West Virginia, Jackson County – The tragic drug related death of Teen Video Gamer, Christopher J. Rhodes, 19 has jumpstarted a revolution of change in the county. Christopher died last December of a drug overdose, since then Ace Gaming, a local gaming shop, began what is hoped will be an awareness campaign and an annual fundraiser. The goal is to combat the county’s rampant Teen drug problem.

The fundraising event will be something befitting of Christopher himself – a Video Game Tournament. The Event will be Held Saturday August 15th, 2009 for The Jackson County Anti-Drug Coalition…In honor of the Christopher J. Rhodes Memorial Foundation.

For More info visit: Ace Gaming Center – 235 Washington Street, Ravenwood, West Virginia 26164

                              Phone: 304 – 273 -0011

                              www.acewv.com

Among the many factors affecting drug use among teens – “peer presure” ranked the highest. Even those who consider themselves as living above the influnce of peer presure have found it difficult to refuse using drugs, especially when they are convinced that their social status and popularity are on the line. Marijuana, ecstacy, and Hallucinogens such as mushrooms are among the most common drugs for first time teen users.

There is a common perception among the public, that illegal drugs pose a bigger problem than drugs prescribed in a hospital. However, that’s not the reality…according to Dr. Ronald Lim, hospitals are the new breeding ground for drug misuse.

Many of the people who suffer from  addiction, no longer need dealers. They can simply get high on drugs commonly found in their medicine cabinets. So widespread is this practice that Dr. Lim calls it “an epidemic.” According to the U.S. Department of Health Services “Prescription drug abuse has almost doubled from 2000 to  2007.”

This problem has recieved a much needed spot light, primarily because of priscription drug misuse in the recent deaths of Pop Legend Michael Jackson and high profile celeb Anna Nicole Smith.

There seems to be no end in sight for the many phshical and emotional disorders that prescription drugs now treat. Opioids and benzoiazepines if used properly will treat anxiety, dpression, insomnia, stree, panic attacks and even pain – If used incorrectly, they can lead to  drug addiction.

Dr. Lim says that the public needs to change its’ perception about prescription drugs… many of which affect the mind, behaviour or mood much like street drugs. In fact, these priscription drugs can even be more addictive because most who become addicted never thought it would happen., after all, if their doctors prescribed it, how addictive could it be…

Each year, national, state and community drug prevention leaders gather to share successful strategies for keeping young people healthy and drug-free at the Washington State Drug Prevention Summit.

"The Department of Social and Health Services is pleased to partner with other state agencies to support schools and communities in delivering effective strategies to prevent the misuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs," said Doug Porter, assistant secretary of the DSHS Health and Recovery Services Administration.

"Washington’s investment in prevention is working – it helps more youth stay healthy and succeed in school, and prevents the devastating impact that drug misuse and addiction can have on families and communities."

Brad Barton, an NCAA All-American, 1992 U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier, Prevention Specialist and magician, opened last year’s summit at the Yakima Convention Center. The summit’s theme, created by a Washington teen, is "Keep Life Fresher, Don’t Give in to Pressure." The summit featured workshops for youth to complete a team project and a youth rally. The workshop’s maintained an underlying theme of team work and drug prevention

"Young people are uniquely qualified to educate their peers about the dangers of underage drinking, tobacco, prescription and illicit drug use," said Attorney General Rob McKenna, who also participated in the summit rally.

The summit included more than 30 workshops and presentations on drug prevention for a variety of audiences, including parents, youth, prevention and treatment professionals, educators and law enforcement officials. Participants learned how to create long-term, healthy changes in their families and communities, by understanding the effects of alcohol, tobacco and other drug misuse, reducing the impact of alcohol and tobacco marketing, recognizing the risks of gambling, and learning how to provide culturally appropriate programs.

Lt. Governor Brad Owen presented Exemplary Prevention Awards, honoring effective programs and dedicated individuals of drug prevention groups around the state. Last year’s winners were:

• Ann Gloe and Bethe Miller – Selah School District
• Larry Gleason – Spokane County Community Services
• Linda DuBois – Meridian School District, Seattle
• Sunnyside High School Leadership Class – Sunnyside
• Skykomish High School Prevention Club – Skykomish
• Shelton High School and Oakland Bay Junior High School SADD Clubs – Shelton
• Jack Wilson – Snohomish County

Sheriff’s Community-Oriented Policing Effort (S.C.O.P.E.) volunteers, Spokane: Shirley Prewitt, Sally Gorder, Dorothea Marshall, Kathleen Demakas, Florence Weston, and Marilyn Miller

The summit is sponsored by several state agencies, including the Department of Social and Health Services and the Office of the Attorney General. To register and get additional information about the yearly Summit, which is open to the public, visit http://dasa.casat.org.  Attendees may also register at the drug prevention event.