Supporting people in addiction treatment and recovery

OUR VISION
The positive aspects of addiction recovery will be visible, supported and known to the public, and the stigma attached to all individuals affected by addiction will be overcome.

OUR MISSION:
Friends of Addiction Recovery – New Jersey seeks to overcome the stigma of addiction, and to honor, support, celebrate and promote the positive experience of recovery. We are committed to providing opportunities for recovering individuals, their families, friends and allies to empower themselves as agents and voices for service and change.

We accomplish this through:

• Recovery Support Services
• Learning Circles
• Recovery Promotion
• Public Awareness
• Education
• Advocacy

WHO WE ARE
Friends of Addiction Recovery - New Jersey is a grass-roots recovery-support organization comprised of individuals in recovery from addictive illness and their families, significant others and friends.

OUR PURPOSE
Our effort is aimed at reducing the stigma associated with the illness of alcoholism and drug dependence, providing recovery support service, and advocating for alcoholics and drug dependent individuals and their families.

SUPPORT SERVICE
Friends of Addiction Recovery – New Jersey offers recovery support learning circles, which are peer-driven and peer-led, to provide knowledge, awareness and support to enhance recovery. We see service as a process, a joining with the other in a companionship and walking a common road for a period of time.

PUTTING A FACE ON RECOVERY
Friends of Addiction Recovery – New Jersey is working to organize the recovery community so that people in recovery, their family members, and other allies can come together to support and promote addiction treatment and recovery. We need YOU to make it happen.

ORGANIZE AND SERVE
Now is the time for the recovery community in New Jersey to work toward ensuring that our society sees addiction treatment and recovery as positive efforts. We can take the lead by volunteering to serve the recovery community.

BE HEARD
Help us develop a voice and a face for the many individuals who have been affected by the addictive illness of alcoholism and drug dependence. Help us reduce the stigma that keeps alcoholics and other drug-dependent individuals and their families from getting the help they need.

NCADD-New Jersey works in partnership with and on behalf of individuals, families, and communities affected by alcoholism and drug dependence to promote recovery through excellence in prevention and treatment initiatives.  For more information about Friends of Recover NJ, please check out their website here.

The Carteret Public Schools have partnered with the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) of Middlesex County,  Inc. to create PATHWAYS, Carteret’s School-based Youth Services Program. This partnership creates a safe, structured environment within the school to address the social and health needs of our students, ensuring that they are better able to graduate, become employable or continue their education, and lead physically and mentally healthy, drug-free lives.

PATHWAYS is open before, during, and after school, including two evenings per week until 8:00 p.m. Special programming is also scheduled on designated weekends, and a full summer program is available. Most  services are free of charge and open to all Carteret High School students and their families.

To read our latest newsletter, please click here.

The PATHWAYS staff featuring (from right) Lauren Balkan, Supervisor; Ana Rodriguez, Administrative Assistant; Dara Jarosz, Clinician I; Lindsay Rich, Clinician II; and, Anna Kirzner, Clinician II.

Programs offered:

Behavioral Interventions

• Structured In-school Intervention
• Juvenile Justice Re-integration
• Community Service Programs

Counseling

• Individual, Group, and Family Therapy
• Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counseling
• Special Topic Groups

Educational Enrichment

• Academic Enrichment Programs
• Peer Tutoring
• Educational Advocacy
• Lifeskills Workshops
• Parenting Workshops
• Freshman and New Student Orientation

Employment Preparation

• Employment and Life Skills Counseling
• Job Search Coaching and Assistance

Health Care

• Health Screenings and Education
• Primary and Preventive Health Care
• On-site Nurse Practitioner
• Family Planning and Pregnancy Prevention
• Nutritional Counseling

Recreation

• After-school, Evening, and Weekend Programs
• Trips, Special Events, Activities, and Sports
• Horticulture and Community Gardening
• Community Summer Recreational Programs
• Summer Performing and Visual Arts Programs

For more information:
PATHWAYS
c/o Carteret High School
199 Washington Avenue
Carteret, NJ 07008
Phone: 732-541-8960 Ext. 4300
E-mail: pathways@ncadd-middlesex.org

To download the PATHWAYS program brochure and consent form, please click here.

For additional information, please call us at 732-254-3344 or write us at mail@ncadd-middlesex.org

For more information on "Tree of Hope" Event, please click here

Click here for event details

• Action Coaching
• Advantage Integrated Wellness
• Amandla Crossing - Edison
• Bergen Regional Medical Center
• Bishop Ahr High School
• Carteret High School
• Cathedral Community Development Corporation
• Catholic Charities
• CDI Headstart
• Central New Jersey Maternal & Child Health Consortium
• Cerebral Palsy of New Jersey
• Community Care Behavioral Health
• Cranbury Municipal Alliance
• Crawford House
• CURA, Inc.
• Damon House
• Dunellen High School
• EBTV Channel 3
• Edison Job Corp
• Edison Municipal Alliance
• Elijah’s Promise
• Elks
• First Baptist Church
• Fitness Doctor
• George Street Playhouse
• Girl Scout of Delaware-Raritan, Inc.
• Greater Media Newspapers
• Helmetta Public Works
• Highland Park Municipal Alliance
• Highland Park Orthodox Community
• Home News and Tribune
• Horizon NJ Health
• Info-Line of Central Jersey
• JFK Center for Behavioral Health
• Kaleidoscope Family Solution, Inc.
• Lindeneau School
• Linwood Middle School
• MADD, Middlesex/Union
• Metuchen High School
• Middlesex County Addiction Services
• Middlesex County Adult Corrections
• Middlesex County Behavioral Health & Children’s Services
• Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders
• Middlesex County Court
• Middlesex County Department of Transportation
• Middlesex County Health Department
• Middlesex County Probation Department
• Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office
• Middlesex County Vocation Technical High School
• Middletown Township Public Schools
• Milltown Municipal Alliance
• Monmouth Mobile Home Park
• Monroe High School
• Monroe Township Municipal Alliance
• NCADD of Middlesex County
• New Brunswick Public Schools
• New Brunswick Tomorrow
• New Hope Foundation
• New Hope Foundation’s Open Door
• New Jersey Association on Corrections
• New Jersey Coalition for Prevention of Developmental Disabilities
• New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
• New Jersey Senate, District 18
• New Jersey State Elks Association
• North Brunswick High School
• North Brunswick Municipal Alliance
• Old Bridge Municipal Alliance
• Perth Amboy Municipal Alliance
• Perth Amboy Vo-Tech High School
• Piscataway High School
• Planned Parenthood of Central NJ
• Princeton House Behavioral Health
• Project Alert/Dudley House
• Raritan Bay Medical Center
• Resource Center for Women
• Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
• Rutgers Center of Alcohol Studies
• Rutgers Cooperative Extension
• Rutgers University Health Education
• Rutgers University Police Department
• Salvation Army
• Sandburg Middle School (Old Bridge)
• Sayreville Alliance for Family Education
• Seabrook House
• South Brunswick Health Department
• South Brunswick Human Relations Commission
• South Brunswick Municipal Alliance
• St. Peter’s University Hospital
• Summit Oaks Hospital
• UMDNJ School of Public Health
• UMDNJ-UBHC-Addiction Services
• VNA of Central Jersey
• Women Aware
• Woodbridge Municipal Alliance
• Woodbridge Vo-Tech High School

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April 2006

In recent years, prevention has focused on building resilient children. Resilience is “an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change”, as defined by Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. A resilient child is a child that grew up in a dysfunctional family and became a healthy adult in spite of their environment. The current trend in prevention is to build assets based on research of the Search Institute.

NCADD of Middlesex County, Inc. wants to encourage you to thoroughly explore Search Institute: read about each of the 40 Developmental Assets, learn more about the research behind the assets, and discover all the resources and support services Search Institute provides to assist those who are ready to begin improving the lives of young people and their communities. This can be done by visiting their website: http://www.search-institute.org

May 2006

The summer is upon us – the season of sun, fun, and relaxation. The season brings with it parties and gatherings, along with more opportunities than usual to drink alcohol with family and friends. While you’re out enjoying the warm weather, don’t forget to protect yourself and your children from the summer’s potential hazards. There are more injuries during the summer months than during any other time of the year and the majority of these injuries can be avoided. Despite what you may think, many people responsible for drunk-driving mishaps are not long-term alcohol abusers. They are social or irregular drinkers.

Here are some tips to see you through the festive season with your health intact:

 Drink only if YOU want to; don’t let others dictate your choice. Learn how to say no and encourage your friends to be supportive.

• Keep active. Don’t just sit down and drink all night. If you keep active, you will drink less and be more aware of your level of intoxication.
• Keep out of “chugging” contests or other drinking “games”.
• Try to alternate a non-alcoholic alternative with your alcoholic drinks, or try a non-alcoholic cocktail for a refreshing change.
• Remember that some beverages will contain more than one standard drink; take this into consideration when calculating your intake for the evening, particularly if you are driving.
• Try to eat a substantial meal to increase your tolerance if you plan on drinking. Salty party snack foods will encourage you to drink more quickly to avoid dehydration.
•  Women should be aware that drinking the same number of drinks as a male counterpart can produce a higher blood alcohol reading in a woman because women generally have proportionately more fat and less body water than men.
• Drink non-alcoholic beverages for the last hour of a party. If you stop drinking before the party is over, you will allow your liver time to burn off some of the alcohol.

While alcohol may be available at most parties this summer, it need not be the focus. Click here for recipes for tasty, non-alcoholic drinks. Please take advantage of these recipes and share them with your colleagues, family, and friends.

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) of Middlesex County, Inc. wishes you a safe, happy, and healthy summer season.

June 2006

Though summer break has not even yet begun, many parents are already gearing up for their child’s transition to another school year. Its arrival can bring anxiety and stress, which may translate into family tension. This makes the transition even harder.

To the student, summer vacation is like a weekend: June is Friday night, July is Saturday, and once August is posted on the calendar, Sunday is with us. Back to school means there will be no more going to bed late, sleeping in every morning, or playing outside until dark. The routine has to change. The feelings a child has as they anticipate the transition range from anticipation to anxiety to panic.

Life transitions, such as going back to school, are often overlooked as an opportunity to help youth thrive. School transitions are important life events, when the development of prevention interventions should be encouraged. Difficulties in adjusting to school transitions heighten the potential for developing more serious problems, such as alcohol and other drug use and dropping out of school. There is an increased importance of peers and belonging to a crowd and close emotional ties to parents are challenged as adolescents begin to exercise their independence and individuality. These simultaneous occurrences create a serious challenge for youth and an occasion for prevention specialists to help them meet the challenge.

