Publication Date: August 30th, 2022
Brightly-colored fentanyl is being seized in multiple forms, including pills, powder, and blocks that resemble sidewalk chalk. Just two milligrams of fentanyl, which is equal to 10-15 grains of table salt, is considered a lethal dose. If you encounter fentanyl in any form, do not handle it and call 911 immediately.
This is a good time to reflect on your drinking pattern and the role that alcohol plays in your life. Most adults in Wisconsin who drink alcohol drink moderately and without complications. At the same time, alcohol-related problems are among the most significant public health issues in Wisconsin.
• For most women, moderate drinking is no more than one standard drink a day.
• For most men, moderate drinking is no more than two standard drinks a day.
A standard drink is equal to 14.0 grams (0.6 ounces) of pure alcohol. Generally, this amount of pure alcohol is found in
• 12 ounces of beer (5% alcohol content).
• 8 ounces of malt liquor (7% alcohol content).
• 5 ounces of wine (12% alcohol content).
• 1.5 ounces or a “shot” of 80-proof (40% alcohol content) distilled spirits or liquor (gin, rum, vodka, whiskey).
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/alcohol/index.htm
The adolescent years are marked by dynamic brain changes. An important aspect of the maturing brain is the development of connections or networks that link different parts of the brain. It takes two an half decades to hook up each of the parts of the brain to each other, like slowly building and linking the parts of a force field over 25 years. Before the force field is in place, teens can get addicted harder, stronger, faster, and longer than adults. But neuroscience can teach us ways to reduce risks and help teens navigate this tricky time.
https://youtu.be/nYR2j9oQGPs
Too often, unused and expired medications find their way into the wrong hands. That’s dangerous and often tragic. Bringing unused and expired medications to a Drug Take Back Day collection site protects you, your family, and your community. The next Drug Take Back Day is April 30, 2022. Find a permanent drug drop box near you at: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/permanent-drug-drop-boxes.htm
Both Drunk Driving and Drugged Driving are Dangerous
Alcohol and drugs affect the way you drive—putting you, your passengers, and other drivers on the road at risk. Drugs can alter your perception, attention, balance, coordination, reaction time, and the other skills you need to stay alert and safe.
What is drug-impaired driving? Driving under the influence of over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, or illegal drugs.
https://d14rmgtrwzf5a.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/nida-druggeddriving-infographic.pdf
More and more studies of drivers killed in motor vehicle accidents have found an increasing number of these drivers testing positive for at least one drug.
According to the GHSA’s “Drug-Impaired Driving” survey, 43.6 of drivers tested after a deadly car crash had drugs in their system.
Using any mind-altering drug makes it unsafe to drive a car—just like driving after drinking alcohol!
More Information:
https://www.justthinktwice.gov/getting-high-and-driving
https://www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov/
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/drugged-driving
Quitting smoking isn’t easy. It takes time. And a plan. You don’t have to stop smoking in one day. Start with day one. Let the Great American Smokeout event on the third Thursday in November be your day to start your journey toward a smoke-free life. You’ll be joining thousands of people who smoke across the country in taking an important step toward a healthier life and reducing your cancer risk. Plus, the American Cancer Society can help you access the resources and support you need to quit.
https://www.cancer.org/healthy/stay-away-from-tobacco/great-american-smokeout.html
Publication Date: Sep 30, 2021
Sharp Increase in Fake Prescription Pills Containing Fentanyl and Meth
DEA Warns that International and Domestic Criminal Drug Networks are Flooding the United States with Lethal Counterfeit Pills
September 27, 2021 – The Drug Enforcement Administration warns the American public of the alarming increase in the lethality and availability of fake prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine. International and domestic criminal drug networks are mass-producing fake pills, falsely marketing them as legitimate prescription pills, and killing unsuspecting Americans. These counterfeit pills are easy to purchase, widely available, and often contain deadly doses of fentanyl. Pills purchased outside of a licensed pharmacy are illegal, dangerous, and potentially lethal. This alert does not apply to legitimate pharmaceutical medications prescribed by medical professionals and dispensed by pharmacists.
https://pttcnetwork.org/centers/global-pttc/news/press-release-and-public-safety-alert-issued-today-dea
Underage drinking is a real problem in Wisconsin, and it starts earlier and can be more dangerous than you might think. But parents, loved ones, and other caring adults can make a real difference. All you have to do is talk. That’s right. Having small, casual conversations with kids, starting around age 8, can help prevent underage drinking.
Video in English with Spanish subtitles
¿Hablas español? subtítulos disponibles
Know what to say and do to have a successful small talk
Sepa qué decir y hacer para tener una charla exitosa
In 2019, 9.7 million people aged 12 or older misused used pain relievers in the United States.
50.8% of the pain relievers were accessed through friends or relatives. They were given to them for free, purchased or just taken from them without asking.
Help reduce access to prescription medications by locking them up or storing them in a safe place, not sharing medications, and using drop box locations to dispose of unwanted medications.
Think kids won’t listen? Think again. Research shows that parents and other caring adults are the most powerful influence on children’s choices about underage drinking. That means you can make a real difference, especially if you start early. Don’t worry; it’s easier than you may think. We can show you how, with helpful suggestions for tackling tough questions and ideas for getting the conversations started.
