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D&A News A PUBLICATION OF THE LANCASTER COUNTY DRUG AND ALCOHOL COMMISSION SPRING 2013 VOL. 24, NO. 1 RASE Project Recovery Specialist Program The RASE Project Recovery Specialist Program (RSP) will help both individuals in treatment and treatment providers. The RSP is a HealthChoices Reinvestment Project serving Cumberland, Perry, Dauphin, Lancaster and Lebanon Counties. Help for Parents and Teachers: Separating Fact From Fiction about Marijuana The subject of marijuana use has become increasingly difficult for parents and teachers to talk about— in part, because of the mixed messages being conveyed by the passage of medical marijuana laws and marijuana legalization in certain states. In addition, some parents may have used marijuana themselves when they were younger, which could make talking openly uncomfortable and setting definitive rules about its use more difficult. As if those challenges were not enough, adults also have to contend with the fact that theirs are not the only voices their children are hearing. Most teens today have a Continued on page 6 The Recovery Specialist’s main goal is to assist individuals engaged in the treatment process to stay in treatment. A Recovery Specialist is matched with a person new to the process as they work together to build the new person’s “recovery capital.” Recovery capital is the breadth and depth of internal and external resources that can be drawn upon to initiate and sustain recovery such as physical health, financial assets, safe and recovery-conducive housing, clothing, food, access to transportation, educational/vocational skills, problem solving capacities, and selfesteem. Recovery Specialists begin their relationships with the participants during the treatment process and continue to work with them after they complete treatment. The program tarIN THIS ISSUE OF THE D&A NEWS: 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 RASE Recovery Specialist, Marijuana Fact from Fiction From the Executive Director New State Department Career in the Addictions Field Addiction Certification Fact Sheet: Marijuana Legalization Upcoming Meetings/Events gets individuals who are in need of one-on-one services to assist them to overcome obstacles that keep them from succeeding in the recovery process. The RSP will especially target those individuals who chronically relapse and struggle to stay in treatment and/or recovery. RSP Services will take place in the community and at RASE offices located in one of the five county areas, depending on participant need. Recovery Specialists act as role models to demonstrate how to successfully navigate life and the various professional systems necessary to succeed in recovery. Vocational Enrichment, Employment Assistance, and other educational services are also available to interested participants several times a week. Recovery Specialists divide their time between individual and group interactions with participants. The RSP was designed primarily for individuals on Medical Assistance, however, in some cases RASE can also work with individuals who are not on Medical Assistance. The reinvestment grant is for approximately three years and will provide drug and alcohol peer-topeer recovery specialist services to the five county HealthChoices region of Cumberland, Perry, Dauphin, Lebanon, and Lancaster. Approximately $309,000 was set aside for the first year of the grant. To find out more about RASE or the Recovery Specialist Program, call 717-2328535., or visit www.raseproject.org. FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR In our newsletter today, we identify an exciting new service provided by Recovery Support Specialists, which is a pilot program funded by HealthChoices reinvestment funding. HealthChoices is a managed care model of delivering mental health and substance abuse treatment, to low income citizens covered by Medicaid, also known as Medical Assistance or MA. So if you have Medicaid or MA health insurance coverage, and you need a mental health or drug and alcohol treatment service, then the HealthChoices project sets up the treatment and pays for it. It is essentially the insurance coverage for low income clients. More than ten years ago, Lancaster County decided to actively own and operate the HealthChoices project in our community. This allows for the coordination of services and funding for another low income group of clients, who are supported in treatment using county base dollars. Since people can flip from HealthChoices coverage to county base dollar coverage, there are many benefits for having the county manage both funding streams. With this ownership of HealthChoices, comes both risk and reward. If the HealthChoices project is doing well financially, the county is allowed to keep up to 3% of the income, for one of two purposes: 1. Place some of the “profit” into a savings account, for those years that the project is in the red. 2. Use some of the profit, or reinvestment dollars, in the creation of new treatment programs. This is how we are able to support new and innovative services, such as the Recovery Support Specialist program with RASE. Other past reinvestment projects that were started, using HealthChoices reinvestment dollars, include recovery house facilities, Buprenorphine Coordinators, methadone clinics, recovery house scholarships, adolescent outpatient clinics, recovery drop in centers, and others. If these programs demonstrate positive outcomes, then they are considered for ongoing support in most cases. With the past ten years of human service funding cuts, the HealthChoices reinvestment projects are the only new programs created in our community. The RASE Recovery Support Specialist program has great potential, and was created due to the successful management of our HealthChoices project. We look forward to analyzing the results, and if effective, RSS can become another ongoing service offered to our citizens. D&A NEWS County Commissioners Scott Martin, Chairman Dennis P. Stuckey Craig Lehman Executive Director Rick Kastner Administrative Assistant Marcia