The definition of stress and our understanding of how youth cope and adapt is still developing. The goals of prevention have also taken new shape over the years. Initially, our focus was on cause and effect – What went wrong to make a person experiment with alcohol or other drugs? Since then, applied researchers have gained a greater understanding of transitions, stress, and coping. Currently, prevention specialists are targeting the more extensive goals of fostering healthy environments, lifestyles, and behaviors – figuring out what young people need to succeed.

Learning to cope with stress is essential to children’s healthy development. Effective coping is a resilient response to stress, functioning both to solve problems and manage emotional trauma. Numerous studies identify school transitions as a likely source of stress, which force children and youth to tap into their coping skills. These coping skills may include:

• Redefining roles and expected behaviors
• Shifting membership in and position within social networks
• Reorganizing social support resources
• Restructuring ways of cognitive appraisal

Issues as complex as the onset of alcohol and other drug use problems require equally complex preventive interventions. One starting point could be creating a sense of belonging for children and youth who otherwise may experience feelings of alienation, abandonment, and a hopeless future. The sense of belonging may be particularly valuable at school during times of transition, when children and youth are particularly vulnerable and perhaps more open to intervention.

Buddy system programs designed to provide peer contact for a few days or weeks and orientation programs, which may include a school tour and information packet, help promote a sense of belonging by helping students make new friends, meet new teachers, and find classes, lockers, and buses. Your school may already have adopted these and other effective strategies, however, parents also play a critical role at this time.

The attached handout, “School Transitions ~ Tips for Parents” includes a list of things that parents can do to promote a smooth transition as their child goes back to school. You may want to include it with any back-to-school materials your school mails out during the summer months.

For additional information on promoting resiliency among youth, please contact NCADD at 732-254-3344.

Provide technical assistance to employers on how to develop comprehensive and effective policies related to alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use. We can provide boilerplate policies and then customize each to match the goals of the employer. Incorporated into these policies are specific procedures for working with unions and addressing pre and post employment drug testing.

To schedule a consultation, click here to email your request.

Assess your organization’s Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug (ATOD) issues and needs, analyze the data, and design an effective multi-level program. Help explore Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providers and assist with networking into existing community-based services. Evaluation and troubleshooting services can be provided to keep your program on track and increase its effectiveness. To schedule a consultation, click here to email your request.

Provide education to employees regarding drug-free and smoke-free workplace policies; individual rights and responsibilities; basic alcohol, tobacco, and other drug information (geared toward the employees as individuals and as parents); and available community resources. Education can take place in the form of lunch and learn programs, company health fairs, and formal seminars.

Click here for more information about Drugs Don’t Work in NJ and how to join this initiative.

Click here to email a request for more information.

The Coalition for Healthy Communities brings together professionals from multiple disciplines who have a passion for the prevention and treatment of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse problems. Their mission is to reduce substance abuse, especially among youth, by providing opportunities for increased collaboration, coordinated planning, and sharing of resources in order to maximize the quality and availability of services to the communities and residents of Middlesex County.

Monthly meetings provide an opportunity to network, plan collaborative events, share ideas and resources, and develop into a primary resource for the community. The meeting agenda is designed to provide the most time for sharing information. This has proven to be tremendously useful to the members, who have developed new partnerships and benefited from services that they did not know existed.

Every member of the Coalition can make a difference in the community. If you would like to help make Middlesex County a healthy, safe, and drug-free community, you must join the Coalition. For more information, call NCADD at 732-254-3344 or click here to email. For a copy of our brochure and application, please click here.

• For information on our latest Young Women’s Conference, click here.
• For information about out Pedaling for Prevention event, click here.
• For a list of current members, click here.
• To learn more and participate in our We check for 21.Too! program, click here.

CLICK TO SEE LIST OF PARTICIPATING VENDORS

The Party Drug Program provides educational seminars to high school students and parent groups. The seminars include an overview of party drugs, such as: Ecstasy, GHB, Ketamine, and LSD. Harm reduction information is also presented as a component of the program.

The Party Drug Program cosponsors countywide workshops presented by Ron Dixon, Lieutenant of County Investigations, of the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office. These informative workshops have reached over 100 school, criminal justice, and healthcare personnel.

The Tobacco and Alcohol Connection

Research has shown that preventing or delaying the first use of alcohol and tobacco can have a tremendous effect on the likelihood that a person will move on to other drugs. This program provides research-based information without resorting to scare tactics, so that youth can make well-informed decisions about alcohol and tobacco use. It is an important step in turning around the current trend of high alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use among our youth. The use of this curriculum with students in grades six through nine is an effective way to reinforce an existing curriculum in a positive and enjoyable way appropriate for this age group.

For additional information, please call us at 732-254-3344 or write us at mail@ncadd-middlesex.org

Footprints for Life is a research-based primary prevention program that builds assets and teaches important life skills to students in grades two and three. Through the use of puppets and stories that feature “real life” situations experienced by a children’s soccer team, the program offers many opportunities for students to practice the new skills they have learned in a fun and non-threatening way. The goal of Footprints for Life is to help young children build a strong foundation of life skills rooted in key social competencies. The social competencies that Footprints addresses are planning and decision-making practice, interpersonal skills, cultural competence, peer pressure, and peaceful conflict resolution — assets identified as promoting positive attitudes and behaviors.

To enable you to learn more about this program, NCADD has developed a special Footprints for Life Website. Please click here to see more.

For additional information, please call us at 732-254-3344 or write us at mail@ncadd-middlesex.org

Confidential, objective information and referral for individuals and family members who are seeking help for an alcohol or other drug problem. Staffed by caring certified professionals, our helpline reaches over 800 families annually. A resource directory is updated annually and provides detailed information on a variety of substance abuse prevention and treatment programs serving Middlesex County.

• To order a copy of our current Middlesex County Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drug Resource Directory, please call NCADD at 732-254-3344 or click here to email your request. You may also view a PDF file of the English version of our Resource Directory by clicking here. For a Spanish version of the Resource Directory, click here.

• If you live or work in Middlesex County, NJ, and wish to speak to a counselor, click here to email, or call 732-254-3344.
• If you live in New Jersey, outside of Middlesex County, click here to get information about your local resources.
• If you live in the United States, outside of New Jersey, click here for information about your local resources.

• For a list of physicians who specialize in addictions, click here to visit the American Society of Addiction Medicine membership directory.  Simply choose your state from the drop down menu and a list of physicians will be generated.

12-Step and other Mutual Support groups are vital resources for individuals and families dealing with substance abuse and related problems. The following links provide meeting times and locations for a number of these groups in New Jersey:

• Adult Children of Alcoholics
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Al-Anon/Ala-Teen
• Gamblers Anonymous
• Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically Dependent Persons and Significant Others
• Marijuana Anonymous
• Naranon
• Narcotics Anonymous
• Overeaters Anonymous
• Parents Anonymous

The Middlesex County Vocational Technical Schools hosted NCADD on Monday, October 25, 2004, in the launch of a youth peer intervention campaign. The campaign tells young people not to walk away from a peer in trouble with alcohol or other drugs. NCADD distributed 10,000 mouse pads bearing this important message to every student-used computer in every high school in Middlesex County. In 2005, PNC Foundation awarded NCADD a grant for $8,250 to purchase an additional 8,000 mouse pads for middle schools.

Freeholder Christopher Rafano encourages peer pressure for this very positive campaign	School personnel receive their supply of mouse pads
. (L-R) Linda Surks, Superintendent Dr. Karen McCloud-Hjazeh, Freeholder Christopher Rafano, Steve Liga, and Senator Barbara Buono’s Chief of Staff Amy Papi	Mouse pad distribution for middle schools took place at the Fords, NJ branch of PNC Bank. Pictured (l-r) are PNC Bank Vice President Sharon Campbell, NCADD Coalition Coordinator Linda Surks, and PNC Bank Corporate Communications Vice President Joseph Whall.

September 2004

While children’s health is important year-round, October 2004 is recognized as Children’s Health Month. During this time, it is the perfect opportunity for parents, teachers, and mentors to emphasize their commitment to teaching our children the benefits of a healthy body and healthy mind. This may include teaching children about good nutrition, encouraging regular exercise, requiring the use of protective gear during recreational activities, and preventing injuries through the use of infant seats or child booster seats.

Another simple and concrete way for a parent to help protect their children and make them healthier is by eliminating their exposure to secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke is a mixture of the smoke given off by the burning end of a cigarette, pipe, or cigar, and the smoke exhaled from the lungs of a smoker. This mixture contains more than 4,000 substances, more than 40 of which are known to cause cancer in humans and many of which are strong irritants. Secondhand smoke is also called environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and exposure to secondhand smoke is sometimes called involuntary smoking or passive smoking. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), secondhand smoke is estimated to cause approximately 3,000 lung cancer deaths in non-smokers each year.

Breathing secondhand smoke can be especially harmful to children’s health, causing asthma, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), bronchitis and pneumonia, and ear infections. The developing lungs of young children are severely affected by exposure to secondhand smoke because they are still developing physically, have higher breathing rates than adults, and have little control over their indoor environments. Children receiving high doses of secondhand smoke, such as those with parents who smoke, run the greatest risk of damaging health effects.

Here are a few basic actions that parents can take to protect children from secondhand smoke:

• Parents can choose not to smoke in their home and car and not allow visitors to do so.
• Parents should not allow childcare providers or others who work in their home to smoke.
• Until they quit, parents can choose to smoke outside. Moving to another room or opening a window is not enough to protect children.

As a professional in a school, you have contact with the children whose parents smoke, want to quit smoking, or who are trying to quit smoking. One way to support them in their decision to become healthier and make their child healthier is by encouraging them to take the Smoke-Free Home Pledge. Click here to print out a copy of this pledge that can be distributed to the appropriate families at your school.

For more information about Children’s Health Month, visit www.childrenshealth.gov. In addition, NCADD of Middlesex County, Inc. has a variety of resources about smoking, second-hand smoke, and quitting smoking. For more information on these topics, please feel free to contact NCADD at 732-254-3344.

Oct 2004

Click here to download the form

November 2004

Even with the encouraging decrease in youth drug use, substance abuse continues to be a major concern for schools. According to a recent study from Columbia University, alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use cost school systems nationwide an estimated $41 billion per year, adding 10 percent to their already strained budgets.

Schools bring a wealth of resources to the task of preventing ATOD use among students. For example, they represent a concentration of well-educated adults; educators as a profession have some of the lowest rates of illicit drug use and alcohol problems of any profession; and educators typically support these positive norms for their students. Then there is the Media Center, the availability of meeting rooms for after school activities, and the ability to organize or even assign community service work. The list goes on…

Schools have a unique role in prevention (second only to the role of parents), in part because of the amount of time young people spend in class and school activities. It often seems that there are never enough hours in the education day. Fortunately, successful prevention is often a matter of "doing different" rather than "doing more". In fact, prevention strategies are ideally suited to integration with existing school activities and classes.

