The anesthetic ketamine is increasingly being used off-label for depression. The drug seems to work rapidly, frequently in a matter of hours and lasting up to two weeks, but its long-term side effects are unknown. It’s also not clear if there’s a significant risk of addiction. Because those seeking care are often so desperate for relief, they’re willing to accept the risks, cost – a single infusion can cost hundreds of dollars, – and the uncertainties. Two decades ago, ketamine was known as an anesthetic used in pet surgery and a party drug nicknamed “special K” that was popular at raves. Now, it’s the hottest new treatment for depression that hasn’t responded despite psychotherapy or antidepressants. Dozens of ketamine “clinics” offering infusions have popped up across the United States over the past few years, everywhere from big cities like New York, Houston and Los Angeles to Boise, Idaho, and Charleston, S.C. Ketamine is approved by the FDA only as an anesthetic, not for depression. If it is used for depression, it must be combined with complex regimens of other psychiatric medications that treat depression. Some patients have undergone ketamine infusions for years, while others have seen its effects fade over time. More information here.

Many parents think about allowing their underage children to have a celebratory drink. But experts say that this is asking for trouble: underage drinking can lead to brain effects, liver effects, and growth and endocrine effects according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Additionally, individuals who begin drinking at an early age run a higher risk of developing serious alcohol problems and addiction later in life. 

Making up "house rules" and serving alcohol to underage youth and young adults in your home could not only lead to trouble for those young people, but also for yourself as a parent or provider. All states prohibit providing alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. It doesn't matter if it is being sold, given, provided, or supplied--these actions are punishable by law. And "supplying" might be different than a person would assume: allowing a person under 21 to be in a home where alcohol is stored without restricted access qualifies as "supplying" to minors. 

So, what should parents do? 

Talk to your kids. 

It's easy to say "don't drink and drive," but often, the conversation stops there. Find out if the young people in your life know the harmful effects alcohol can have on the brain. Ask them if they know what binge drinking is, and be honest with them about the risks. 

This Memorial Day, choose to say "no" to serving alcohol to those who are underage, and instead, have a candid conversation with your child. 

Video Credit: Missouri Safe and Sober 

Have you ever thought about working with a nonprofit? Do you seek opportunities for leadership? Would you like to learn how to analyze data to track community change? Would you consider yourself a creative visionary?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might want to consider joining JCDPC's Youth Sector. 

This week is National Prevention Week, and it's the perfect time to join the conversation around preventing substance abuse and misuse. JCDPC's prevention efforts include a focus on education, enforcement, treatment, prevention, and coordination with other agencies. As a member of JCDPC's Youth sector, you could be a part of planning initiatives, speaking to stakeholders, raising awareness, and implementing strategies for change. 

As a youth member, you could make a difference in your community by traveling to Washington D.C. for the CADCA National Leadership Forum and taking part in the Capitol Hill Day where coalitions from around the country speak to legislators on behalf of local communities. 

JCDPC believes that youth are today's leaders. We want to give youth a platform to share ideas and concerns, and to contribute to building a better Jay County for generations to come. 

To start the conversation, email maggie@jcdpc.org. 

National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day is this week! This awareness day was created more than a ten years ago to shine a light on the importance of caring for every child's mental health. Positive mental health is a vital part of healthy development for adolescents.  

JCDPC is contributing to the conversation by hosting an event called "Ballance Act" on May 29th! Dr. Michelle Drouin, researcher and social media expert, is coming to Jay County for the event. Balance Act, hosted by Jay County Community Partners will take place at the Jay Community Center and the John Jay Center for Learning. 

The same evening, an adult learning session will be held at Jay County High School in the library at 6:00PM (doors will open at 5:30). The evening event is open to the public and is free of charge. 

Dr. Drouin will speak on the influence and addictive nature of social media during both the daytime and evening events. Dr. Drouin is a psychologist, professor, TEDx keynote speaker, and expert witness. 

Both events are brought to Jay County by Jay Community Partners* through the Mental Health America Indiana Grant. Special thanks to FCC of Portland for helping sponsor this event. 

For more information on either event, or to volunteer, contact Maggie Neal (maggie@jcdpc.org). 

*Jay County Drug Prevention Coalition, Youth Service Bureau, Purdue Extension, Meridian Health Services, and Jay County Schools. ​