Some people call it trivia, while others call it bits and pieces of knowledge. Here are a few:
According to a study released by the Advocates for Highway & Auto Safety, Ohio has some weak traffic safety laws that are costing lives and money. Ohio was listed as one of eight states the study contends has a "dangerous lack" of roadway laws. Recommendations specific to alcohol and other drug offenses include requiring breath-alcohol ignition locks for any convicted drunk driver and mandatory blood-alcohol tests on drivers involved in fatal alcohol-related crashes, whether the driver dies or survives.
The Penn State Live website reports on new "early intervention" research that shows a spike in alcohol-related consequences that occur in the first few weeks of the college semester, especially with college freshmen. Two different methods of intervention for incoming freshmen were used: parent-based intervention and peer-based intervention. Want to guess which one worked? If the freshman was a non-drinker before starting college and received parent-based intervention, he/she was unlikely to be a heavy drinker in their fall semester. If the student was a heavy drinker during the summer before college, neither intervention worked alone; but, when both interventions were given, the drinking did not escalate.
Research from The City College of New York followed smokers from different socio-economic backgrounds after they had completed a statewide smoking cessation program in Arkansas. After the program, underprivileged and those from higher socio-economic backgrounds were able to quit at about the same rate. As time progressed, a significant number of the underprivileged returned to smoking. The poorer they were, the worse it got. Overall, Americans with household incomes of $15,000 or less smoke at nearly three times the rate of those with incomes of $50,000 or greater.
A nationwide survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shows the rate of alcohol dependency increases as the severity of an individual's mental illness increases. Mental and substance use disorders often go hand in hand, and according to the study, they are to be expected rather than considered the exception.
The Mental Health and Recovery Services Board is committed to sharing information and resources for better mental health and the prevention of substance abuse. If you would like more information, please call the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Seneca, Sandusky and Wyandot Counties at (419) 448-0640. The board's office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
Nancy Cochran, executive director