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) of Middlesex County, Inc. has a new brochure available. The brochure, “Tips for Teens – In Your Classroom”, gives suggestions to teachers on ways they can creatively include ATOD information into their educational assignments. It does not even matter what subject that they teach!

Alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs all have one thing in common: they change how the user thinks or feels (usually both). They do this by acting on the complex functioning of the brain. Many of these changes seriously affect learning by disturbing a student’s perception, thinking, memory, or emotions. Even the drugs that are used the most, alcohol and marijuana, can have these effects. Although fewer than half of high school students currently drink alcohol, most of those who do drink, report getting drunk. Young alcohol users are also 11 times more likely to use illicit drugs.

The effects of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD’s) mentioned above can naturally result in school performance problems for many users. It is likely then, that if we were able to reduce the risk for alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, we would be better able to ensure academic success. It is important to remember that schools are not alone in the effort to prevent (ATOD) problems. ATOD problems are community problems and the school is part of the community. Still, schools have a pivotal role in most communities and are often asked for leadership on these issues.

Click here to view and print a copy of this new brochure. Feel free to duplicate the brochure or to contact NCADD at 732-254-3344 for multiple copies that can be distributed to the teachers in your school.

December 2004

This is the time of year that many of us decide to make New Year’s resolutions to change a negative behavior, such as smoking or to try something new that we believe might make a positive difference in our life, like beginning an exercise program. As the New Year begins, there is an opportunity for us to pay attention to what we would like to accomplish for the year and set a goal to reach before the arrival of the next year.

In looking back over the past year, many schools have become very aware of the need to address bullying and violence in our schools. Teaching anger management and conflict resolution skills is certainly one way to address this issue. The latest Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance (2003) by the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report the following behaviors that contribute to violence:

• 17.1% of students nationwide have carried a weapon (e.g., gun, knife, or club) on one or more of the 30 days preceding the survey; 6.1% of students have carried a weapon on school property.
• Nationwide, 33.0% of students had been in a physical fight one or more times during the 12 months preceding the survey; 12.8% of students had been in a physical fight on school property.
• 9.2% of students nationwide had been threatened or injured with a weapon on school property one or more times during the 12 months preceding the survey.
• Among students nationwide, 5.4% had not gone to school on one or more of the 30 days preceding the survery because they felt unsafe at school or on their way to or from school.

Teaching young people to respect themselves and others is another way to reduce the incidence of violence and bullying in our schools and communities. However, teachers and parents can also play an important role in preventing violence.

Click to view the handouts entitled How to Deal with Bullying – Suggestions for Teachers and If you Suspect that Your Child is Being Bullied. For the new year, you may want to duplicate and share these handouts with the teachers at your school and the parents of your students.

NCADD hopes that this information will help you achieve the goal of having a safe and violent-free school. If you would like more information, please call NCADD at (732) 254-3344.

February 2005

The Somerset Patriots have a new student assembly available for elementary schools focused on drug and alcohol prevention. During this 40-minute interactive program, Emiliano Escandon, the Patriots captain, talks to students about reaching goals by staying drug free.

Escandon, a former teacher who grew up in California, tells students about growing up in an area filled with gangs and drugs. He relates to them through baseball, by letting them know that there were two choices for him and his teammates: baseball or drugs.

Escandon made a pact with his best friend that they would not join a gang or do drugs, but instead focus on baseball. After attending college, Escandon started playing for the Kansas City Royals and now plays for the Somerset Patriots.

The assembly starts out with Escandon and Sparkee, the team mascot, talking to the students about themselves and why they are there. A public health educator from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of Middlesex County, Inc. then asks for ten volunteers from the audience to help discover some carcinogens that are inside of cigarettes. Some of these ingredients include carbon monoxide, ammonia, acetone, cyanide, hydrazine, lead, ethanol, and formaldehyde. Students also get a chance to ask some questions about tobacco.

The next part of the assembly is a True/False game. The students are supposed to teach Sparkee the mascot all about drugs and good decision-making. After each question, Escandon explains the answer. Questions include information about steroids, alcohol, and tobacco. Students are very curious about steroids because of the publicity they have been getting regarding baseball players such as Mark McGuire, Barry Bonds, and Jason Giambi.

Escandon will explain in detail what illegal steroids can do to muscle tissue and joints, but also explains how some type of steroids are used as medicine as well. Escandon will also educate the students about peer pressure and making good decisions by reminding the students to always think about consequences before making any decision and not to do something just because your friend does.

The last question Escandon will ask is “Are people who smoke or use drugs bad?” This assures students that if they have a parent or loved one that does smoke they are not “bad,” but they have an addiction that might be extremely hard to stop.

As a finale, each student will get a pledge to sign that they are drug and alcohol free. If they bring that signed pledge to a Somerset Patriots game in June 2005, they will get a free ticket to the game.

If you would like more information about this assembly or to schedule an assembly in your school, contact Mara Carlin at the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) of Middlesex County, Inc. 732-254-3344 X13.

Heroin use among high school students is a particular problem, especially in New Jersey. Nearly 2 percent of high school seniors in the United States used the drug at least once in their lifetime, and nearly half of those injected the drug, according to the University of Michigan’s Monitoring the Future Survey. Students have a misconception that if they snort heroin instead of inject it with a needle, they are using it recreationally and will not become addicted. Unfortunately, New Jersey also has the purest form of Heroin in the country.

The State of New Jersey is situated between the major industrial markets of New York and Pennsylvania, and has often been referred to as the crossroads to the east. Therefore, New Jersey is an ideal strategic corridor for transportation of drug contraband and illicit currency. Since the terrorist attacks in New York City on September 11th, there has been an increase in heroin availability in New Jersey. This has been primarily attributed to the increased law enforcement presence in New York. Large amounts of heroin are now being rerouted to New Jersey before distribution to New York. This makes heroin cheap, easy to get, and extremely dangerous.
Heroin is typically sold as a white/brownish powder or as a black, sticky, tar-like substance. Heroin is a depressant and slows down the central nervous system. Heroin appeals to youth for many reasons: Heroin is very cheap, usually around $5 - $10 per dose. Heroin takes away feelings of emotional pain that any typical teenager might feel. Heroin gives the user a chance to fit in and be a part of something. The user feels like he/she is taking a risk and it offers a thrill.

NCADD of Middlesex County, Inc. is offering a free one hour presentation ideal for groups up to 50 people. “Heroin: The Ride That Never Ends” was devolved in cooperation with the New Jersey Prevention Network and the New Jersey Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The program, which was specially designed for students, parents, and professionals, is a DVD-based Powerpoint presentation which includes video segments and newspaper articles. Also included in the presentation are interviews with New Jersey teens currently in treatment for heroin addiction. These powerful interviews show firsthand how recreational heroin use can quickly turn into a deadly addiction. NCADD also has numerous videos and materials available for your school about the effects and purity of heroin in New Jersey. If you would like to schedule one of these programs in a classroom, at parent meeting, or during a staff development day, click here for an order form. For more information about these programs, please contact NCADD of Middlesex County, Inc. at 732-254-3344.

April 2005

What are the consequences for a student who is thought to be under the influence of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs (ATOD) in your school? Far too often the answer to that question is that the student receives out of school suspension (OSS). When a student is assigned an OSS, their instructional time is being interrupted and the student usually does not find constructive activities to do during the hours which they normally would be in school. Sometimes, they even engage in the very same behavior that he/she was suspended for in the first place.

In school suspension (ISS) may be another option. ISS is an in house program to which a student may be assigned in lieu of an out of school suspension. It is designed to counteract some of the negative effects of OSS, like missing school time, not receiving academic help, or not receiving counseling services.

When a student is assigned to an ISS they can still accomplish school work assigned by their teachers, and even get help from an adult that will insure completion of this work. According to the Office of Educational Research and Improvement, and Cotton’s School Wide and Classroom Discipline, ISS can help reduce the daytime juvenile crime rate which has been correlated with OSS. Students can still be taken out of the normal classroom setting, which is an effective form of punishment, while remaining in a school setting.

ISS is broken down into three Models. The first is the Punitive model, which focuses on behavior change and helps the student assume responsibility for their behavior.

The next model is the Discussion format. This creates a dialogue with the students and the staff and helps to improve self-esteem, problem–solving skills, and encourage appropriate behavior.

The last model is called the Academic model. This model assumes that behavior disruption is based on academic failure and tries to improve basic skills.

When implementing an ISS program, research suggests that the following five important questions be considered:

1. What do schools hope to accomplish through the implementation of ISS?
2. How will ISS affect the students academically, their discipline, and the school climate?
3. What are the academic effects of at - risk students who will be in the program?
4. What conditions are necessary to have the program run effectively?
   What are the skills needed by the staff?

After answering these questions, you and your faculty can develop an ISS program that works best for your school.

According to Developing An In School Suspension Program In Elementary School As An Alternative to Homebound Suspension, by Jerry Guindon effective ISS programs include all of the following components:

• Adequate resources and funding
• Adequate environment
• Continuous monitoring by ISS teacher, counselor, and social worker
• ISS are only used for up to 10 days
• Students should be referred for serious infractions
• A consistent referral process
• Consistent counseling
• Evaluation component
• A supportive principal
• Academic work that is constantly provided
• Immediate parent involvement.

If you would like more information about the differences between ISS and OSS, please visit the following web site: http://www.middleweb.com/INCASEiss.html or contact Mara Carlin at NCADD of Middlesex County, Inc. at 732 -254-3344.

May 2005

It is prom season again! With prom season comes many firsts. The first time going to a dance and getting dressed up, the first time getting a limo, and maybe even the first time going away for the weekend without parents. Unfortunately, another first during prom season is the first time being offered alcohol or other drugs without the risk of coming home to a parents’ house. Sometimes alcohol is even being offered at a house when adults are present. It is important for parents to send a clear message to their children about alcohol and other drugs. More than 40 percent of deaths of sixteen to twenty-year olds result from motor vehicle accidents. Almost 40 percent of these crashes are alcohol-related, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Here are some tips that you can share with parents and students regarding prom season:

• Warn your teen about drinking and using drugs. If you choose to hold an after-prom party, be vigilant. Make sure no one brings alcohol or drugs into your home.
• Let students know not to leave beverages unsupervised — Make sure students are told not to leave their drink where someone can slip a drug into it. The date rape drugs Rohypnol and GHB can leave a student helpless to resist rape and crime and be unable to recall the assault later.
• If there are any parties after the prom, you want to make sure it is either a school-sponsored event, or if it is in someone’s home, that there will be parental supervision.
• Teens like to stay out all night. If you are not comfortable about the idea of hotels, perhaps a parent can host an “all-night” party for some of the teens. The young people can change into sweats, dance, and watch videos until morning. Serve a fancy breakfast in the morning.
• Be available — Make sure your teen knows where to reach you throughout the evening. If you plan to be out, carry a cell phone at all times.

