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Foundation for Recovery News
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The Foundation for Recovery Releases Latest Edition of Their Southern Nevada Recovery Resource Directory
July 6, 2010
LAS VEGAS — The Foundation for Recovery just released the latest edition of the Southern Nevada Recovery Resource Directory. The directory provides vital resources that someone struggling with addiction would need to start on their path of recovery. This comprehensive resource lists everything from 12-step meetings to legal services; hotlines to healthcare services; support groups to substance abuse facilities.
The Resource Directory has been expanded to incorporate a new section on Faith Based Recovery Resources. Community Relations Manager Heidi Gustafson states that “FFR recognizes and embraces Faith Based Recovery as a viable pathway for the relief and treatment of the Disease of Addiction. Many people are more comfortable walking through faith based doors than other alternatives available to them. This option helps to reduce the negative stigma for those seeking help from this deadly and chronic disease.”
The newest edition of the Resource Directory also features the title on the cover in both English and Spanish to reflect the fact that information is provided in both languages. The Directory also contains a small section in Mandarin Chinese. FFR is committed to making recovery from addiction more widely available to a diverse audience.
FFR prints the Southern Nevada Recovery Resource Directory four times per year and distributes copies to the Las Vegas Valley free of charge. Resource Directories can be found in all LVMPD patrol cars, community resource and referral centers, 12-step meeting spaces, community events, and online at www.ForRecovery.org. To request free copies, have your organization listed, or to purchase ad space please call the Foundation at (702) 257-8199 or email ResourceDirectory@forrecovery.org.
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Contact Information:
Heidi Gustafson, Outreach Coordinator
Foundation For Recovery
(702) 273-0500
Contact Us
www.ForRecovery.org
National Study: New Data Shows Teen Girls More Likely to See Benefits in Drug and Alcohol Use
Findings Make Early Parental Action with Daughters Even More Critical
June 30, 2010
LAS VEGAS — Survey data released today by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America® and MetLife Foundation found that teenage girls are more likely than teenage boys to perceive potential benefits from drug use and drinking, making teen girls more vulnerable to drug and alcohol abuse.
According to a new research analysis of the 2009 Partnership Attitude Tracking Study (PATS), sponsored by MetLife Foundation, teen girls are more likely to associate “self-medicating” benefits with drinking and getting high. More than two-thirds of teen girls responded positively to the question “using drugs helps kids deal with problems at home” (an 11 percent increase, up from 61 percent in 2008 to 68 percent in 2009) and more than half reported that drugs help teens forget their troubles (a 10 percent increase, up from 48 percent in 2008 to 53 percent in 2009). Stress has been identified as a key factor leading to drinking, smoking and drug use among girls and more than three times as many young girls as boys reported having symptoms of depression in 2008.
Meanwhile, there was a significant 16 percent increase among boys who agreed that “drugs help you relax socially” (from 45 percent in 2008 to 52 percent in 2009) and a 21 percent increase among boys who agreed that “parties are more fun with drugs” (from 34 percent in 2008 to 41 percent in 2009).
“Parents of teen girls have to be especially attentive to their daughters’ moods and mental health needs, which can have a direct effect on their child’s decision to risk her health by getting high and drinking,” said Heidi Gustafson, Community Outreach Director for The Foundation For Recovery.
Partnership President and CEO Steve Pasierb added that “parents can help prevent alcohol and drug abuse by recognizing and addressing their daughters’ worries and stresses, by supporting her positive decisions and by taking immediate action if they suspect or know she has been experimenting with drugs and alcohol.”
More Teen Girls Drinking Alcohol, See Ecstasy Use as Less Addictive
The PATS data also point to upswings in use of drugs that teens are likely to encounter at parties and in other social situations, with noteworthy and dramatic increases in alcohol use among girls. Teenage girls’ alcohol use increased 11 percent, from 53 percent in 2008 to 59 percent in 2009 – significantly higher, when compared to the increase in boys’ drinking over the same time period (50 percent and 52 percent respectively).
While, past year Ecstasy use increased substantially among both teen girls and boys, teen girls are now significantly less likely to believe Ecstasy use could be addictive (down from 82 percent in 2008 to 77 percent in 2009.) Teen girls’ social disapproval of overall illegal drug use by their friends also decreased with only 33 percent reporting they “don’t want to hang around drug users,” down from 38 percent who agreed in 2008.