Musser (PT) Accountant Erin Watts (PT) Fiscal Technician Brenda Geiter-Sokso Fiscal Assistant Cindy Lawson Fiscal Secretary Vacant Prevention Supervisor Vacant Prevention Specialist Lisa Starr (PT) Case Management Supervisor Beth Bulat Case Managers Matt Barnett Becky Sayeg Niki Snyder (PT) Single County Authority Public Commission Dr. Herbert Beeders Casey Douglas Jack Enco Doreen Kreiner Cynthia Lonergan Kay Moyer Mary Munster Christian Parsons Kendra Saunders Fred Stier Commissioner Dennis Stuckey Sylvia Vane Katherine Wood-Jacobs D&A News Editor Lisa Starr D&A news is published two times a year by the Lancaster County Drug and Alcohol Commission, 150 N. Queen St., Lancaster, PA 17603; phone (717) 299-8023. This project is made possible by a contract with the Lancaster County Drug and Alcohol Commission and the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The County Office and Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs specifically disclaim responsibility for any analysis, interpretations, or conclusions herein. 2 Enjoy Summer Safely! New State Department Reflects Pennsylvania’s Commitment to Families Dealing with Addiction Pennsylvania’s waterways become playgrounds in the summertime. But it is important to remember that boats and other watercraft require a sober driver just like cars. Roughly half of all boating accidents are alcohol or drug-related. The United States Coast Guard estimates that 60,000 or more nonfatal boating accidents take place annually, with a cost of $240 million. As of July 2012, the Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs (BDAP), formerly under the Department of Health, has become a department in its own right. This change reflects a commitment by the Commonwealth to provide education, intervention and treatment programs to reduce drug and alcohol abuse and dependency for all Pennsylvanians. Gary Tennis, formerly chief of the legislation unit in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, has been appointed Secretary of the new department by Governor Tom Corbett. Alcohol use can be even more dangerous in a marine environment than on land. The motion, vibration, engine noise, sun, wind, and spray all accelerate and increase a drinker’s impairment. A boater becomes fatigued more quickly than a driver, which leads to a decline in coordination, judgment, and reaction time, especially when under the influence of drugs or alcohol. According to Mr. Tennis, “By creating a Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, the Corbett Administration and the General Assembly have established the infrastructure to ensure that drug and alcohol programming across government is coordinated and streamlined, and that the issue receives undivided attention.” The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) is tasked with the following: Developing and implementing programs designed to reduce substance abuse and dependency through quality prevention, intervention, rehabilitation and treatment programs. Educating all Pennsylvanians on the effects and dangers of drugs and alcohol abuse and dependency, and the threat they pose to public health. Mitigating the economic impact of substance abuse for the citizens of Pennsylvania. Never boat under the influence! GO PAPERLESS! Receive D&A News as a PDF The change from bureau to department, says Mr. Tennis is “in recognition of the fact that one out of four families in Pennsylvania and in the nation are suffering with drug and alcohol addiction in the family. Left untreated, addiction can increase crime, child abuse and neglect, health care problems and costs, and many other issues; in fact, it drives up costs across many different commonwealth agencies.” “But the good news is that the right prevention programming works. And treatment, if the full continuum of care is available and clinically-matched to the individual’s level of addiction, works as well. Millions have recovered. And it pays off economically. At the governmental level, study after study shows a $7 benefit for every dollar invested in drug and alcohol treatment, primarily in reduced criminal justice costs.” Would you like to receive the D&A News electronically instead of your printed copy? The D&A News can be sent to your email address as a PDF. In order to receive our newsletter this way, (or to request any other changes to our mailing list) please send an email to Lisa Starr at [email protected]. To assist us in managing our mailing list, include the five digit number in the upper right hand corner of your mailing label. 3 Considering a Career in the Addictions Field? What to study: Most substance abuse professionals recommended social work or psychology, selecting a clinical track and course work in substance abuse, family dynamics, pharmacology, brain function, and community resource awareness. Alvernia University offers a degree in addictions studies. Some schools, like Drexel and Saint Vincent College, offer addictions studies as a minor, with courses that are directly applicable to Pennsylvania certification requirements. Other schools, such as Villanova University, offer a certificate program that contains all the required course work for certification. Several professionals emphasized the importance of internships, field placements, and volunteer work. Abby Peters, Executive Director at Addictions Recovery Systems of Lancaster recommends, “I would encourage the person to volunteer or work in our college student consid- field to make sure this what they want to do. Many agencies will allow a person to volunteer or even shadow for the day, so that the individual has a better In its Occupational Outlook Hand- understanding of our field.” Helpful Advice from the Field Are you a high school or ering a career in the addictions field? Or perhaps you currently work in another field and are considering a career change. Here is some helpful advice from professionals currently working in the drug and alcohol field in Lancaster County: book, 2010-11 Edition, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) named substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors