Phoenix House » National News

Phoenix House Teens Speak Out

kschmier — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:38:48 +0000

At a youth summit in Southern California on February 20, 600 teenagers gathered to learn about topics ranging from substance abuse to peer pressure and Internet safety. As part of the event in Rosemead, Phoenix House teens led a roundtable discussion about their struggles with addiction. Click here to read the Pasadena Star-News story.

Oxycontin Abusers Often Rely on ‘Leftover’ Meds

kschmier — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:31:46 +0000

A recent Utah study reveals that nearly all men and women who illegally use or abuse opioid painkillers such as Oxycotin get their drugs from a relative or friend. Health Day interviews study author Eric Johnson about the current problem of overprescribing drugs and its affect on the rising trends of misuse and abuse. Click here to read the full article.

Anti-Energy Drink Causes Concern

kschmier — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:21:22 +0000

Mental health experts in Texas worry that ”Drank,” a relexation beverage, may be a gateway drug to the illegal cough syrup concoction “purple drank.” The Dallas Morning News interviews Dallas Phoenix House director Michelle Hemm and two young clients about its potential for abuse. Click here to read the full story.

Phoenix House Helps Florida Teens

kschmier — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:00:13 +0000

The St. Petersburg Times writes about Phoenix House’s Derek Jeter Center in Tampa as a place for young people to get their lives back on track. Click here to read the story.

Illicit Drug Use Among Baby Boomers on the Rise

alindsay — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:00:40 +0000

Researchers worry that high rates of lifetime drug use among boomers is likely to create health complications for millions of aging Americans and swamp the country’s drug-treatment programs. Click here to read the full story.

“How I Stay Clean”

alindsay — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:38:12 +0000

Phoenix House alum Jared Hamre, 25, shares his story of tragedy and recovery with parents and teens at a drug prevention forum in Agawam, Mass. Mr. Hamre went from living in his parents’ home to crashing in an abandoned building. He was helped through recovery with a year-long stay at Phoenix House in Springfield and is now devoted to helping others.

To learn more about the forum and Jared Hamre’s story check out “The Republican” article.

New Study: Stress Hormone May Be Linked to Alcoholism

alindsay — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 20:55:00 +0000

A new study from neuroscientists at the Scripps Research Institute in San Diego, CA, provides new evidence that getting your stress under control may play a key role in overcoming addictions.

Click here to read the full article at Businessweek.com.

Phoenix House Is in the News!

kschmier — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:42:57 +0000

It’s making headlines. A pamphlet from the New York City Department of Health tells heroin users how to prep and inject the drug. While the brochure also stresses the importance of seeking help and testing for HIV, its how-to guide has roused concern among public officials and treatment professionals alike.

For an expert opinion, New York’s Fox 5 interviewed our new Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Deni Carise, one of the nation’s leading researchers on substance abuse treatment.

Watch the Fox 5 video to see what Dr. Carise had to say about the controversial guidebook.

Pepsi Donates to Yorktown Academy

kschmier — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:26:01 +0000

Earlier this fall, over 100 Pepsi employees spent the day with 18 residents of our Yorktown Academy. One group participated in a golf event and putting contest, while the other spent the day experiencing an organic farm and exotic animals at Green Chimneys in Brewster, NY.

At a dinner following the event, the Pepsi team presented a generous check for over $25,000 to the Phoenix Academy School Arts Program. “I’m so pleased with this year’s results,” said Mitch Adamek, SVP & Chief Procurement Officer for Pepsi. “To spend a fun afternoon with these students while enriching their education is a win for them and a win for our team.”

The Arts Program, spearheaded by retired Academy teacher Janet Eisenman, provides exciting cultural opportunities for students, like the recent visit from a trapeze troupe and an excursion to attend a concert at Carnegie hall.

We thank the Pepsi team for helping to make these opportunities possible for our kids. We look forward to working with them as well as Green Chimneys on future endeavors!

Houston Programs Receive Community Stars Award

lamoss — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:26:35 +0000

Hats off to our Phoenix House Houston programs, a 2009 recipient of the Community Stars award! This distinction is granted to Houston and Harris county organizations that are making great strides to reduce crime and drug use in the area.

“This is a unique opportunity for those of us in public office to pay tribute to the many citizens and businesses who work hard to protect their neighborhoods, companies, and themselves against the devastation of drugs,” said Mayor White of Houston.

Sponsors for this event and award include Houston Crackdown, the anti-drug division of the Mayor’s Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security, the Houston Office of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Clear Channel Communications.

A special luncheon was held to recognize Phoenix House achievements in Houston toward drug and crime prevention. In addition to the luncheon, Phoenix House Houston received a crystal star award, acknowledgment from the City of Houston, and a grand prize of billboard displays along major freeways throughout Houston and Harris counties to showcase our accomplishment.

We are very proud of our Houston programs director, Marcia Baker, and her team, who have worked diligently to attain this exciting honor!