The PATS data found a significant 29 percent increase in teen girls’ past year marijuana use from 2008 to 2009 and a much less dramatic 15 percent increase in boys’ use of marijuana during the same time period.
“It’s troubling to see that girls view illicit drug use as less dangerous than they previously did and are more likely to drink alcohol,” said Dennis White, president and CEO of MetLife Foundation. “For boys and girls alike, however, parents need to know when it’s time to act, and how to act when confronted with a substance abuse situation, ensuring they’ll be more effective in preventing a serious problem.”
Time To Act: Resource to Help Parents Take Immediate Action, Safeguarding Kids From Drugs and Alcohol
Discovering that a teen is using drugs or drinking is often a frightening experience for parents – many feel alone, ashamed, and confused about what to do next. The Partnership encourages parents of children who are using drugs or alcohol to take action as soon as they suspect or know their child is using and provides parents with free, anonymous access to the most current, research-based information on how to help their child and their family take the next steps. Developed in collaboration with scientists from the Treatment Research Institute, Time To Act, offers step-by-step advice and sympathetic guidance from substance abuse experts, family therapists, scientists and fellow parents to help guide families through the process of understanding drug and alcohol use, confronting a child, setting boundaries and seeking outside help.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to have frequent, ongoing conversations with their children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol use and to take early action if they think their child is using or might have a problem. Parents who visit drugfree.org can learn to talk with their kids about drugs and alcohol and take charge of the conversation with their kids.
The 21st national PATS study of 3,287 teens in grades 9-12 is nationally projectable with a +/- 2.3 percent margin of error. Conducted for the Partnership and MetLife Foundation by the Roper Public Affairs Division of GfK Custom Research, the 2009 PATS teen study was administered in private, public and parochial schools. For more information or to view the full PATS Report, please visit drugfree.org.
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Contact Information:
Heidi Gustafson, Outreach Coordinator
Foundation For Recovery
(702) 273-0500
Contact Us
www.ForRecovery.org
The Foundation for Recovery Hosts 'The Science of Addiction and Recovery' Training This Saturday @ Desert Breeze Community Center
June 17, 2010
LAS VEGAS — On Saturday, June 19, 2010 the Foundation For Recovery (FFR) is hosting “The Science of Addiction and Recovery” training at Desert Breeze Community Center from 9am – 4:30pm. This valuable training is focused on the brain’s role in the disease of addiction and is geared toward substance abuse professionals, educators and drug-free advocates.
The content of the training is provided by Faces and Voices of Recovery which has been offering the program nationally. “The Foundation is honored to be hosting the first presentation of ‘The Science of Addiction and Recovery’ in the western U.S.,” says Community Relations Manager Heidi Gustafson, “We believe that a better public understanding of addiction will help to change the negative perception and remove the stigma attached to addiction.” The first 3 hours of the program educates attendees about the latest research on the disease of addiction, while the last 3 hours teaches them how to effectively communicate their newly gained knowledge to the community.
“Addiction is a disease of the brain,” states Gustafson, “the more that we know about the disease the better we’ll be able to treat it and create understanding amongst the general public.”
The training is sponsored by Sunhawk Adolescent Recovery Center, Judge Cedric Kerns, UNLV’s Student Organization for Addiction Professionals (SOAP) and The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Southern Nevada. More information is available at www.ForRecovery.org.
The Foundation for Recovery is a charitable 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Las Vegas, NV. FFR promotes the positive impact of addiction recovery in the community and the lives of individuals and families affected by the disease of addiction. The Foundation’s programs, services, and partnerships open pathways for recovery by removing social barriers and creating opportunities for those seeking recovery. FFR is committed to achieving these goals by promoting awareness of available treatment resources, encouraging network and information exchanges, and underwriting community engagements that deal with pro-recovery modalities. FFR also supports research and educational initiatives and is the proud sponsor of several addiction studies scholarships at UNLV.
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Contact Information:
Jennifer Barangan, Outreach Coordinator
Foundation For Recovery
Office: (702) 257-8199
Cell: (702) 339-5940
Contact Us
www.ForRecovery.org
'Parents You Matter' Drug Prevention Training Now Offered by Foundation for Recovery and Partnership for a Drug-Free America
April 6, 2010
LAS VEGAS — The FOUNDATION FOR RECOVERY (FFR) has announced that it is providing a free, come-to-you, hour-long training program for parents, educators and other adults who care about keeping kids drug free. With content provided through The Partnership for a Drug Free America, this "Parents You Matter" program - geared toward groups of 6 to 40 adults - provides valuable insight into why kids use alcohol and drugs, how parents can communicate with kids about this vital topic, and the steps to take if parents suspect or know their kids are using.
