Pubdate: Fri, 27 Jan 2012
Source: Charlevoix Courier  (MI)
Contact:  2012 Charlevoix Courier
Website: http://www.petoskeynews.com/charlevoix/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5290
Author: Dan Reynolds

BASES DIRECTOR: PRESCRIPTION ABUSE, MARIJUANA USE UP

Scott Kelly Reports on Drug Abuse Trends in Charlevoix County

CHARLEVOIX - Local prescription drug and marijuana abuse are on the 
rise, plus there are new threats in the form of readily-available 
products, according to D. Scott Kelly, executive director of Bay Area 
Substance Education Services (BASES), Inc. in Charlevoix.

"Nationally, more high school seniors have tried marijuana than 
cigarettes," reported Kelly, who presented his findings at a special 
program, entitled "Drug Use Trends in Charlevoix County," at the 
Charlevoix Public Library on Tuesday. He added that marijuana use is 
trending upward among younger students, while overall perceptions of 
risk are decreasing - due, in part, to newly-enacted medical 
marijuana legislation. Michigan is one of 16 states with a medical 
marijuana program, which was approved by state voters in 2008.

Kelly also discussed threats emerging from increased abuse of 
prescription drugs, as well as synthetic cannabinoids, which are 
commonly transacted under names such as K2 and Spice. He cited the 
instant availability of online information and resources as a 
contributing factor.

"We had a kid come in, saying he could buy some 'stuff' online for 
$50, and then 'flip' it for $700," Kelly recalled. "Synthetics create 
all kinds of legal, political and health issues."

The program, which drew about 40 people, was intended to help local 
adults understand national and local trends related to drug use and 
abuse, while also educating them about the effectiveness of 
treatment, and about addiction as a brain illness.

Kelly is the executive director and co-founder of BASES. After 
suffering from alcohol addiction while in college, he voluntarily 
entered an alcoholism treatment program, and has remained sober since 
1984. He has a bachelor's degree in social work and a master's degree 
in counseling, and is certified as a relapse prevention specialist 
and advanced addictions counselor.

BASES is a private, non-profit, licensed provider of substance abuse 
treatment services. Founded in 1993, the organization also operates 
the Charlevoix Teen Center, providing teens with after-school social 
and recreational opportunities as an alternative to substance abuse 
and violence. To learn more, visit www.basesteencenter.org or call 
(231) 547-1144.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom