Prevention Network

Syracuse drug prevention experts are concerned about Governor Andrew Cuomo’s recent proposal to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in New York State.

National Overdose Awareness Day came at a time when the opioid crisis is being overshadowed by another public health emergency. Monday, we told you how the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has increased the urgency to fund substance abuse treatments. Last week, the state of New York took one step toward addressing the crisis by authorizing the use of the overdose reversal medication Narcan in public places, such as stores and restaurants.

Lethal batches of heroin are still showing up in Central New York as the addiction epidemic continues to take lives.  Three recent overdoses in Cayuga County illustrate the challenges of reaching addicts, and tracing the potent drugs.

Anytime police hear about clusters of heroin overdoses, they become suspicious about the composition of the drug.  Auburn Police Deputy Chief Roger Anthony says that happened last weekend…

The thousands of college students flooding into Syracuse this month bring along a challenge for those fighting underage drinking.  A new coalition started to help reduce underage and binge drinking among students, which includes prevention experts, colleges and local bars and restaurants. 

Prevention Network’s Phil Rose finds intense drinking on the rise to a level where brain function is actually compromised.

It might be harder for minors to buy alcohol or use a fake I-D in the coming months...Several state agencies are increasing enforcement of underage drinking laws.  One prevention specialist says the crackdown is the right thing to do on several levels. 

Philip Rose is Program Coordinator for underage drinking prevention at Prevention Network.  He says to begin with, enforcement is part of the equation.

There’s growing concern among poison control and addiction experts about the possibility that powdered alcohol could hit the shelves in the next few weeks.  It’s essentially freeze-dried alcohol that comes in a pouch equivalent to a shot of hard liquor, and can be re-constituted when added to water. 

   The company that makes it plans to release four varieties of Palcohol, which have been approved by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.  Upstate New York Poison Center Director Michelle Caliva says there’s just too much potential for intentional misuse…let alone unintentional poisoning.

  Drug prevention experts say the finding of the latest methamphetamine lab in Cicero this past week is an opportunity for the community to learn more about the drug and its impacts.  A tip led Onondaga County Sheriff’s Deputies to a home on Bellwood Circle where they found materials for a home Meth lab throughout the house.  Prevention Network Executive Director Beth Hurney explains the chemicals used are dangerous and volatile.

  Maybe we need more team members to more effectively stop young people from abusing drugs and alcohol.  That’s the approach Terry Whitt of the Prevention Network is using to get more people involved.