"We know that the average age of first use [of alcohol or drugs] is 13," said FFR Community Relations Manager, Heidi Gustafson. "We also know that parents matter in helping prevent the use of drugs and alcohol, accessing addiction treatment, and giving kids viable choices," she added.
As the Nevada affiliate of The Partnership for a Drug Free America, FFR is authorized to localize and present The Partnership's research and prescribed approach to preventing and dealing with drug and alcohol use amongst kids. The Partnership has trained local presenters and, according to Gustafson, "the content is dynamic, informative and incredibly valuable."
"Wherever there are six or more interested adults, we are happy to bring our presentation and materials to ensure that as many people as possible in the community are empowered by this information," Gustafson said.
FFR recommends holding the presentations during lunch hours and scheduling as far in advance as possible to ensure the availability of presenters.
According to Gustafson, the sense of urgency for FFR is driven by published Partnership statistics such as:
- Every day 4,000 teens in America try an illicit drug for the first time
- Clark County ranks third in the U.S. for prescription drug overdoses
- 60% of teens who have abused painkillers started use prior to age 15
Those interested in scheduling a Parents You Matter presentation can check out the content at http://www.slideboom.com/slidelogs/parentsyoumatter and call Marla Bube at 702-257-8199.
April is Alcohol Awareness Month
April 1, 2010
When many people think of alcohol abusers, they picture teenagers sneaking drinks before high school football games or at unsupervised parties. However, alcohol abuse is prevalent within many demographic groups in the United States. People who abuse alcohol can be:
College students who binge drink at local bars.
Pregnant women who drink and put their babies at risk for fetal alcohol syndrome. Professionals who drink after a long day of work.
Senior citizens who drink out of loneliness.
Click to read more
Problem Gambling Awareness Week Campaign Kicks Off
March 9, 2010
The Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado is joining forces with the National Council on Problem Gambling to kick off National Problem Gambling Awareness Week. From March 7-13, 2010, the Coalition will shine the light on gambling addiction, an issue which impacts an estimated six million to nine million Americans.
Click to read more
Obama Administration’s FY 2011 Drug Control Budget Proposal Mixed Bag for Prevention
February 4, 2010
On February 1, the Obama Administration released its Fiscal Year 2011 National Drug Control Budget proposal. The budget proposes an overall increase for drug-related programs, and outlines the development of a new prevention program. However, it proposes a $9 million cut from last year's funding for the Drug Free Communities (DFC) program.
“CADCA is very pleased that the proposed budget includes an exciting new focus on prevention, through programs such as the Prevention Prepared Communities program, which would help communities develop effective mental health and substance abuse prevention efforts. We look forward to hopefully working with the Administration to help craft how that new program will work,” said CADCA Chairman and CEO Gen. Arthur Dean.
Another aspect of the budget that CADCA applauds is the proposed $1 million increase to the enhancement grants for the STOP Underage Drinking Act program.
However, Gen. Dean noted that the cut to the DFC program is something we cannot ignore.
"At a time when youth attitudes about drug use have softened, it was disappointing to see a proposed $9 million cut from last year’s funding level for the Drug Free Communities (DFC) program, a program specifically designed to prevent drug use that has been extremely effective. Communities with DFC grantees have not only delayed the onset of youth drug and alcohol use, they have reduced youth drug use, tobacco use and underage drinking to levels lower than national averages,” he said.
The DFC program provides funding to more than 700 community coalitions located throughout the country and U.S. territories. DFC coalitions assess their local community’s substance abuse problem, use that data to develop comprehensive community-wide prevention strategies and track their progress over time.
“Therefore, while the renewed focus on prevention is a welcome development, which we wholeheartedly support, we will continue to ensure that the solid foundation of the Drug Free Communities program, which reduces drug use and its consequences in hundreds of communities, is enhanced as well,” Gen. Dean added.
