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Addressing Substance Abuse– Parent Connection Offers Newtown A Dose Of Reality

Newtown Bee BY Larissa Lytwyn

The Parent Connection, a newly re-formed group of local parents committed to raising drug and alcohol abuse awareness and prevention in Newtown, recently met with administrative officials including First Selectman Herb Rosenthal, Superintendent of Schools Evan Pitkoff, and the assistant principal of Newtown High School, Jules Triber, to discuss the group’s goals in the upcoming school year.

“We will be holding an open forum for families to come and discuss their concerns [about drugs] Wednesday, September 24, from 7 to 9 pm, in the Newtown Middle School auditorium,” said Donna DeLuca, former principal of St Rose School.

The forum will be facilitated by John Hamilton, senior vice president of clinical services at the Stamford-based Liberation Meridian & Guenster Programs, Incorporated, one of several regional rehabilitation programs funded by the state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

Future forums, Ms DeLuca continued, will feature local police personnel, Newtown Youth Service counselors, and other skilled experts in the field of drug addiction and behavioral study.

Dorrie Carolan, whose son died from prescription drug abuse four years ago, said The Parent Connection plans to work in conjunction with the school district’s counseling services, the Newtown Police Department, and Newtown Youth Services.

She discussed the misconceptions families often have about the nature of drug use. “In reality, it can happen to anyone,” she said.

First Selectman Rosenthal expressed support but also concern that The Parent Connection might be “preaching to the choir,” addressing concerns to parents already deeply involved in their children’s lives.

“How do we reach the parents who aren’t as aware?” he asked, quickly adding that these parents were in the minority. “I’m not talking about most parents,” he said.

Ms Carolan said that the networking opportunities The Parent Connection offers can help eradicate this barrier.

“Basically, we just want to continue increasing awareness about drug abuse,” said Roseanne Loring, life-skills education coordinator at Newtown Youth Services.

Drug abuse in Newtown has been habitual, a reality in regions across the Northeast, noted Chief of Police Michael Kehoe. “What has been cyclical,” he said, “has been the types of drugs used.” Currently, in addition to marijuana and alcohol, the police department has reported an increase in heroin use. “We noticed a spike back in the early 90s,” said Chief Kehoe. “And now we’re noticing it again.”

There has also been a rise in prescription drug abuse. Chief Kehoe discussed a recent arrest of minors selling Ritalin. Other legally accessible prescription drugs, such as OxyContin, a medication used to treat severe pain relating to arthritis and other conditions, can be potentially addicting. In addition, OxyContin can be crushed, mixed with water or snorted to eliminate the time-release factor and produce a quick, short rush to the brain, causing effects similar to opiates. Toxic overdose can result in death.

During the last six months, the department reported 12 drug-related arrests of offenders under the age of 21. Three youths under the age of 21 were arrested for DWIs, and six were cited for possession of alcohol in a motor vehicle. In addition, five minors were detained for possession of alcohol.

Chief Kehoe has also noticed a recent rise in burglaries that involved the theft of alcohol. During the last six months, three offenders under the age of 21 were arrested for larceny of alcohol from two residential garages.

Alcohol consumption, he said, typically happens at parties for high school-aged youths. The town is currently evaluating a proposed ordinance that would fine parents a yet-to-be-determined sum for distributing alcohol to minors. In the past, there have been reports of parents “supervising” underage drinking by providing the alcohol themselves. Chief Kehoe explained that unless the parents are giving alcohol to their own children in a private, supervised setting, it is illegal to give alcohol to minors – under any circumstances.

“Increasing drug and alcohol awareness,” he said, “is ongoing.” The department uses various forms of intelligence, from detectives to street sources, to monitor supply hotspots in cities including Danbury and Bridgeport. A lot of the dealing in Newtown, he said, usually happens in cars or private residences.

“We have a tip-line [270-8888] that, generally, is underused,” he said. The tip-line, he assured, is completely anonymous.

Currently, The Parent Connection runs a Hope and Support group through Newtown Youth Services Monday evenings from 7 to 9 pm. In addition, a local chapter of Al-Anon/Alateen for families and friends of alcoholics meets Tuesdays from 7 to 8 pm at St Rose Education Center. For more information, contact Ms Carolan at 426-8591 or 426-6424, or Ms DeLuca at 426-9280. Newtown Youth Services can be contacted at 270-4335.

Used with permission Copyright © 1999-2004 Bee Publishing Company

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Phone 

203-270-1600

 

Email 

Info@NewtownParentConnection.org

Address
2 Washington Square
Fairfield Hills
Newtown, CT 06470

Mission Statement

 

Our mission is to embrace families in crisis and to educate and empower the community in the prevention of substance use

Narcotics Anonymous- 1-800-627-3543

www.ctna.org

Alcoholics Anonymous-866-783-7712

www.ct-aa.org

AL-Anon/Alateen 888-425-2666

www.ctalanon.org

Image of Nicole Hampton Executive Director

Nicole Hampton

Executive Director

Nicole Hampton, a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, brings years of experience and dedication to addiction recovery. Her journey began with volunteer work at CCAR, leading to a successful career across multiple treatment settings and active involvement in state and local boards.

A woman in recovery, Nicole is a dynamic leader known for fostering collaboration, inspiring change, and implementing effective solutions. Under her leadership, Parent Connection will expand its reach, providing vital support and hope to individuals and families affected by addiction.

Our Board of Directors is a committed body of volunteers who support our mission to keep our community safe and substance free.

Nicole Hampton - Executive Director

Gene Vetrano-President 

Ken Rodbell- Vice President

Frank Crudo- Treasurer

Kevin Carolan -Secretary

Maggie Conway

David Cooper

Kathleen Moonan

Matt Briand

Lil Martenson
Dan Rosenthal

Support Groups

Hope & Support

A weekly gathering for parents and caregivers with children or loved one's affected by substance use.  This group provides a confidential venue to receive information and support concerning how to handle their child's or loved one's suspected or confirmed use of substances. Facilitated by an experienced drug & alcohol counselor.

Meeting Information Here

Bereavement
A compassionate venue for those

who have lost a child or other loved one due to catastrophic circumstances. The group is facilitated by a licensed therapist.
Meeting Information Here


First Wednesday of the month.
7:00 to 8:30 pm

Image of Parent Connection Founder Dorrie Carolan

Dorrie Carolan Founder

Dorrie Carolan and her husband raised their four children in Newtown, CT. Starting the Parent Connection was never part of her plan. The issue of substance use became personal when her eldest son, Brian, became addicted and subsequently died at age 28 of a prescription drug overdose. Through the struggles caused by Brian's addiction, Dorrie became aware that this was an issue that affected many others in the community. She founded the Parent Connection in 1993 in an attempt to network with other concerned Newtown parents. It was the impetus behind many policy changes in town and within the schools.

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