Parents can play a critical role in keeping our young people safe. Click here for "Parenting Skills: 21 Tips & Ideas to Help You Make a Difference." At NCADD of Middlesex County, we encourage all students to have a fun, safe and sober prom season. We have an assortment of videos, presentations, and handouts related to having a safe prom season. If you would like to utilize any of these materials, please contact us by calling 732-254-3344.

June 2005

When we think of substances that kids like to experiment with, we usually think of alcohol and marijuana, however, that is sometimes not the case. In recent years, we have seen the use of inhalants rise, especially among children. Inhalants are chemical vapors that produce mind–altering effects when users sniff them. These vapors are common in many household items, including paint thinner, gasoline, felt tip markers, rubber cement, hair products, nail polish remover, deodorant, and white out, among others.

People inhale the vapors by sniffing them directly from the containers or from bags or rags that have been soaked in a chemical substance. Sometimes users spray vapors into their nose or mouth, or put it in a piece of their clothing to sniff it.

There is no typical profile for an inhalant user. People of all ages, races, and social economic status have been known to abuse these substances. Kids as young as elementary school aged have been seen using inhalants as well.

There are many side effects to using inhalants:

• Dizziness
• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Belligerence
• Apathy
• Impaired judgment
• Unusual breath odor
• Slurred speech
• Signs of products on face or fingers
• Red or runny nose
• Loss of appetite
• Coma
• Death

Long term use of inhalants can cause a number of problems as well:

• Weight loss
• Damage to heart, liver, lungs kidney and the brain
• Memory impairment
• Insomnia
• Coma
• Death

The most important thing you can do as an educator to prevent inhalant use is to discuss it with teachers, parents, coaches and guidance counselors. Encourage children not even to experiment with these chemicals and let them know the cost of experimentation could be death.

If you would like more information, or to schedule a presentation for staff or students on the use of inhalants, please call Mara Carlin at 732-254-3344 extension 13.

September 2005

Welcome back to another school year! Now is the time to start thinking about and planning the prevention programs and activities that you would like to offer at your school during the upcoming year.

Did you know that 74% of teens say that it would be “very easy” to get marijuana if they wanted some?

Did you know that the average age when youth first try alcohol is 11 years for boys and 13 years for girls?

Last year, George Street Playhouse received a grant for approximately $169,000 from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to develop a play dealing with substance abuse for its Educational Touring Theatre. NCADD of Middlesex County, Inc. assisted the playhouse with examining the issue of drug abuse in schools and effective ways of counteracting the problem. In addition to working directly with the playhouse and actors, NCADD developed all of the materials used by students and teachers as follow up to the play.

The play, entitled “Wasted”, was written by Kirsten Childs and developed for an audience of students in grades six through eight. It is a cautionary tale of a young woman who looks back at her wasted life, her wasted relationships, and her wasted state of being, due to drugs. Through flashbacks, we follow ambitious, smart, young Ashley as she enters into a devastating relationship with drugs and with Ty, the boy who introduces them to her. The length of the performance and post-play workshop is 90 minutes. A single performance of this play costs $1,100. However, a double performance costs only $1,550. Each performance may have an audience of no more than 300 students.

In addition to the play on substance abuse, the playhouse commissions and produces plays with relevant character education themes for young audiences, such as respect, conflict resolution, and peace. Each touring production includes post-play workshops and provides an excellent starting point for classroom discussions.

Visit George Street Playhouse online at www.GSPonline.org for:

• Downloadable teacher and student guides for each touring theatre play
• Information about fulfilling the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards at George Street Playhouse
• Information on George Street Playhouse’s year-round theatre classes
• George Street Playhouse’s history and mission
• Information about George Street Playhouse’s 5-play mainstage season

If you are interested in bringing George Street Playhouse’s Touring Theatre to your school, you may also call 732-846-2895 X115.

October 2005

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has developed science education materials for second- and third-grade students on the brain and the effects of drugs on the brain. The curriculum is titled Brain Power! The NIDA Junior Scientist Program and consists of six modules. The goal of the curriculum is to lay the foundation for future scientific learning and substance abuse prevention efforts by providing an early elementary school-age audience with a basis of knowledge and critical thinking skills.

The six modules in the Brain Power! program are:

1. Ooey Gooey! Making Sense of Scientific Inquiry. The goal of the first module is to introduce students to the steps of scientific inquiry: to observe, hypothesize, experiment, and conclude.
2. Brains in a Box: What Your Brain Can Do. In the second module, students learn the functions of the four major parts of the brain: the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, brain stem, and limbic system.
3. Sending and Receiving Messages. This module builds on the previous module by introducing students to how nerve cells communicate with each other. This communication is called neurotransmission.
4. Medicines and Drugs: What’s Helpful, What’s Harmful. This module discusses the differences between medicines and drugs.
5. The Science Behind Smoking. The fifth module discusses nicotine, how it changes the brain, and how those changes may result in addiction to tobacco products.
6.  What Drugs Really Do. This module serves as a culminating activity and as an embedded assessment for the entire program.

The project consists of a video, written materials for students, a parent newsletter, and a teacher’s guide for each module. Brain Power! The NIDA Junior Scientist Program is based on the National Science Education Standards, which encourage scientific exploration, development of hypotheses, and interactive group work and presentation. NIDA also has materials available for children in kindergarten and the first grade.

The Brain Power! curriculum is available through the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI) and can be ordered by calling (NCADI) at (800) 729-6686. It can also be ordered online at: http://www.backtoschool.drugabuse.gov/.

If you would like to preview this curriculum prior to ordering your own copy, please contact NCADD of Middlesex County, Inc. at 732-254-3344.

Although most people use medications as directed, abuse of and addiction to prescription and over-the-counter drugs are public health problems for many Americans. Addiction rarely occurs among those who use pain relievers, CNS depressants, or stimulants as prescribed or directed. The risk for addiction exists when these medications are used in ways other than as assigned.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, over 21 million people over the age of 12 reported having used one or more psychotherapeutic drugs (stimulants, sedatives, tranquilizers, and analgesics available through prescription) for non-medical purposes at some time in their lives. This is a very good reason to become more educated on this topic.

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) of Middlesex County, Inc. is available to provide information and technical assistance to professionals within the school system. NCADD’s Jason Surks Memorial Prevention Resource Center houses tens of thousands of free brochures, pamphlets, and other educational material. Give us a call to find out what titles we have available on the topic of prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

For more information on this topic, you can also go to: http://www.drugabuse.gov/pdf/rrprescription.pdf. At this site, you can view the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Research Report Series, “Prescription Drugs – Abuse and Addiction.” You may find this handout useful for educating your school community. Feel free to print and duplicate it.

NCADD also has several informative videos that pertain to this topic: Over-The-Counter Drug Abuse and Prescription Drug Abuse. Both of these videos are appropriate for viewing by middle school students, high school students, and adults. These videos may be borrowed at no charge for two weeks at a time.

For additional information or to borrow one of the videos, please call NCADD of Middlesex County, Inc. at 732-254-3344.

January 2006

Once again, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) of Middlesex County, Inc. is sponsoring Addiction Awareness Month during April. This month-long campaign is designed to educate schools, businesses, organizations, and the surrounding community about the real facts of addiction and how to take positive steps toward reducing it.

Thirty million Americans suffer with problems associated with addiction to alcohol and drugs. Their addiction not only harms their own lives, but also has profound negative effects on their families, co-workers, and community. The cost of addiction, including illness, lost work, accidents, and destructive behavior, tops $160 billion each year. The emotional toll on family, friends, co-workers, and the addicts themselves is incalculable. Whether it has been nicotine, alcohol, or other drugs, they have known the pain of addiction and the hope of recovery.

Addiction Awareness Month provides an important opportunity to promote the values that have given people the strength to beat drug and alcohol abuse and remain drug-free. While those who suffer from addiction must help themselves, it is also crucial for family, friends, co-workers and people with shared experiences to support those fighting to overcome their addiction. Communities play a key role in helping individuals achieve healthy lives. They can convey important information about the toll of alcohol and drug addiction, the benefits of recovery to society and allow young people to learn valuable lessons about their experiences.

We urge you to participate with us by planning special activities and events during April to increase awareness and promote healthy communities. Activities that you sponsor at your school, such as poster contests, parent education, and assemblies, are valuable ways to call people to action around addiction – America’s NUMBER ONE public health issue.

Since 1980, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) of Middlesex County, Inc. has been a valuable source of information regarding alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. This information is provided through the agency’s many services, and in particular, the Jason Surks Memorial Prevention Resource Center.

The Jason Surks Memorial Prevention Resource Center houses tens of thousands of free brochures, pamphlets, and other educational material on issues related to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. There are specific titles for teens, parents, young children, older adults, employers, and more. Most material is available in large quantities for health fairs, educational programs, or general distribution.

The Jason Surks Memorial Prevention Resource Center also maintains a video lending library containing more than 200 videotapes. These also range in topics for various audiences from young children to older adults. Videos can be borrowed for a period of two weeks.

In addition to providing materials to enhance your event, when you become a part of this countywide awareness campaign, you will receive publicity in our Addiction Awareness Month Calendar of Events. Simply complete the form and return it by February 22, 2006.

If you have any further questions, you can contact the NCADD of Middlesex County at 732-254-3344.

February 2006 

You Can Prevent Underage Drinking

Childhood drinking is a serious problem all across America. One out of every two 8th graders has tried alcohol. More kids use alcohol than use tobacco or illicit drugs, and more children are killed by alcohol than all illegal drugs combined.

Underage drinking can cause a multitude of problems within the community, making it crucial for community- and faith-based organizations to take action to prevent children from starting to drink alcohol. Educators also have a unique opportunity to open a dialog about alcohol with their students. The website, www.stopalcoholabuse.gov, is a comprehensive portal of Federal resources for information on underage drinking and ideas for combating this issue. People interested in underage drinking prevention—including parents, educators, community-based organizations, and youth—will find a wealth of valuable information there.

In addition, on March 28, 2006, all across America, people are going to be talking about childhood drinking. Over 1,500 town hall meetings will take place nationally, including 21 in New Jersey.

In New Jersey, we understand the dangers of childhood drinking and are doing something about it. On March 28, 2006, town hall meetings will take place in every county addressing this important issue. Join us to hear more about the problem and how you can be part of the solution.

Please plan on attending this meeting in our county:

Remember: Children who begin drinking alcohol before the age of 15 are 4 times more likely than those who start after age 21 to develop alcohol problems. When you attend this meeting and start talking before they start drinking, you can help raise awareness of this important issue.

NCADD will be sponsoring other town hall meetings throughout the county between April 1 and June 30, 2006. If you would like more information about a town hall meeting in your town, or if you would like to see a town hall meeting take place in your town, please contact Mara Carlin at 732-254-3344, ext. 13.

