COUNTERDRUG HEADLINES

August 2008

Lt. Governor Aiona and MADD-Hawai`i countered claims by more than 100 college presidents and chancellors that federal lawmakers should consider lowering the legal drinking age from 21 to 18.

The attempt by some college administrators to lower the drinking age is part of the Amethyst Initiative, an effort launched by the advocacy group Choose Responsibility to rethink the effects of the current (read the full article)


Calendar of Events

Each September, the State of Hawai'i joins the rest of our nation in observing National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month in order to celebrate those who have overcome addictions, as well as to honor the individuals and organizations who have helped them achieve their goal and encourage others in need to seek assistance. This year, we specifically recognize and thank the many valuable recovery support programs statewide.

Substance abuse and chemical dependency continue to pose serious challenges for our communities, as the effects of the mental and physical illnesses inflicted by substance abuse not only affect individuals, but also families, workplaces, schools and neighborhoods, straining resources and endangering innocent lives.

The Hawaii Counterdrug Program has put together a calendar of events in support of Hawaii's Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month.


www.jointogether.org
August 21, 2008

An undercover operation conducted as part of research sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Substance Abuse Prevention and Research Program (SAPRP) found that apparently underage and intoxicated fans have a relatively easy time purchasing alcohol at professional sports events. Using hired adults who appeared underage or showed signs of being intoxicated, the researchers found that it was easiest for these individuals to buy alcohol in the seating areas ( Read More)


By Alice Turner, eFluxMedia
August 23, 2008

A recent poll by Nationwide Insurance has found that Americans oppose lowering the minimum drinking age from 21 to 18, as it is in basically all developed countries, by a large margin. An overwhelming majority of 78 percent of Americans are against such a change in current laws. Also, it appears that parents are so polarized against the proposal that they will likely not vote for a state representative who supports lowering the legal drinking age.

Meanwhile, more than 100 college presidents have signed the Amethyst Initiative, asking government to consider lowering the legal drinking age to 18 from 21. The United States is probably the only developed country with a minimum drinking age higher... ( Read more)


By STEPHANIE SAUL, The New York Times
Published: July 17, 2008

A new Harvard study claims that the tobacco industry in recent years has manipulated menthol levels in cigarettes to hook youngsters and maintain loyalty among smoking adults. The report could further inflame a controversy over menthol in pending tobacco legislation. Skip to next paragraph

The study by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health, released Wednesday, concludes that manufacturers have marketed brands to what it called a "vulnerable population" of adolescents and young adults by "manipulating sensory elements of cigarettes to promote initiation and dependence."

Young people, the study said, tolerate menthol cigarettes better than harsher nonmenthol cigarettes. In low-level menthol cigarettes, the menthol primarily masks harshness, making it easier to begin smoking. But as smokers become more accustomed to menthol, they prefer stronger menthol... (Read More at The New York Times)



It appears 8.8% of Hawaii High School students have drank on school property at least once during the last 30 days. This is #1 highest state rate in this report (includes about 40 states). Both males and females are also the highest.


We are also tied for 2nd highest (7.2%) with the other island state (Rhode Island) for Pakalolo on school grounds. We were edged out by New Mexico who was #1 (8.4%).

This information, and photo, was obtained from a research study conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study was published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, June 9, 2006 / Vol. 55 / No. SS-5 (PDF).


The New York Times, April 8, 2008
By Tara Parker-Pope

The ritual of drinking 21 or more alcoholic beverages to celebrate the 21st birthday appears to be far more common than expected, according to new research.

It's estimated that more than four out of every five American 21-year-olds drink alcohol to celebrate the birthday milestone, which is the the legal drinking age in the United States. But a new study from University of Missouri researchers of 2,518 students shows that many young adults aren't just drinking to celebrate - they are drinking to extremes... (read the full article at The New York Times)

Drinking Game Can Be a Deadly Rite of Passage
The New York Times, March 12, 2005
By KATE ZERNIKE



Lt Governor James "Duke" Aiona Jr, proclamation April as Alcohol Awareness month in the state of Hawaii. Pictured below are members from the Hickam AFB community supporting this initiative with a $950k Military grant to address underage drinking on Hickam AFB and the surrounding communities. Read More.

(From left) Col. Dean Wolford, 15 AW/CV; Lt. Gov. James R. "Duke" Aiona, Jr.; Capt. Maritza Sayle-Walker, 15 AW Sexual Assault Response coordinator; Rep. Lynn Finnegan; and Marisela Doyle, EUDL (Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws) Hickam AFB Community Coordinator; at the Hawaii State Capitol Building on April 2.

Video by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).