as one of the fastest growing professions, expected to grow 21 percent by 2018. What qualities prospective employers are looking for: Along with the obvious benefits of education and experience, several professionals The job outlook is good! Depointed out particular qualispite the current economy, there ties that they look for in job has never been a better time to applicants. Carol Kuntz, enter the addictions field. AcChief Operating director at Compass Mark, cited a cording to Mary Jo Mather, Executive Director of the clear ability to be able to communicate effectively. Pennsylvania Certification Board, “With the Affordable John Baltzer said he looks for someone who is “open Care Act, parity, a workforce crisis, and other drivers, minded, can take ownership, and learns from each inthere are many opportunities for employment for treatteraction, success, and mistake.” Many respondents ment and prevention professionals. In its Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, the U.S. Depart- also said they look for persons who are peopleoriented, compassionate, creative, and teachable. ment of Labor (DOL) named Deb Bard, Facility substance abuse and behavioral Want to make a difference but not Director at T. W. Ponessa and disorder counselors as one of Associates, pointed out that sure counseling is your thing? the fastest growing professions, being well-organized and thorexpected to grow 21 percent by Consider a career in prevention. ough is an often over-looked 2018.” requirement, since documentation and paperwork needs John Baltzer, drug and alcohol counselor and continue to grow in the human service field. instructor at Millersville University puts it this way, “We will not run out of clients in our lifetimes.” — Continued on next page — 4 Consider Prevention: Want to make a difference but not sure counseling is your thing? Consider a career in prevention. Prevention Specialists work with children and their families to prevent substance abuse before it starts. The skills needed to become a prevention specialist include teaching, group facilitation, and community organizing. Some work directly with children in the schools while others work mainly in the community. Currently, Lancaster County contracts with eight organizations to provide prevention services, including, Compass Mark, COBYS Family Services, SACA, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Elizabethtown Communities that Care, and YWCA. What Certifications are Available for Addictions Professionals in Pennsylvania? The Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB) is a private, non-profit corporation which offers voluntary state-level credentialing to substance abuse and other behavioral health professionals. The board is comprised of certified professionals throughout the state. The PCB establishes, safeguards, and monitors certification standards for professionals; and advocates for high quality substance abuse services for Pennsylvanians. The following certifications are offered in Pennsylvania, many of which have reciprocity in other states and foreign countries: Sharpen your skills and learn more about addiction and substance abuse! Associate Addictions Counselor I (AACI) Associate Addictions Counselor II (AACII) Certified Associate Addictions Counselor (CAAC) Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS) Associate Prevention Specialist I (APSI) Associate Prevention Specialist II (APSII) Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Profes- sional (CCJP) Certified Case Manager (CCSM) Certified Case Manager Supervisor (CCMS) Certified Allied Addictions Practitioner (CAAP) For the most complete and up-to-date listing of professional trainings and seminars, visit Compass Mark’s interactive website. You can search for workshops and training events for professionals and volunteers in Lancaster County and around Central Pennsylvania by visiting www.compassmark.org and clicking on Training and Events. Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Professional (CCDP) Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Professional Diplomate (CCDPD) Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) Certificate of Competency in Problem Gambling For more information on certification in Pennsylvania, contact the Board at (717) 540-4455 or [email protected], or visit www.pacertboard.org. 5 Help for Parents and Teachers: Separating Fact From Fiction about Marijuana — continued from page one seemingly infinite array of opinions and information at their fingertips at any given moment through social media that can be accessed through their personal communication device. Dispensing sage parental advice becomes a lot more difficult when a teenager is pulling up counter arguments on an iPhone. cans 12 or older reported receiving treatment for marijuana use, more than any other illicit drug. The research is clear. Marijuana users can become addicted to the drug. It can lead to abuse and dependence, and other serious consequences. President Obama has approved marijuana for medical use. No, he hasn’t. The Department of Justice (DOJ) issued guidance for federal prosecutors in states that have enacted laws authorizing the medical use of marijuana under state law. The DOJ guidelines do not legalize marijuana. The DOJ guidance explicitly states that marijuana remains illegal under Federal law. The guidelines explain that it is likely not an efficient use of federal resources to focus enforcement efforts on individuals with serious illnesses who use marijuana as part of a recommended treatment regimen consistent with applicable state law or their individual noncommercial caregiver. However, persons who are in the business of cultivating, selling, or distributing marijuana, and those who knowingly facilitate such activities, are in violation of federal law, and are subject to federal enforcement action, including potential prosecution. But these challenges make it more important than ever that parents and teachers don’t throw in the towel. A report by the White House Council of Economic Advisers showed that parents still have enormous