New Jersey’s Town Hall Meetings are made possible by a grant from the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Addiction Services.

March 2006

More teens than ever are putting themselves at risk during Spring Break.

According to travel industry experts, approximately one in seven high school students under the age of 18 take unsupervised trips during Spring Break. Teens can even be at risk when they stay at home during break. Unsupervised time, money to spend, and peer pressure to "let loose" can be a recipe for risky behaviors, including drug use. More teens start using marijuana, cigarettes, and alcohol for the first time between the spring and summer months - prime time for teens on Spring Break and time unsupervised by parents or teachers. The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy’s Media Campaign needs your help to alert parents in your community about the dangers associated with Spring Break.

While many people associate Spring Break with college age kids, the Media Campaign is urging parents of high school teens to know the risks associated with this time of year, before they agree to send their child on unsupervised holidays.

We are calling on parents to take action during this period, whether their teen is staying home, or going away on Spring Break trip. Share this checklist with parents in your community. It offers three tips on keeping teens safe during Spring Break:

1. SET RULES, especially no drinking or drugs
   • Be clear and specific about your expectations. Spring Break should not mean a break from responsibility.
   • Talk candidly about the risks of drug use and drinking, including alcohol poisoning, violence, sexually transmitted infections, and sexual assault.
2. PREPARE your teen
   • Give teens tips on how to protect themselves, such as using a buddy system to watch out for each other.
   • Walk through different scenarios and discuss how to handle pressures, including offers of drugs or alcohol and other risky situations.
3. KEEP MONITORING
   • Know your teen’s itinerary and where he/she is staying.
   • If they are staying home, know how they spend their unsupervised time.
   • Ask questions. Require a daily check-in via cell phone and make sure your teen is reachable. Make sure to have cell phone numbers for your teen’s friends and check in with them as necessary too.
   • Network with and connect with other parents to confirm plans and coordinate ground rules

More Spring Break tips and information are available at:
www.TheAntiDrug.com/springbreak.

"It’s important that parents resist the impulse to just do what their teen wants," said Dr. Phillippe Cunningham, associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina, Family Services Research Center. "You’re the parent. You are not alone if you’re uncomfortable sending your teen on a week vacation to Cancun. This just shows that your parental instincts are intact. Generally, adult supervision is inadequate during Spring Break trips. Research is clear, parental monitoring is a key parenting tool that can reduce youth risky behavior. Rely on your parental judgment, ask questions, and talk to other parents. Put a stop to the trip if you are uneasy with the amount of adult supervision or structure that will be provided. An alternative would be a community service project."

Research shows that parents are a powerful deterrent to drug or alcohol use, even when teens are far from home. The majority of teens say the greatest risk in using marijuana is upsetting their parents or losing the respect of friends and families.

For more advice on preparing your teen for a safe Spring Break, and free resources to help parents raise healthy, safe and drug-free teens, visit www.TheAntiDrug.com.

The New Jersey Communities Against Tobacco (CAT) is a network of local coalitions joined by a common mission: to change or establish community norms, attitudes, and behaviors around tobacco use. The Middlesex County CAT Coalition was developed in 1998 by NCADD of Middlesex County to raise awareness and make environmental changes within the community. The coalition is made up of representative from various sectors of the community including health, education, social services, clergy, and community-based agencies. The coordinator of the CAT Coalition is Debbie Flanagan.

Click on this icon to learn about the Middlesex County Kick Butts 5K Walk.

For a list of current members, click here

The CAT Coalition’s responsibilities reside primarily in sponsoring and administering activities and providing mini grants to groups within the community whose goals are consistant with the coalitions’. They are:

• Reducing the number of youth who begin smoking
• Reducing the public’s exposure to environmental tobacco smoke
• Promoting programs that help adults and youth quit smoking
• Providing tobacco prevention and control programs to diverse and underserved populations.

  Programs initiated by the coalition have already made some very positive changes in many areas of the county. For more information, call Debbie Flanagan at 732-254-3344 or email by clicking on her name.

JOIN MIDDLESEX COUNTY REBEL

How you can make a difference!

• Do you like working with your peers?
• Are you interested in rebelling against the influence of big tobacco companies?
• Are you motivated and eager to be a voice in your community?
• Are you interested in helping your community become cleaner and smoke-free?
• Do you want to keep your friends from becoming addicted to nicotine?
• Do you like to have fun?

If any of the above apply to you, then the REBEL movement is for you! By becoming a member, you will be part of a statewide movement led by you and your peers.

To become part of this great movement, simply complete the form below. We will contact you immediately.

Please click here for a direct email link or fill out the form below and then hit the "Submit" button.

(As of July 2006)

Thank you for visiting the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) of Middlesex County, Inc. web site and for reviewing our privacy policy. Our policy is clear: We collect no information about you, other than information automatically collected and stored (see below), when you visit our web site unless you choose to provide that information to us.

Information Automatically Collected and Stored

When you browse through the NCADD web site, certain personal information about you can be collected. We automatically collect and temporarily store the following information about your visit:

• The name of the domain you use to access the Internet (for example, aol.com if you are using an American Online account or stanford.edu if you are connecting from Stanford University’s domain)

• The date and time of your visit

• The pages you visited

• The type of browser and operating system used to access our site

• The address of the web site you came from when you came to visit.

We use this information for statistical purposes and to help us make our site more useful to visitors. Unless it is specifically stated otherwise, no additional information will be collected about you. No information about NCADD users/visitors will be sold, shared, or utilized in any commercial way.

 Personal Information

You do not have to give us personal information to visit our web site.

If you choose to provide us with additional information about yourself through an e-mail message, form, survey, etc., we will maintain only the information as long as needed to respond to your question or to fulfill the stated purpose of the communication.

However, all communications addressed to NCADD or the NCADD webmaster are maintained, as required by law, for historical purposes. These communications are archived on a monthly basis, but also are protected by the Privacy Act, which restricts our use of them yet permits certain disclosures.

 Disclosure

NCADD does not disclose, give, sell, or transfer any personal information about our visitors unless required for law enforcement or statute.

Minors

We are especially concerned about protecting children’s privacy. We urge parents and teachers to be involved in children’s Internet browsing. It is particularly important for parents to guide their children when children are asked to provide personal information online. We always suggest that children get their parents’ or guardians’ permission before providing any information online—at our site or any other site—and hope parents and guardians will always be involved in those decisions. Most importantly, when children do provide information through this web site, it is used only to enable us to respond to the writer, and not to create profiles of children. The information is all subject to the Privacy Act. Parents can request for any personal information to be removed by writing to mail@ncadd-middlesex.org.

Questions about NCADD’s Privacy Policy

If you have any questions about NCADD or our privacy policy, please feel free to contact us at:

NCADD of Middlesex County, Inc.

152 Tices Lane

East Brunswick, NJ 08816

732-254-3344

or send an email to mail@ncadd-middlesex.org

NCADD of Middlesex County, Inc. promotes the health and well-being of individuals and communities of Middlesex County through the reduction or elimination of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use problems. With this form, you can ask any questions, place any comments and request more information on any of the services we provide or concerns we address. Once you have submitted this form, we will try our best to fulfill your request in the most timely manner possible. Thank you taking the time to contact us. We look forward to helping you with any information we can provide. Please click here for a direct email link or fill out the form below and then hit the "Submit" button.

Contact:

NCADD of Middlesex County, Inc.
152 Tices Lane, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
732-254-3344
(Fax) 732-254-4224

Directions

From the NJ Turnpike:

1. Take the Turnpike to Exit 9.
2. After toll, bear left, following sign for Route 18 South.
3. At the light at Tices Lane, make a right.
4. Go through three traffic lights (at Rennee Road, Harts Lane, and University Road).
5. NCADD is not far on the left.
6. There is minimal parking in the lot just past our building. However, if you turn just before the building (at the sign for #150), there is a large lot in the back.

From Route 1:

1. Take Route 1 to the Ryders Lane exit towards East Brunswick.
2. Travel on Ryders Lane and make a left at traffic light onto Tices Lane.
3. Once on Tices Lane, you will go under a bridge.
4. NCADD is not far on the right. There is minimal parking in the lot just before our building. However, if you turn just past the building (at the sign for #150), there is a large lot in the back.

From Route 18 Northbound:

1. Pass Mid-State Mall (with Borders) on your right.
2. Go through the light at Tices Lane.
3. Take the Tices Lane exit/jughandle and cross over Route 18 onto Tices Lane.
4. Go through three traffic lights (at Renee Road, Harts Lane, and University Road).
5. NCADD is not far on the left.
6. There is minimal parking in the lot just past our building. However, if you turn just before the building (at the sign for #150), there is a large lot in the back.

Confidential, objective information and referral for individuals and family members who are seeking help for an alcohol or other drug problem. Staffed by caring certified professionals, our helpline reaches over 800 families annually. A resource directory is updated annually and provides detailed information on a variety of substance abuse prevention and treatment programs serving Middlesex County.

• To order a copy of our current Middlesex County Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drug Resource Directory, please call NCADD at 732-254-3344 or click here to email your request. You may also view a PDF file of the Directory by clicking here.

• If you live or work in Middlesex County, NJ, and wish to speak to a counselor, click here to email, or call 732-254-3344.
• If you live in New Jersey, outside of Middlesex County, click here to get information about your local resources.
• If you live in the United States, outside of New Jersey, click here for information about your local resources.

12-Step and other Mutual Support groups are vital resources for individuals and families dealing with substance abuse and related problems. The following links provide meeting times and locations for a number of these groups in New Jersey:

• Adult Children of Alcoholics
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Al-Anon/Ala-Teen
• Gamblers Anonymous
• Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically Dependent Persons and Significant Others
• Marijuana Anonymous
• Naranon
• Narcotics Anonymous
• Overeaters Anonymous
• Parents Anonymous

NCADD’s involvement in the community frequently requires the services of volunteers. Whether providing coverage at a health fair, awareness exhibit or assisting with material in our Resource Center, volunteers are an integral part of the services we provide to the community.

Why Volunteer

Are you looking for new experiences? Do you want to meet new people? Are you looking for a way to spend your spare time? Are you looking to make a difference in your comunity? Then Friends of NCADD is for you!

The Friends of NCADD help out in a fun and relaxed atmosphere … and their work never goes unrecognized! Opportunities are flexible to an individual’s schedules and abilities. Volunteers work side-by-side with staff that cares about them and the community. Make a worthwhile commitment, change your community, and have fun while you’re at it.

Volunteer Opportunities

What would you like to do?

