady job and create good work habits, which in turn will help the employer uphold a productive business and probably save money in the long run.

Employee Assistance Professionals have a large impact on the business industry as more companies are opting to hire them. Their responsibilities benefit both parties and their assistance has proven to be very beneficial overall.


Sources:
About Employee Assistance, http://www.eapassn.org
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Wellstone & Domenici Parity Act (2008)

What is “parity”?
In this sense, parity means equal coverage for mental health, substance abuse treatment, and physical health conditions covered under insurance plans. Passing this bill was meant to ensure equal benefits for all types of treatment that people need, without any discrimination.

• Equal benefits (equal coverage)
• Equal limits (one can not be more restrictive than another)
• Equal Cost-sharing (deductibles, co-payments, etc)

Reimbursement charges are not included in the bill and the changes are expected to increase premiums by .4% for insurance companies. Although this act is meant to create equality, it is still possible for some parties to opt out of providing mental health and substance abuse benefits altogether. State laws also come into play and may cause some discrepancies among the people involved in this industry.

The Wellstone-Domenici Parity Act will be implemented beginning January 1, 2010 after being passed by the Bush administration in 2008. Some insurance companies have been fighting against this bill and changes continue to be made, but before long it will be the new way of the health care system. Equality may make an appearance in this bill, but only time will tell how effective the law really is.

Sources:
Wellstone-Domenici Parity Act FAQ http://www.phwa.org/resources/goodcompany/newsletter/article/113
Congressional Research Service Summary
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h110-6983&tab=summary

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