March 2023 • Volume XXVI

Jan. - Dec. 2022

Suspected Overdose Deaths: 18

Naloxone Administrations: 61

Opioid Prescriptions: 37,440

Source: NJ office of Attorney General (NJCARES)

Warning: Nitazene Analogues

Opioids on Steroids

A recent news report out of Philadelphia is warning the public about a new drug 40x more powerful than fentanyl. It's called nitazene analogues and it is undetectable with traditional drug testing. High potency equals greater overdose risk and these nitazene analogues can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, heightening the risk of an overdose. Read more here.

March Moderation

Too often we are over-scheduled with commitments, over-consumed with food/beverages and over-using electronic devises; our minds and bodies need a vacation! March is a great time of year to take a step back and recenter with a forward moving plan of healthy habits. The old saying "Everything in Moderation" does have its value and here are some simple tips to staying committed to the balance wheel of life.

Make unscheduled or free time a priority. Giving ourselves the chance to unwind by reading a book or taking a nap will allow our bodies to get the necessary rest & relaxation it often needs.
Re-discover what healthy eating/drinking habits look like. The holiday over-indulgence is now in the past, and spring is around the corner. March is a good time to practice portion control & meal prep to include more vegetables and fruits.
Power off the electronics. Studies have shown, overuse of devices can lead to a multitude of health problems such as headaches, neck & eye strain, physical fatigue, poor sleep patterns, stress, anxiety and depression. Making a significant effort to lessen the amount of screen time can give you a better start to the day and the balance your body is craving.

Member Spotlight: Rocky Schwartz

This month we spotlight our Recovery sector with Rocky Schwartz. Rocky is a Family Support Coordinator at the Sharing the Hope Family Support Center and a significant contributor to the success of the Drug-Free Task Force. Click this link to learn more about Rocky.

Delta THC-O

An article out of Kiplinger is reporting on an upset for the hemp industry with a recent letter from the Drug Enforcement Agency stating, "delta cannabinoids, including Delta-8 THCO and Delta-9-THCO, synthetically derived from hemp do not qualify as hemp and will be viewed as Schedule I drug". THCO (tetrahydrocannabinol-o-acetate) is a molecule that modifies the way the body metabolizes the compound making it longer lasting and potentially more potent to the user. Learn more about it here.

National Poison Prevention Week

March 19-25

Every third week in March we celebrate and observe National Poison Prevention Week (NPPW). Established in 1961 by Congress, National Poison Prevention Week was originated to raise awareness of poison prevention and safety. Common household items like cleaning solutions and cosmetic and personal care items are things that come to mind when we think about poison prevention. We also need to remember that other items in our homes can cause harm as well. Items such as medication taken in the wrong dosage can poison the system. Marijuana edibles, especially when ingested by children, cause poisoning of their system.

Please remember to lock up any medication, alcohol, and cannabis in your home to prevent poisoning. Always follow the directions and read labels to prevent overdoses and poisonings. Be sure to store cleaning items and other potentially hazardous chemicals away from access for your children.

Soda + Alcohol, Why the worry

Soda is synonymous with summertime, pizza parties and kids which has health experts worried as PepsiCo and Coca-Cola continue to make their way in the hard seltzer market. As quoted from public health expert Matt Rossheim, "Because these types of drinks tend to be inexpensive, packaged in single-serve containers and sold in places like gas stations and convenience stores, they are likely to appeal to young people." We need to be aware of the alcohol market more than ever, especially when it comes to underage youth. Click this link to read more of this NY Times article.