November 4, 2022

Scientists continue to explore the specific causes of Substance Use Disorders (SUD).   As stated in the article "...scientists haven’t identified an “addiction gene.”  However, they have found that certain genetic factors can influence behaviors and tendencies that may predispose an individual towards substance dependence or addiction."  Along with genetics, several other risk factors have been identified.  One of these is the age of exposure   Studies have shown that the earlier a child experiments with alcohol or drugs, the higher the risk of developing a SUD in adulthood.
Here is the link: https://www.ashleytreatment.org/genetics-substance-use-related/?bblinkid=264105542&bbemailid=42774370&bbejrid=-1807316177


October 30, 2022

There have been numerous reports recently warning parents about brightly colored fentanyl pills.  Which has caused some concern with Halloween coming up.  Now, drug policy experts say instead of worrying about children coming across fentanyl while trick-or-treating, parents should speak openly and plainly with their children about drug use and about staying safe.

The article also mentions xylazine and why counterfeit pills are so dangerous.
Here is the link: https://www.inquirer.com/news/rainbow-fentanyl-halloween-candy-myth-confusion-philadelphia-20221018.html

‘Rainbow fentanyl’ panic is obscuring the real dangers of a contaminated drug supply, experts say Fentanyl is a hidden danger in the local drug supply, but not because dealers are selling it as counterfeit candy. www.inquirer.com

The latest government study on teen vaping suggests there’s been little progress in keeping e-cigarettes out of the hands of kids.  As stated in the article, kids vaping in school bathrooms and stairwells remains “a constant battle”.  Over the past 5 years, we've seen stories about lung ailments and deaths that have been caused by vaping.  But, we won't know what the long-term health effects of using e-cigarettes are for many years.  The liquid used in e-cigarettes often contains nicotine and flavorings.  And while age limits have been imposed on the sale of vaping products, there still aren't any regulations on what is in the juices used in e-cigarettes.  So, it's impossible for consumers to know exactly what their e-cigarette products contain.

Here's the link to the article: https://apnews.com/article/science-health-covid-f420ece980f60d09daad9f618b5f61dc

New survey suggests little progress against U.S. teen vaping NEW YORK (AP) — The latest government study on teen vaping suggests there's been little progress in keeping e-cigarettes out of the hands of kids. The data seems to show more high school students vaping, with 14% saying they had done so recently, according to survey results released Thursday. apnews.com

You can Save a Life

Narcan is being used every day to save lives.
We're bringing a Narcan training session to St. Mary's on Wednesday, October 26th from 7:00-8:00pm.

Watch for more details.  If you have any questions, please contact Bob at crhoopert@zoominternet.net.



Fr. Henry Kunkel understood that our faith communities need to be welcoming places, safe places for folks who are suffering from Substance Use Disorders, for folks who are in recovery, and for all of their families and loved ones.  He allowed our ministry to conduct Congregational Surveys during each Mass over a weekend in 2019.  He allowed us to speak at each Mass on a weekend in 2019 to introduce our parishioners to our Prevention and Recovery Ministry's brochures.  And he allowed us to speak at each Mass on a weekend in 2021 to introduce our parishioners to drug deactivation bags.  He knew that we need to safely dispose of our unneeded drugs in order to protect our environment.  And that everyone needs to lock up their medications so that no one will be tempted to steal them.  Father willingly agreed to allow us to place our Shine a Light on Recovery banners and yard signs to show that help is available and that Recovery is Possible.  And, while he won't be able to attend the upcoming session, he agreed to allow us to schedule a Narcan training session at St. Mary's because he understood that if we can save someone's life today with Narcan, maybe we'll be able to get that person into treatment and recovery tomorrow or next week or next year. 
We thank Fr. Kunkel for all of his love and support.