Citizen Advocates Call on Insurance Companies to Fully Implement Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act
January 29, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC — Citizen advocates hailed the federal government’s release of interim regulations to implement the Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act and called on all insurance companies to comply with the new regulations. "The regulations are out, and not a moment too soon," said Stephen Gumbley, vice chair of the national recovery advocacy organization Faces & Voices of Recovery. "Some insurance companies have already put plans in place that fall short of this law’s intent, severely restricting patients’ access to life-saving care. This needs to change and we encourage individuals and families covered by these plans to ask them to fully implement policies consistent with this new law."
The law, officially known as the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 requires employer-sponsored health plans to cover addiction and mental illness on a comparable level with other health conditions. An estimated 100 million Americans and their families will benefit from equitable coverage for addiction and mental illness care under the law. Three federal agencies – the U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Treasury – were involved in writing the regulations that implement the law.
"I am extremely pleased The Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 is now effective for health care plans which began this year. The regulations released today provide the critical guidance necessary to ensure that this landmark legislation is implemented fairly and justly, and will ensure that insurance companies are no longer allowed to discriminate against those suffering from addiction and mental illness," said Representative Patrick Kennedy (D-RI).
Kennedy and former Rep. Jim Ramstad (R-MN) were leaders in the bi-partisan, decade-long fight to unlock the door for people who have been denied adequate coverage.
According to Ramstad, "The next step is making sure that the American people know about their new rights and benefits and how to use them. We want to make sure that people get the care required under the law."
Some companies such as United Healthcare and Blue Cross/Blue Shield, have created new plans that exclude some benefits that should be offered under the new regulations such as methadone maintenance treatment, discriminatory limits on outpatient treatments, and other addiction treatment services.
"In the absence of regulatory guidance, some insurance companies released plans which fall far short of what Congress intended," said Gumbley. "Faces & Voices calls on Americans with private health insurance coverage from companies like United Healthcare and Blue Cross/Blue Shield to make sure that their plans comply with the new federal regulations." Over 400 comments were reviewed by federal regulators while developing the interim regulations released today. "We believe that the regulations will provide excellent guidance for health plans and make critical services available that have been denied for far too long," said Gumbley.
When people are treated for addiction, the costs associated with crime, accidents, absenteeism from work and other areas are all reduced. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, when savings related to health care are included, total savings can exceed treatment costs by a ratio of 12 to 1. "When people get the treatment they need and recover from addiction, expensive health care costs for emergency room visits and addiction-related illness will go down," concluded Gumbley.
About Faces & Voices of Recovery
Faces & Voices of Recovery is working to mobilize, organize and rally the millions of people in recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs, their families, friends and allies in a campaign to end discrimination; broaden social understanding; and achieve a just response to addiction as a public health crisis. For more information, please visit: www.facesandvoicesofrecovery.org.
Click to download this Press Release
Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act Rules Issued
January 29, 2010
By Michael Velardo
Detroit Substance Abuse Examiner
The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 interim rules were issued by the Obama administration and showcased on January 29, 2010.
The law is officially known as the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. The law essentially requires employer-sponsored health plans to provide coverage for addiction and mental illness on a level consistent with other health problems.
Summary of MHPAEA Protections according to the U.S. Health and Human Services:
"The Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 (MHPA) states that a group health plan may not impose annual or lifetime dollar limits on mental health benefits that are less favorable than any such limits imposed on medical surgical benefits.
MHPAEA preserves the MHPA protections, and adds significant new protections. Although the law requires "parity", or equivalence, with regard to annual and lifetime dollar limits, financial requirements and treatment limitations, MHPAEA does NOT require large group health plans and their health insurance issuers to include MH/SUD benefits in their benefits package. The law's requirements apply only to large group health plans and their health insurance issuers that already include MH/SUD benefits in their benefit packages.
Key changes made by MHPAEA, which is generally effective for plan years beginning after October 3, 2009, include the following:
• If a group health plan includes medical/surgical benefits and mental health benefits, the financial requirements (e.g., deductibles and co-payments) and treatment limitations (e.g., number of visits or days of coverage) that apply to mental health benefits must be no more restrictive than the predominant financial requirements or treatment limitations that apply to substantially all medical/surgical benefits;
• If a group health plan includes medical/surgical benefits and substance use disorder benefits, the financial requirements and treatment limitations that apply to substance use disorder benefits must be no more restrictive than the predominant financial requirements or treatment limitations that apply to substantially all medical/surgical benefits;
• MH/SUD benefits may not be subject to any separate cost sharing requirements or treatment limitations that only apply to such benefits;
• If a group health plan includes medical/surgical benefits and mental health benefits, and the plan provides for out of network medical/surgical benefits, it must provide for out of network mental health benefits;
• If a group health plan includes medical/surgical benefits and substance use disorder benefits, and the plan provides for out of network medical/surgical benefits, it must provide for out of network substance use disorder benefits;
• Standards for medical necessity determinations and reasons for any denial of benefits relating to MH/SUD, must be disclosed upon request;
• The MHPA parity requirements under existing law (regarding annual and lifetime dollar limits) continue and are extended to substance use disorder benefits."
