CADCA

Does a mental health issue lead to substance use? Does substance abuse lead to a mental health issue? The answers to those questions are not clear, but we do know millions of adults in the United States have both. A very small percentage of people receive treatment for both conditions and most don't receive any treatment at all. Research has shown that treatment addressing both conditions at the same time has better outcomes with lower costs, yet it still isn't happening nearly enough.

Nearly two million Americans have served in military operations overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan and many more veterans live and work among us. For many veterans, the transition between military and community life can be difficult.

Veterans and military families are disproportionately affected by substance abuse, mental health issues, and family troubles. Tragic consequences like suicide, alcohol abuse and prescription drug overdose far too often plague our nation’s heroes. Community coalitions can be a key component to helping veterans in need.

During the hour-long program Supporting Those Who Serve, hear about the potential problems returning veterans face and what is available to help them. Learn how you can be part of the solution. We’ll travel to Philadelphia to see how CADCA’s VetCorps is making a difference.

The push to close pill mills and reduce the painkiller supply is creating a new problem. Opiate addicts need their fix, so when they can’t easily get their pills to pop, they’re often turning to heroin.

Marijuana is a polarizing topic to discuss. People are passionate about their views and often don’t want to listen to those who oppose them. This passion can sometimes lead to skewed facts about marijuana.

During the hour-long program, Debunking Marijuana Myths, science, prevention, and law enforcement experts will talk about some common myths and provide the facts.

We will travel to Massachusetts where ballot initiatives have changed views about marijuana in the state and see how coalitions have united to get the facts out to the public.

When people see your coalition’s name, do they know what you do? Does your logo instantly tell people about your efforts? With all of the groups out there working to make communities safer and healthier, how do you make yours stand out?

During the hour-long CADCA TV program Creating a Coalition Identity, national experts will show you how to create a brand to help market your coalition. See how both traditional and social media can help get the word out about your strategies and events. Learn inexpensive ways to market your coalition – whether through traditional media outreach, leveraging partnerships, or a social media campaign. Also, learn about creative vehicles for getting the word out about your coalition or initiative.

Numbers can be overwhelming and make your head spin. It doesn’t have to be that way. Evaluating data properly can help lead you in the right direction.  CADCA can help you become an “everyday scientist” and demystify data gathering.  During the hour-long show Data Detectives learn how to investigate your local conditions to find the indicators you need to make positive change.  Find out what sources of credible local data are readily available.  See how data can help you define your substance abuse problems, select strategies and prove your effectiveness.  Master the art of using data to tell a story in the community and grow your coalition. Learn how to avoid data overload. We’ll visit Branson, MO where a coalition’s community assessment told them they had to do something about alcohol density. They did, and the results have been great. Hear what they did and how they did it. 

Every day, babies are born addicted to prescription medications. They scream and twitch as their tiny bodies withdraw from the drugs their mothers took during pregnancy. All around the country, this problem grows as the number of prescription addicts rises. What can be done?  During this hour-long program, Drug Dependent Newborns, see how doctors, nurses, and other professionals treat these tiny addicts and why it is so expensive and time-consuming. We'll learn why some pregnant women do not seek help during their pregnancy and why abruptly stopping prescription use can be harmful for both mother and the baby. Hear how law enforcement and other emergency responders play a big role in insuring help for the newborns.

There’s a new and ever-changing class of drugs out there and their effects are unlike anything we have ever seen. Use of designer drugs like bath salts and spice is growing rapidly, even as laws and ordinances take effect to help control their spread.

During this hour-long program, Designer Drugs: The New Frontier, we’ll take a look at this new and emerging drug threat, hear who is most at risk, and learn what we can do about it. We will travel to Bangor, Maine where some experts are saying this is the worst drug epidemic they have ever seen. The show airs Jan. 26, 2012 at 1 p.m. EST.