• Work at health fairs and exhibits
• Prepare literature for distribution
• Act as a librarian in our Resource Center
• Deliver materials to our satellite sites
• Data entry
• Participate on committees
• Stuff and stamp envelopes for mailings
• Write articles for our newsletters
• Assist in set up and clean up at special events
• Take photographs at agency events
• Implement public relations efforts
• Participate in presentations
• Collect drug and alcohol related articles from local newspapers and the web for distribution to staff
• Provide transportation to and from events
• And more!!!

Rights and Responsibilities

Friends of NCADD are of all ages and from all walks of life. As a volunteer, you will meet new people, make a difference in your community, and feel a sense of accomplishment while having fun. NCADD volunteers can choose from a number of tasks that best fit their interests, capabilities, and schedule. When choosing a volunteer opportunity, you have the right to receive:

• A description of the volunteer responsibilities, time commitment, training, and supervision
• Information about the organization, its mission, and program plans
• Placement in an assignment suitable to your interests and abilities

When choosing a volunteer opportunity, you have the responsibility to:

• Be open about your preferences, skills, and availability
• Share relevant medical or physical information about yourself
• Understand the volunteer opportunity and organization prior to beginning in the position
• Share your expectations of the opportunity and also understand the organization’s expectations of you

If you would like to make a difference in your community, click here to register or request more information.

Support from our corporate partners helps to insure that quality programs and services will continue to be provided throughout the county. Our donors demonstrate a true commitment to the community as responsible corporate neighbors. They recognize that our services benefit their customers, their employees, their families, and their future workforce. Sponsors are recognized on our website, in our literature, and periodically in the media.

Click here to make your online corporate donation

Our private supporters recognize the value of our services to the community. Whether we have touched their lives in some way, or they’ve heard of the wonderful work that we do, or they know us professionally, our donors are an essential part of our organization.

Click here to make your secure online donation

Other giving options include:

Matching Gifts

Matching gifts programs are provided by many companies in the area. Your employer may match your gift to NCADD. This may be true if you or your spouse are employed by, serve on a board for, or are retired from a company or organization with such a program. In fact, some employers will even double or triple contributions made by their employees. This makes a significant difference in your contribution. Be sure to ask the director of your human resources department if your company has a matching gift program.

Simply obtain the Matching Gift form from your or your spouse’s employer’s personnel office and send it with your donation to:

NCADD of Middlesex County, Inc.
152 Tices Lane
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Phone: 732-254-3344
Fax: 732-254-4224
email: mail@ncadd-middlesex.com

The potential for increased gift income is great, and, with donors taking this active role, many companies can realize the importance of supporting NCADD of Middlesex County through matching gifts.

PLANNED GIVING

There are several ways to include us in your planned giving, but the most common, and often the simplest, form of a planned gift is the bequest, or gift in your will. Because a bequest is a revocable gift, it can be reduced or eliminated if your circumstances require, so that your financial security will not be affected by a will provision. Often a bequest is the only way an individual can make a gift that could not have been afforded during his or her lifetime.

After providing for your loved ones, you can make a provision in your will for NCADD of Middlesex County, Inc. to receive a fixed amount, a specific percentage of your estate, or a remainder amount after specific distributions have been made. Bequests of all sizes are welcome, as they normally are given without restriction as to how they are used, unlike grants that we receive from the majority of our funders. Thus, bequests can be used to provide valuable services to the community that are not currently funded through other means such as our helpline, community coalition participation, and most of our advocacy work. They could also be used to improve our physical facilities, which is normally not an allowable expense under most grants.

Amending your will to include a bequest does not require rewriting. A codicil is sufficient. There are a variety of ways to make a bequest. You and your attorney can decide which best suits your individual circumstances.

Individual Donations

Individual donations may be made by mail, by phone, by fax, via email, or on our secure online form.

By Mail

To make your donation by mail, please send your tax-deductible check or money order to:
NCADD of Middlesex County
152 Tices Lane
East Brunswick, NJ 08816

By Phone

To make your donation by phone with your credit card, call 732-254-3344.

By Fax

To make a donation by fax, please include the amount of your donation, your name as it appears on your major credit card, your account number, expiration date, and address, and fax it to 732-254-4224.

By Email

To make a donation via e-mail, please include the amount of your donation, your name as it appears on your major credit card, your account number, expiration date, and address, and email to mail@ncadd-middlesex.com

Many individuals suffering from alcohol, tobacco and other drug addictions (ATOD) turn to their religious leaders for help and guidance.

NCADD of Middlesex County believes that the religious community in Middlesex County has the ability and unique opportunity to influence and reach out and help these individuals and their families who are suffering from substance dependency and related problems.

The NCADD of Middlesex County Faith-Based Initiative will provide training and follow-up support activities for various Middlesex County faith communities who wish to take a proactive position with regard to substance abuse and related problems.

Additionally, NCADD of Middlesex County plans to institute The Congregational Assistance Program, a structured prevention and early intervention ministry in which core teams are trained to be resources on alcohol and other drug dependence and to promote health lifestyles through education, outreach and referral.

For additional information about NCADD of Middlesex County’s Faith-Based Initiative, please call 732-254-3344 or email us at mail@ncadd-middlesex.org.

Consultations regarding drug-free and smoke-free workplace policies, program development, employee education, supervisory training, and educational materials.

• Employee Education
• Drug-Free/Smoke-Free Workplace Policies
• Program Development
• Supervisory Training

SERVICES TO COMMUNITIES

Coalition development, educational programs to community groups and civic organizations, technical assistance to municipal alliances, Prevention Resource Center.

• Coalition for Healthy Communities: A multi-disciplinary group of dedicated individuals who are committed to addressing substance abuse issues in Middlesex County.
• Party Drugs: Part of a statewide project entitled “ECSTASY DOES A BODY HARM”, designed to alert and educate parents of pre-adolescents, adolescents and college students to the signs, symptoms and dangers of party drugs.
• Strengthening Families: Parents are challenged everyday to keep their children’s small setbacks, like skipping household chores or not doing homework, from leading to serious behavior problems like drug and alcohol abuse, and kids need skills to help them resist the peer pressure that leads to dangerous behaviors. The Strengthening Families Program can help
• Tree of Hope: The Tree of Hope aims to change that image by bringing together individuals who have experienced the life-changing transformation that true recovery brings.
  
• We Check for 21: We Check for 21 is an educational and advocacy campaign designed to improve compliance with the State’s drinking age by reaching out to the hospitality industry and retailer.

A puppet-based primary prevention program designed to help children ages 5-9 learn skills in conflict resolution, decision-making and anger management. The program is designed to equip children with the coping skills they will need to enable them to grow up resilient to the risks of violence and substance abuse. Each story helps children recognize common reactions to life situations. These youngsters are then given alternative methods to deal more positively with anger, disappointment, peer pressure, and confrontational conflicts.

Forest Friends is a developmental puppet program designed to help children learn basic life skills and character enhancement that they will use their entire life. Each session includes a story portrayed by animal puppets, a discussion and an activity to reinforce the lesson conveyed by the story.

 Presented weekly for six weeks, the stories build off one another so that each presentation teaches a lesson while reinforcing previous lessons. All eyes are locked on the lovable puppets that take center stage. The children can identify with the realistic situations the puppets encounter and learn how to emotionally deal with similar situations in their own life. Goals of the program include:

• Reaching children while their health related attitude and beliefs are in the formative stage.
• Increasing the interpersonal and developmental skills of children
• Educating young children in an intriguing and inspirational manner about issues pertinent to their emotional growth
• Providing children with lovable role models after which they can pattern themselves

Like the trees in the forest, our children need strong roots to grow straight and strong. Forest Friends equips children with the skills to develop strong roots while discovering their inner strength and beauty.

For additional information, please call us at 732-254-3344 or write us at mail@ncadd-middlesex.org

Professional training, staff in-service, parent education, curriculum development, Prevention Resource Center, classroom-based prevention programs including:

Footprints for Life
Forest Friends
Keys to InnerVisions
PATHWAYS
Safe Dates
We’re Not Buying It
What’s New for Schools monthly resource

For more information please contact:
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
(NCADD) of Middlesex County, Inc.
152 Tices Lane
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Phone: 732-254-3344
Fax: 732-254-4224
mailto:info@ncadd-middlesex.org

Prevention Resource Center, Information/Referral Helpline

• Information/Referral Helpline: Information on addiction and related issues; referral for treatment. Links to support group meeting times and locations.

• Resource Directory: Updated annually, our directory includes information on alcohol, tobacco, and other drug-related services available in Middlesex County. Each year, the Resource Directory is expanded to include more information.

Click to view the Press Releases:

• 2009 Legislative Event Scheduled
• NCADD Awarded Safe Dates Grant
• Presentations Available For Older Adults

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of Middlesex County, Inc. maintains a Media Resource Center of over 200 videos for use by the community. The Video Lending Library is located at our offices at 152 Tices Lane, East Brunswick. If you wish to borrow videos, you need to pick them up and return them to our location, in person. No videos will be mailed. Video renters are responsible for the care of videos in their possession.
Please reserve videos in advance. Videos are lend-out on a first-come, first-served basis so it is recommended that you contact us at least 5 days in advance of the scheduled use of the video. Videos can be borrowed for up to one week only and a maximum of four videos can be borrowed at one time. It is the responsibility of the user to pick up and return all materials to the NCADD office during regular business hours.  Video renters will be required to provide identification.

WARNING: Videos are protected under U.S. and all applicable copyright laws. NO duplication or broadcasting is allowed. This is a violation of Federal law.
To reserve a video, call NCADD at (732) 254-3344 or email your request to mail@ncadd-middlesex.org. Please include your name and phone number in all correspondence.

To order a copy of our current Middlesex County Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drug Resource Directory, please call NCADD at 732-254-3344 or click here to email your request. You may also view a PDF file of the English version of our Resource Directory by clicking here. For a Spanish version of our Resource Directory, please click here.

NCADD of Middlesex County, Inc. publishes a monthly electronic newsletter. In it, you will find information on programs taking place within Middlesex County.

Quarterly printed newsletters provide up-to-the minute information, research, and resources for a variety of issues related to alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use problems. Click on a link below to view selected issue.