There are three exceptions to the MHPAEA coverage according to HHS:
• MHPAEA requirements do not apply to small employers who have between 2 and 50 employees;
• Large group health plan sponsors that meet the requirements stated in the MHPAEA download below (Section 512(a)(2) Cost Exemption) and demonstrate that compliance with MHPAEA increases their claims by at least two percent in the first year (one percent in subsequent years) may request exemption from the MHPAEA based on their cost exemption. Subsequently, the plan sponsors may notify the plan beneficiaries that MHPAEA does not apply to their coverage; and
• A nonfederal governmental employer that provides self-funded group health plan coverage to its employees (coverage that is not provided through an insurer) may elect to exempt its plan (opt-out) from the requirements of MHPAEA by following the Procedures & Requirements posted on the Self-Funded Nonfederal Governmental Plans webpage (see Related Links Inside CMS), then issuing a notice of opt-out to enrollees at the time of enrollment and on an annual basis. Thereafter, the employer must also file the opt-out notification with CMS."
The effective date of the final rules will be on April 5, 2010, and apply to insurance plan years that start on or after July 1, 2010.
"Administration officials estimate that 150 million Americans are covered by employer-provided health plans, 90 percent or more of which currently include addiction and mental-health benefits and thus would be subject to the Wellstone law," according to Join Together.
The MHPAEA law
HIPAA
"Medicare and Medicaid are not issuers of health insurance. They are public health plans through which individuals obtain health coverage. Medicaid Managed Care plans, however, are subject to the MHPAEA requirements. Contact your specific Medicare or Medicaid contractor to discuss your level of benefits," according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
SAMHSA advisory
This Act, and the rules that define it, are something that people in America have needed for a long time. Hopefully, the intent of the Act will live up to its expectations, and provide those with these conditions treatment that is neither compromised, or limited in nature.
Stuart Smith Elected to Faces & Voices of Recovery Board of Directors
July 2, 2009
LAS VEGAS, NV — We are pleased to announce that Stuart Smith, Chairman of the Board of Foundation for Recovery, was recently elected to the Faces & Voices of Recovery Board of Directors.
Faces & Voices of Recovery is the national organization of individuals and organizations joining together with a united voice to advocate for public action to deliver the power, possibility, and proof of recovery from addiction. Faces & Voices of Recovery is working to mobilize, organize, and rally the millions of people in recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs, their families, friends, and allies in a campaign to end discrimination; broaden social understanding; and achieve a just response to addiction as a public health crisis. For more information, please visit www.facesandvoicesofrecovery.org.
Foundation for Recovery is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity based in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Foundation’s mission is to make recovery from addiction more available to the addict who still suffers. The Foundation strives to remove barriers by propagating the availability of recovery for addicts and their family and friends. The Foundation continues to challenge the social stereotypes of who is affected by the disease of addiction and the prognosis of recovery. All of the efforts are inspired by the principles exhibited in the lives of addicts who have found and continue to live in recovery. For more information, please visit www.forrecovery.org.
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Note to Media: To request more information, please contact Jeff Horn at 702.868.5803 or JHorn@ForRecovery.org.
Green Valley High School Drug Testing Program Up and Running
February 6, 2008
Las Vegas, NV — The Foundation for Recovery's $5,000 donation to the Green Valley High School drug testing program for atheletes was covered in an article at the Las Vegas Sun.
The program is the first of its kind at a public school in Nevada. The school plans to test about 30 students each month. All student-athletes are subject to testing, as are any other students whose parents request they be eligible.
The Foundation for Recovery supports programs for the prevention and treatment of drug and alcohol abuse and addiction in the community.
The Foundation on KLAS TV 8
Foundation for Recovery is profiled by KLAS-TV 8 news anchor Paula Francis.
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