influence over their teens’ behavior. Teens who reported being “close” to their father or mother and who reported eating dinner with a parent five or more times per week had significantly lower rates of drug use, teen pregnancy, and delinquent behavior. Here are some facts that may assist parents and teachers in countering teens’ arguments regarding marijuana’s perceived safety: Everybody’s doing it. Marijuana is indeed the most used illegal drug by teens and adults. But the majority of Americans have never even tried it. According to the 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 58% of Americans over age 12 have never used marijuana. Only 7% had used it within the past 30 days. Legalizing marijuana would eliminate a lot of crime and would eliminate Mexican drug lords. No, violent Mexican criminal organizations derive revenue from more than just marijuana sales. They also produce and traffic methamphetamine and heroin, continue to move significant amounts of cocaine, and conduct an array of criminal activities including kidnapping, extortion, and human trafficking. They would still have plenty of “business” without marijuana. And the existing black market for marijuana will not simply disappear if the drug is legalized and taxed. Research suggests that the economic costs associated with use of the drug could far outweigh any benefit gained from an increase in tax revenue. It’s harmless – safer than cigarettes or alcohol. Study after study shows that marijuana causes the same lung damage as tobacco cigarettes. Marijuana impairs reaction time and sensory perception, rendering the user an unsafe driver just like alcohol. If it had no intoxicating effects, people wouldn’t smoke it. It’s not addictive. In 2011, approximately 4.2 million people met the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) diagnostic criteria for marijuana abuse or dependence. This is more than pain relievers, cocaine, tranquilizers, hallucinogens, and heroin combined. In 2011, approximately 872,000 Ameri- To find accurate information on marijuana and the implications of legalization, try visiting www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp. Another excellent site is http://learnaboutsam.com/. 6 Lancaster County Drug and Alcohol Commission 150 N. Queen St. Lancaster, PA 17603 Fact Sheet: (717) 299-8023 Why Not Legalize Marijuana? Several states have decriminalized possession and use of marijuana by adults. Recently, a Pennsylvania senator has proposed legislation that would legalize the drug here. The proposed legislation has met with opposition from many groups, including the Commonwealth Prevention Alliance and the Pennsylvania Prevention Directors Association. Here are some of the reasons most medical and human service professionals oppose legalization of marijuana: Long term, chronic use of marijuana, particularly beginning at a young age, can lead to dependence and addiction. Chronic use of marijuana is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, cognitive impairment, and birth defects. Legalization would result in higher rates of use, both legally by adults and illegally by adolescents. Higher rates of marijuana use would result in higher rates of driving under the influence, in addition to the health problems mentioned above. Public health costs of treating DUI injury victims and victims of other health effects would far offset any revenue generated by taxation of marijuana sales. Legalization would not decrease the prison population. Contrary to popular urban legend, there are NOT large numbers of prisoners languishing in state and federal prisons for marijuana possession. In total, one tenth of one percent (0.1 percent) of the state prison population is incarcerated for marijuana possession. Arrests for alcohol-related crimes far exceed arrests for ALL illegal drug use and far more than arrests for marijuana-related crimes. Even if marijuana were legalized in Pennsylvania, it is still illegal according to federal and international law. This has led to many controversies and legal battles in states that have decriminalized it. According to the United Nations, it impedes the U.S.’s ability to ensure the implementation of international drug control treaties. When considering information on marijuana legalization, students should ask: Is the information based upon solid scientific research? Does the information source stand to gain anything economically if their point of view can be made into law? Is the information source using the issue of marijuana legalization to gain political power? For accurate, up-to-date information about marijuana and other drugs, visit www.compassmark.org. 7 LANCASTER COUNTY DRUG AND ALCOHOL COMMISSION 150 N. QUEEN ST. LANCASTER, PA 17603 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS LOOKING FOR OUR OFFICE? We are located at 150 N. Queen St., Lancaster, on the fourth floor. For the most updated and comprehensive list of local D&A trainings and events, please visit www.compassmark.org. Don’t forget to check out the interactive calendar! It helps you search for the workshops and events that interest you! Treatment Service Provider Meetings Meetings will be held: March 5, May 7, September 10, and December 10, 2013. Meetings are generally held at 3:00 PM at 150 N. Queen St. in the 5th floor conference room. Call (717) 299-8023 to confirm details. For more information about events, contact the D&A Commission at (717) 299-8023. The D&A Commission will be closed for the following County holidays: March 29; May 27; July 4; September 2; October 14; November 11, 28, 29; December 25, 2013. Single County Authority (SCA) Meetings Meetings will be held January 25, March 25, April 22, May 20, July 22, September 23, and November 18, 2013. Meetings are generally held at 6:00 PM at 150 N. Queen St., Lancaster. To confirm meeting times and locations, call (717) 299-8023. For emergency and weather-related closings and delays of Lancaster County offices, please tune in to local radio stations or watch WGAL-TV8. Emergency closings are also announced on the Lancaster County website at www.co.lancaster.pa.us.