If you wish to obtain an archived NCADD newsletters, please email us or call 732-254-3344

Click on a link below to view selected news clipping.
NEWS CLIPPINGS (Some downloads are in PDF format, Acrobat required)

• New Resource to Help Parents Confront Youth Drug Use, 2/10/09
• Study Says Methamphetamines Cost the U.S. $23.4 Billion in 2005, 2/5/09
• Ritalin Causes Brain Changes Similar to Cocaine, NIDA Says, 2/2/09
• Peer Advice Helps Cut Heavy Drinking Among College Students, 1/29/09
• Study: Nicotine Gum Effective in Gradual Smoking Cessation, 1/27/09
• Congress Approves Addiction and Mental Health Parity Legislation, 10/30/08
• Congress Passes Ryan Haight Bill, 9/30/08
• Steve Liga’s Letter to the Editor. Home News Tribune, 9/10/08
• Coalition Forms to Keep N.J. Drinking Age at 21, 9/5/08
• College Freshmen Weigh Relative Risks of Prescription Drugs, 9/3/08
• Report: Depictions of Smoking in Movies Influence Young People, 8/22/08
• Study Finds Sports Stadiums Serve Alcohol to Intoxicated, Underage Fans, 8/21/08
• Latino Parents Urged to Counteract Effects of Targeted Alcohol Ads, 8/20/08
• Spike in Methadone Prescriptions, Deaths, 8/12/08
• Report Underscores Fatal Risk of Combining Prescriptions, Other Substances at Home, 7/30/08
• Alcohol Becoming Equal Opportunity Destroyer, 5/7/08
• College Party Characteristics Related to Likelihood of High-Risk Drinking, 5/5/08
• Researchers: Women Should Time Quitting Smoking with Menstrual Cycle, 4/22/08
• Bush Claims Success on Youth Drug Use, But Critics Slam Strategy, 4/20/08
• Model Youth Drinking Prevention Program Less Effective in Urban Community, 3/19/08
• Smoking Blamed for Education-Related Mortality Gap, 3/12/08
• Specialized Treatment for Older Addicts Growing, 3/7/08
• Drinking Motivations Differ Among U.S. 12th Graders, 2/15/08
• East Brunswick teens fined for drinking, 1/16/08
• Good Students Likely to Avoid Bad Behaviors, Study Says, 10/11/07
• New Campaign Opposes Lower Drinking Age, 10/10/07
• Drivers Ages 21 to 34 Disproportionately Involved in Drunk-Driving Fatal Crashes, 10/01/07
• Hispanic Teens More Likely Than Whites, Blacks to Use Drugs, 9/25/07
• Fewer Parent-Teen Discussions About Drugs, 8/16/07
• Gore Case Calls Attention to Prescription Drug Abuse, 7/10/07
• Antidepressants Now Most Prescribed Drugs, 7/10/07
• Drug Strategy Calls for Cut in Prescription Drug Abuse, 2/12/07
• Nicotine Addiction Costs $2,000 Annually, 2/12/07
• 12-Step Treatment More Effective than Alternative, Study Says, 1/30/07
• DEA Helps Teachers Help Students to “Think Twice” About Drugs, 10/6/06
• The road to recovery is not traveled alone Tree of Hope ceremony recognizes those waging fight against addiction, South Brunswick Sentinel, 10/6/06
• Awards program honors Greater Women of Central Jersey, News Transcript, 9/20/06
• Youth Drug Use Continues Downward Slide Older Adult Rates of Use Increase, 9/7/06
• Mothers Plead for Prescription Drug Legislation, 7/26/06
• Life Lessons At Hand, Star Ledger, 4/2/06
• Mouse Pads Warn About Dangers of Drug Abuse, Sentinel 12/1/05

Board of Trustees, February 2009

	President Katherine Fallon Occupational Health Nurse Johnson & Johnson Elected 2005
	Vice President Susan F. Neshin, M.D. JSAS Healthcare, Inc. Elected 2005
	Past President Brian T. Rose Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Rutgers University Elected 2005
	Secretary George Rusuloj Pharmacist Elected 2007
	Treasurer Bill DeJianne Regional Vice President at Evergreen Investments Elected 2008
	Executive Director & CEO NCADD of Middlesex County, Inc.

Members

	Sharon Cambell Market Manager/Vice President PNC Bank Elected 2004
	Rakesh Ganta RLG Environmental, Inc. Elected 2008
	Sandra Martin Financial Officer Elected 2009
	Steven S. Polinsky Attorney Elected 2007
	Marjorie Talbot Rutgers School of Social Work Elected 2005

NCADD of Middlesex County, Inc. is fortunate to have a dedicated group of professionals who work together to build healthy communities. Their seamless teamwork insures that our programs and services are of the highest quality. Each staff member is committed to providing the best service, whether answering the help-line, teaching parents how to help their children, or providing information at a health fair.

	Administrative Team
	Steven G. Liga, MSW, LSW, LCADC, CPS, CCS Executive Director Steven is Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, and, subject to the control of the Board of Trustees, has general supervision, direction, and control of the business of the Corporation. steve@ncadd-middlesex.org
	Alexandra Lopez, MA, LCADC, SAC , DRCC Deputy Director Alexandra Lopez is responsible for providing overall supervision of program services and direct supervision of all program staff at NCADD’s headquarters and represents the agency in the Executive Director’s absence. alexandra@ncadd-middlesex.org
	Lauren Balkan, MSW, LCSW Supervisor - PATHWAYS Lauren provides overall supervision of program services and direct supervision of all staff at PATHWAYS. Lauren also assists the Executive Director as a member of the management team. lauren@ncadd-middlesex.org
	Jacqueline Jackson, MBA Financial Manager Jacqueline directs all financial activities and MDS data collection to insure efficient workflow and timely submission of all required reports to various funding sources. She also manages daily financial transactions, assists with budget and audit preparation. Jacqueline staffs the information/referral helpline and also represents NCADD at multiple community and organizational events. jacqueline@ncadd-middlesex.org
	Ezra Helfand, BA Public Information Specialist Ezra develops and coordinates dissemination of all print and electronic publications of the Council. He also manages and updates the web site; serves as Council liaison with representatives of the media to coordinate; and arranges for regular recognition of Council services and projects. Ezra staffs the information/referral helpline and also represents NCADD at multiple community and organizational events. ezra@ncadd-middlesex.org
	Agency Staff
	Lissette Mejia-Bacharde Administrative Assistant lissette@ncadd-middlesex.org
	Padma Sonti Desai, MA Preventionist I Padma facilitates goal-setting and empowerment program to students, parents, and community groups. She presents the agency’s school-based primary prevention programs as well as staffing the information/referral helpline and representing NCADD at multiple community and organizational events. padma@ncadd-middlesex.org
	Ashish Desai, BA Preventionist I Ashish facilitates goal-setting and empowerment program to students, parents, and community groups. He presents the agency’s school-based primary prevention programs as well as staffing the information/referral helpline and representing NCADD at multiple community and organizational events. ash@ncadd-middlesex.org
	Christine Hughes, MSW, LSW Preventionist I Christine facilitates goal-setting and empowerment program to students, parents, and community groups. She presents the agency’s school-based primary prevention programs at the PATHWAYS program as well as staffing the information/referral helpline and representing NCADD at multiple community and organizational events. christine@ncadd-middlesex.org
	Dara Jarosz, BA, MA, Kean University Intern Clinician I- PATHWAYS Dara is working with teens from Carteret High School through the PATHWAYS program to serve students who may be at risk where violence or dependence is concerned. She also facilitates support groups for the students such as Girl Talk, a motivational group for female students and REBEL a smoking cessation group. dara@ncadd-middlesex.org
	Anna Kirzner, MSW, LSW Clinician II- PATHWAYS Anna is working with teens from Carteret High School through the PATHWAYS program to serve students who may be at risk where violence or dependence is concerned. anna@ncadd-middlesex.org
	Lindsay Rich, MSW, LSW Clinician II- PATHWAYS Lindsay Rich helps high school students and their families, through the PATHWAYS program, cope with issues of adolescence and will also be encouraging students to engage in healthy drug-free recreational activities. lindsay@ncadd-middlesex.org
	Christina Rak-Samson, BA Preventionist I Christina prepares and presents educational programs directly to students, parents, and community groups. Christina presents the agency’s school-based primary prevention programs as well as staffing the information/referral helpline and representing NCADD at multiple community and organizational events. christina@ncadd-middlesex.org
	Ana Rodrigues, AAS Administrative Assistant - PATHWAYS Ana provides general clerical assistance to all staff at the PATHWAYS program at Carteret High School.  ana@ncadd-middlesex.org
	Jennifer Smith, MPH, CPS Preventionist II Jennifer prepares and presents educational programs directly to students, parents, and community groups. Christina presents the agency’s school-based primary prevention programs as well as staffing the information/referral helpline and representing NCADD at multiple community and organizational events. jennifer@ncadd-middlesex.org
	Linda Surks,BS, CPS Preventionist II Linda Surks coordinates the Coalition for Healthy Communities., including all aspects of grant management, committee workgroups, and special events and campaigns. Linda delivers community presentations to parents, teachers, and community groups, and staffs the information/referral helpline. She also represents NCADD and the Coalition at multiple community and organizational events. linda@ncadd-middlesex.org
	Laura Tittel, BA Preventionist I  Laura prepares and presents educational programs directly to students, parents, and community groups. She presents the agency’s school-based primary prevention programs as well as staffing the information/referral helpline and representing NCADD at multiple community and organizational events. Laura@ncadd-middlesex.org
	Heather Ward, MSW, LSW Preventionist I Heather prepares and presents educational programs directly to students, parents, and community groups. Heather presents the agency’s school-based primary prevention programs as well as staffing the information/referral helpline and representing NCADD at multiple community and organizational events. heather@ncadd-middlesex.org

Each year NCADD of Middlesex County, Inc. publishes a report on its work and its concerns throughout the community. 2007 was an exciting year for NCADD of Middlesex County, Inc. The organization continues to grow and expand programs and services throughout the county. We thank all of our supporters for helping us achieve our mission of building healthy communities in Middlesex County. Click here for a copy of our Annual Report presenting an overview of major NCADD activities and accomplishments for fiscal year 2007.

Following is an Open Letter from NCADD’s Executive Director Steven G. Liga.

After an extremely hectic 2006, 2007 was calm by comparison.  As we settled into our new home, we realized that 2006 disappeared so quickly that we had not scheduled a proper open house.  That was rectified in May with a multi-day coming out party.  A highlight of the week was the “Good Morning Middlesex” event we co-hosted with the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce.  Though we have been members for over twenty years, we had never had enough room to host a single Chamber event of our own.  Shortly after the breakfast, we bought a barbeque grill and hosted our first of what was to become many wonderful afternoon BBQ parties.  It’s wonderful having a backyard at work!

This year we brought home our Coalition for Healthy Communities to our newly rededicated Jason Surks Memorial Prevention Resource Center.  In the previous year, the Coalition had completely outgrown our old office and was forced to rely upon the generous hospitality of our friends at the Edison Municipal Complex and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.  Though our temporary hosts were nothing but gracious, it was good to be “back home.” As the Coalition continued to grow throughout the year, we adopted a rotating schedule of breakfast, lunch, and dinner meetings.  This way, we could accommodate everyone’s schedule - and still keep everyone well-fed.

