Above:  A popular new category of drugs, known as "bath salts," is sweeping across Ohio as authorities, health professionals, and communities struggle to keep pace.

(From Washington Weekly- September 9, 2011)

The US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) issued a press release at the kickoff of the 22nd Annual National Recovery Month (Recovery Month) stating that the use of illicit drugs among Americans increased between 2008 and 2010 according to a national survey conducted by SAMHSA. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) shows that 22.6 million Americans 12 or older (8.9-percent of the population) were current illicit drug users. The rate of use in 2010 was similar to the rate in 2009 (8.7-percent), but remained above the 2008 rate (8- percent).

The complete survey findings are available on the SAMHSA Web site at http://oas.samhsa.gov/NSDUH/2k10NSDUH/2k10Results.htm.  For more information about SAMHSA visit: http://www.samhsa.gov.

An Alarming New Stimulant, Legal in Many States

Unreported in the survey mentioned above, new, legal drugs known as "bath salts" have exploded in popularity around the United States in recent months (New York Times Article).  The drugs are marketed as bath salts to skirt regulations, but are intended by their makers to be smoked or snorted.  As authorities try to prevent the sale of the new designer drug, health agencies and law enforcement are attempting to spread awareness of the drugs' dangerous effects.  On July 15th, Ohio governor John Kasich signed legislation that bans the possession and trafficking of the harmful substances.

The Brain Injury Association of Ohio's Jennie Horner recently attended the Bath Salts Summit in Allen County to learn more about the drugs, help spread awareness, and prevent its use, especially among children.   BIAOH is fully committed to the prevention of substance abuse, a problem that can be especially dangerous to those living with brain injury.  The Ohio Valley Center at the Ohio State University has completed extensive research on the risks of developing a substance abuse problem after sustaining a TBI, and the specific ways in which substance abuse affects those with brain injury.  Click the link below for more information regarding these issues, and statistics and treatment approaches for substance abuse with a TBI.

Substance Use and TBI:  A Synapshot from OVC

September is National Recovery Month

National Recovery Month

If you know someone suffering from the effects of substance abuse, please click the link above to find helpful materials and resources to aid in their recovery.  Over 140 federal, state, and local government entities are involved in the National Recovery Month project (in its 22nd year), and are working together to improve the lives of those who have or have had difficulties with substance abuse.