New Drug in Schools

This is a new drug known as 'strawberry quick '.

There is a very scary thing going on in the schools right now that we all need to be aware of.

There is a type of crystal meth going around that looks like strawberry pop rocks (the candy that sizzles and 'pops' in your mouth). It also smells like strawberry and it is being handed out to kids in school yards. They are calling it strawberry meth or strawberry quick.

Kids are ingesting this thinking that it is candy and being rushed off to the hospital in dire condition. It also comes in chocolate, peanut butter, cola, cherry, grape and orange.

Please instruct your children not to accept candy from strangers and even not to accept candy that looks like this from a friend (who may have been given it and believed it is candy) and to take any that they may have to a teacher, principal, etc. immediately.

Pass this information on to as many people as you can (even if they don't have kids) so that we can raise awareness and hopefully prevent any tragedies from occurring.

More information at the Juvenile Justice Commission

Sober Siblings, How to Help your Alcoholic Brother or Sister -and Not Lose Yourself

I received a very nice postcard with a handwritten message today, and when it comes to direct mail, this is always a smart way to capture someone's attention. The clean and understated image of two cups of coffee with the title Sober Siblings, How to Help your Alcoholic Brother or Sister‑-and Not Lose Yourself intrigued me, and also happens to be audience appropriate. I was quite curious to go online and find out more about the book. Sober Siblings is written by New Jersey author, Patricia Olsen and is told through her personal experience, along with stories from other siblings of alcoholics, aided by the wisdom of addiction specialist Dr. Petros Levounis. Sober Siblings explores the effects of alcoholism on sibling relationships and offers practical advice on: the nature of alcoholism; feelings of shame, frustration, hopelessness, and anger; the difference between helping and enabling; setting and maintaining boundaries; co-addictions and dual diagnoses; pros and cons of family interventions; treatment options for your sibling and therapy options for you.

Hear Pat’s memories of a sobering childhood ( I found out Pat grew up in the area I live in today)

Read the Q&A

Order the Book

Real People, Real Recovery: Effectively Delivering Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care

In 2006, an estimated 22.6 million persons aged 12 or older were classified with substance dependence or abuse in the past year. Of these, only 4.0 million received some kind of treatment for a problem related to the use of alcohol or illicit drugs. Luckily, a host of services exists for those who need them. From 12-step programs to in-patient and out-patient treatment, from recovery-oriented housing to sober recreational activities like those celebrated each September during Recovery Month, there's an entire network of treatment and support services available for those dealing with substance abuse and mental health disorders.

A Webcast program developed by the the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) examines some of those services, and explores ways to increase awareness and better deliver services to those who need them. Watch Webcast

My Day in Drug Court

Photo: Superior Court Judge Paul Armstrong, who presides over the drug court in Somerset County and is chairman of the Statewide Committee of Drug Court Judges, addresses the conference of the National Association for Drug Court Professionals after New Jersey was awarded the organization’s Leadership Award. Carol Venditto, statewide drug court manager, is to the left looking on.

I had the privilege of sharing Friends information with over 100 drug court participants back in May which was Drug Court month. I traveled to Cape May and Atlantic County Drug Courts to give presentations and was afforded a captive audience before they were to stand in front of the judge. I consider the work of Friends a great honor. As the judge said after my presentation, “We need all the Friends we can get,” and he thanked me for giving the presentation. Wow, a judge thanking me? I’ve only had experience with a judge fining me and then I take the checkbook to the window to pay. My life has changed too.

I knew I wasn’t going to stand before the judge but I still felt nervous being in the courtroom. Perhaps I need to stop ‘judging.’ To my surprise the judge was pleasant and showed genuine concern toward the drug court participants. It was an experience I will cherish. Recently, New Jersey Drug Courts were honored nationally by the National Association for Drug Courts. New Jersey even has a committee of Drug Court Judges. Kudos to all the drug court workers and participants!

Imprisoned By Addiction | Surviving the County Jail

A new memoir, Imprisoned By Addiction was written by Dennis Brew, a survivor of a 20 year battle with addiction. The book answers common questions the average citizen might have about the experience of being in jail due to addiction. He shares his real life experiences with overcoming a daily heroin and cocaine habit and the life of deceit and crime that is often the result of chronic drug use.

Topics such as committing the crime, getting caught red-handed, experiencing the horrors of heroin withdrawal, finding out what it's like to be a minority, gambling, the legal system, public defenders and much more are covered in the book. "The disease of addiction is a worldwide epidemic, everyone knows somebody affected by addiction" says Brew.

Read more about Dennis Brew