Other community organizations that came to visit liked what they saw and began using our space, as well. One group, in particular, came and decided to stay.  The New Jersey Prevention Network (of which, we are a member) decided to use our site as a permanent site for their Addiction Training and Workforce Development Initiative.  As a result, we now host classes leading toward certification and licensure for addiction counselors-in-training every single Thursday of the year.  This has been a perfect complement to our already successful Training@NCADD-Middlesex initiative.

Another point that I simply must share with you is the outstanding success we have had with our PATHWAYS School-based Youth Services Program in Carteret High School. After just a single year of operation, the number one referral source for new students utilizing the many aspects of the program is now students themselves.  Can you imagine?  In no time at all, we went from being the program to which teachers and administrators sent problem students to a program students sought on their own because they had heard about the positive energy of the place.  In my mind, no other level of service comes close to highlighting our success.

Until next year’s report, I’ll have to wish you well and promise to keep in touch through one of our five newsletters, talk to you at one of our many community events, or share some incredible kettle corn with you at the Middlesex County Fair.  Thanks for listening, and supporting NCADD’s work in your community for another year.

Steven G. Liga, MSW, LSW, LCADC, CPS, CCS
Executive Director & CEO

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of Middlesex County, Inc., as we know it today, has its roots in a solid history of education/prevention activities in the county starting back in the mid-1970’s. At that time, an outreach movement began by the National Council on Alcoholism of Monmouth County, which resulted in the establishment of the NCA of Central Jersey, which included an office in Ocean County and one here in Middlesex.

Housed at Middlesex General Hospital, our county branch began operations without funds, but with a dedicated group of volunteers. The activities of the agency at this time included training events in school settings; seminars at Perth Amboy General, Middlesex General, and South Amboy Memorial Hospitals; programs for numerous community groups; in-service training for various county agencies; co-sponsorship of the first statewide conference on Alcohol Problems and the Criminal Justice System; and a countywide seminar on alcoholism for the clergy. Services continued until funding became scarce and in 1977, the Council was forced to close down its operation.

1979 was a rebirth of the community’s concern that alcoholism education/prevention services were needed in the county. An ad hoc committee was formed from among members of the South Brunswick Family Services Advisory Group and application was made to the New Jersey Alcoholism Association to establish the Middlesex Council on Alcoholism. Upon the signatures of Mr. Joseph Redmond, Dr. C.S. Whitaker, Jr., Ms. Leona Kaufman, Mr. H. Eugene Speckman, and Ms. Ruth Paul, the Council was incorporated in the spring of 1980.

Since 1980, NCADD of Middlesex County, Inc. has identified community needs and has met those needs with creativity and persistence. We have served hundreds of thousands of individuals through the wide array of programs we provide. NCADD is identified by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services and the local prevention resource center. We are a leader in Middlesex County in providing quality prevention education programs and establishing coalitions to address specific needs in the community.

NCADD History Timeline

• 1980 - Middlesex Council on Alcoholism is incorporated, providing an information/referral helpline and introduced Mr. Chugs, an alcohol prevention program for elementary school.

• 1983 - Formed the Middlesex County Black Community Task Force and Hispanic Advisory Committee.

• 1985 - Held first joint prom/graduation press conference with Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office. The success of this ongoing campaign is evident - there has not been one student fatality during prom/graduation season in Middlesex County since it began.

• 1986 - Hosted first annual Legislative Reception, where more than 160 people attended. The reception also kicked off the 5th annual Alcohol Awareness Month.

• 1987 - Agency is renamed Middlesex Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; at this time, drugs other than alcohol were incorporated into all programming.

• 1990 - 10th Anniversary was celebrated with a benefit concert at the State Theater in New Brunswick, featuring Roberta Flack.

• 1993 - Agency name is changed to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) of Middlesex County, Inc.

• 1994 - Partnered with the Governor’s Council for a Drug Free Workplace to provide services to the small and medium sized business

• 1996 - Introduced two new programs: Forest Friends, a violence prevention program for elementary school; and WISE (Wellness Initiative for Senior Educators), to train older adults to develop and present prevention programs in the community.

• 1999 - Implemented the We Check for 21 program, educating alcohol beverage vendors to prevent underage sale.

• 2000 - Communities Against Tobacco (CAT) Coalition and REBEL (Reaching Everyone By Exposing Lies) were formed.

• 2000 - Introduced We’re Not Buying It!! The Alcohol & Tobacco Connection to middle schools, teaching students about the methods used to market these products to young people.

• 2002 - Celebrated National Recovery Month with first annual Tree of Hope, donated to Crawford House.

• 2002 - www.ncadd-middlesex.com received award for outstanding electronic publication.

• 2003 - Introduced Footprints for Life, a new prevention curriculum developed by NCADD of Middlesex County, Inc.

• 2003- Formed the Middlesex County Substance Abuse Coalition, the most comprehensive collaborative group addressing substance abuse in Middlesex County.

• 2004 - Coalition hosted a very successful young women’s conference for high school girls.

• 2004 - Resource Center was named the Jason Surks Memorial Prevention Resource Center at a dedication ceremony attended by ONCDP Deputy Director Scott Burns.

• 2005 - Keys to Innervisions (KIV) was introduced in five schools in the County.

• 2005 - NCADD celebrates 25 years of Building Healthy Communities.

• 2006 - Relocated office space to 152 Tices Lane, East Brunswick.

• 2006 - Held 25th Anniversary Gala featuring Brenda Blackmon, news anchor at WWOR-TV as Master of Ceremonies and Judy Collins as Keynote Speaker.

• 2006 - Launched Strengthening Families, whose goal is to prevent substance abuse in youth by helping them build skills and giving parents more tools to help their children become responsible young adults.

• 2006 - Partnered with Carteret Public Schools to create PATHWAYS, Carteret’s School-Based Youth Services Program, a safe, structured environment within the school to address the social and health needs of students.

• 2007 - Held regional Town Hall Meeting on prescription drug abuse, part of a national initiative.

• 2007 - Launched an anti-gambling program targeting seniors and high school students.

• 2007 - Footprints for Life was approved for the Service to Science program, an initiative that provides support to move the program closer to national recognition as an evidence-based program.

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD) provides education, information, help and hope to the public. It advocates prevention, intervention and treatment through offices in New York and Washington, and a nationwide network of Affiliates.

The New Jersey Prevention Network, Inc. (NJPN) is an incorporated organization composed of 19 independent non-profit corporations with offices in each of New Jersey’s 21 counties. NJPN is dedicated to prevention and early intervention for alcoholism, tobacco, and other drug abuse.

The Center is a charitable umbrella organization serving New Jersey’s non-profit community. The Center’s mission is to build the power of the non-profit sector to improve the quality of life for the people of New Jersey.

The Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce provides opportunities for business growth and prosperity, offers quality service to its members, and serves as a resource leader for businesses and the community.

Resource & Referral Links

Sorted by category, this is a collection of links to organizations whose mission is related to ours. This list, though not inclusive of all such resources, contains certain sites that we have found to be useful. Select a category to view the resources within. They provide the ‘links’ that hold our community together.

• 12 Step / Mutual Support
• Community
• Government
• Prevention / Education
• Special Populations
• Treatment

Platinum ($5,000 & over)

• Johnson & Johnson Foundation
• McMaster-Carr Supply Company
• PNC Bank Foundation

Silver ($1,000 & over)

• Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA)
• Wall Mart Stores, Inc.

Associate ($100 & over)

• Angles Behind The Wheel, LLC
• Apple Food Services New Jersey
• Carrier Clinic
• Centene Management Company, LLC
• Irv Finkelstein, LCSW
• Liberty Behavioral Management
• Mariano Press
• Metcom, Inc.
• Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce
• N.J. Coalition for Financial Education
• New Brunswick Counseling Center
• New Hope Foundation
• Princeton House
• RPCMOC
• Saiff Drugs
• Summit Oaks Hospital, Inc.
• The Active Network, Inc.
• Wyeth Research

Other

• Advanced Electric Services, LLC
• Alpine Aromatics
• Doctors of Dental Medicine, LLP
• Giveline, Inc.
• Good Search
• South River Municipal Alliance
• St. Alban’s Episcopal Church
• Steven S. Polinsky Esq.
• The Active Network, Inc.
• Township of North Brunswick
• United Way of Central Jersey

Provides information on how you can help build healthy communities with NCADD.

• Private Donations
• Corporate Donations
• Volunteer Opportunities

NCADD offers programs and services throughout Middlesex County, NJ that reach across the age continuum. From prenatal education to healthy aging, we partner with organizations from all segments of society to build healthy communities.

Click below to view the following sections:

• Individuals/Families
• Services to Schools
• Community
• Services to Businesses
• Faith Based Initiatives
• Resource Directory

Jason Surks Memorial Prevention Resource Center

The Jason Surks Memorial Resource Center is a place where individuals can access information on various substance abuse and mental health topics. We are open Monday through Friday, 9AM to 5 PM or by appointment. Posters, pamphlets and other handouts are available to municipal alliances, students, employers, community-based organizations, schools and agencies, as well as the general public. Our video lending library houses over 200 titles covering a variety of topics addressing a diverse audience. Online database searches, books and other reference material is also available.

About Us

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) of Middlesex County, Inc. is a non-profit, community-based health organization providing prevention, education, information and referral services to county residents, businesses, schools, faith-based organizations, municipal alliances, and social service agencies since 1980.

Our Mission

The mission of NCADD of Middlesex County, Inc. is to promote the health and well-being of individuals and communities of Middlesex County through the reduction or elimination of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use problems.

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
(NCADD) of Middlesex County, Inc.
152 Tices Lane
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Phone: 732-254-3344
Fax: 732-254-4224
mailto:mail@ncadd-middlesex.org

Directions

From the NJ Turnpike:

1. Take the Turnpike to Exit 9.
2. After toll, bear left, following sign for Route 18 South.
3. At the light at Tices Lane, make a right.
4. Go through three traffic lights (at Rennee Road, Harts Lane, and University Road).
5. NCADD is not far on the left.
6. There is minimal parking in the lot just past our building. However, if you turn just before the building (at the sign for #150), there is a large lot in the back.

From Route 1:

1. Take Route 1 to the Ryders Lane exit towards East Brunswick.
2. Travel on Ryders Lane and make a left at traffic light onto Tices Lane.
3. Once on Tices Lane, you will go under a bridge.
4. NCADD is not far on the right. There is minimal parking in the lot just before our building. However, if you turn just past the building (at the sign for #150), there is a large lot in the back.

From Route 18 Northbound:

1. Pass Mid-State Mall (with Borders) on your right.
2. Go through the light at Tices Lane.
3. Take the Tices Lane exit/jughandle and cross over Route 18 onto Tices Lane.
4. Go through three traffic lights (at Renee Road, Harts Lane, and University Road).
5. NCADD is not far on the left.
6. There is minimal parking in the lot just past our building. However, if you turn just before the building (at the sign for #150), there is a large lot in the back.