School-Based: 10 public school districts throughout
Luzerne and Wyoming Counties receive:

• classroom education programs
• one-on-one interventions with student smokers
• Cessation Services available to students and staff
• Alternative To Suspension programs
• Power of Ten Group
• services to teachers/parents

Community (Focus on Second-Hand Smoke):

• health fairs (various locations)
• college displays/fairs
• senior citizen center programs
• presentations to civic, church, and service organizations
• presentations on Advantages of Smoke-Free Workplaces to business/industry

Cessation:

• individual cessation intervention
• Tobacco Cessation clinics both in workplaces and at community sites such as YMCA, health clubs, social service agencies, etc.

Disparate Populations:

• work with agencies/organizations in the community serving at-risk underserved populations
• cessation/education services at area housing projects

[tab: Prevention Information]

What Does Perinatal Mean?

Perinatal means the period around childbirth, especially the five months before and one month after the birth; starting at the 20th to 28th week of pregnancy and ending 1-4 weeks after birth.

Our perinatal program, however, is designed to include valuable prevention/education information prior to, during, and after childbirth. We strongly believe that sound, accurate information will go a long way in insuring for healthier Moms and babies.

How Did This Perinatal Program Come About?

Wyoming Valley Alcohol and Drug Services, Inc. was awarded a grant from the Blue Ribbon Foundation of Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania to provide perinatal prevention and education services to improve the health and wellness of unborn children by educating and guiding pregnant women and women of child bearing age concerning alcohol, drug, and tobacco use, abuse, and addiction.

What Are The Goals of the Program?

There are two primary goals of the perinatal program;

Goal #1 – To educate and provide guidance to pregnant women and women of child bearing age on health and wellness consequences to themselves and unborn children concerning the
use, abuse, and addiction of alcohol, drugs (illicit, pharmaceutical, and over-the-counter), and tobacco.

Goal #2 – In collaboration with local community and countywide agencies, we will provide healthcare practitioners (physicians, EMT’s, nurses, first responders, etc) and the community at
large with prevention and treatment information on alcohol, drug, and/or tobacco use, abuse, and addiction relative to pregnant women and women of child-bearing age.

Why Is This Perinatal Program Needed?

Women face many difficult decisions in life, none more important than the care of their unborn baby while they are developing in the womb. Even before a planned or unplanned pregnancy,
women must clearly understand that unhealthy decisions made prior to their baby’s birth could lead to potential negative consequences for the future arrival of their baby. A clear example of
this is that women who smoke or use tobacco products, drugs and/or alcohol prior to a pregnancy may have difficulty discontinuing their use once they find out they are pregnant. Additionally, when one examines the facts regarding perinatal drug and alcohol use, abuse, and addiction, it further demonstrates why this program is so important.

Facts: 

• 13-22% of women and girls in the United States smoke while pregnant
• Women who smoke increase their risk for infertility, ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside of the uterus), spontaneous abortion, and stillbirth
• Tobacco use is responsible for approximately 22-41% of deaths from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) annually
• Each year, as many as 40,000 babies are born in the United States with a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD); Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE), Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND), and Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBD)
• 44% of women who drink heavily during pregnancy will have a child with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
• There is no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy; WHAT THE MOM DRINKS, THE BABY DRINKS
• In Pennsylvania, 19.1% of women of childbearing age reported binge drinking in the past month, compared to 13.1% overall in the United States
• The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence national survey indicates that marijuana was used during pregnancy by 3% of women (119,000), cocaine by 1.1% (45,000), and a psychotherapeutic medication without physician orders by 1.5% (61,000 women). Crack was the form of cocaine use most frequently reported.
• According to the Office of Health and Human Services, upwards of 75% of all perinatally-acquired HIV infections are secondary to intravenous drug use by an infected mother or her sexual partner.

What Are The Planned Initiatives For The Perinatal Program; Reaching The Targeted Populations

Wyoming Valley Alcohol and Drug Services, Inc. will utilize its strong position as a recognized leader of prevention/education programs and will collaborate with community partners (social
service, health care, medical, school, women’s organizations) in insuring for efficient, effective, innovative, and highly-informative programs.

1. Informational Brochures delineating effects of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (illicit, pharmaceutical, and over-the-counter) on women and fetal development.
2. School-Based Curriculum featuring educational and instructional tools addressing effects and consequences of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs on women and fetal development.
3. Development of a Screening Tool for moms-to-be; distributed to women of child bearing age, moms-to-be, caregivers, health professionals, grant partners…checklist designed to
   identify current or potential risks, hazards, consequences to women and fetal development.
4. Informational Brochures and Announcements In Physicians Offices regarding the availability of perinatal services through Wyoming Valley Alcohol and Drug Services, Inc. Additionally, announcements reminding women to speak to their physicians about pregnancy and alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceutical, over-the-counter, and other drugs of abuse. Finally, notices placed in physicians offices will encourage women who are using alcohol and drugs to seek help through WVADS, Inc. by calling 820-8888. This important linkage will hopefully result in reducing and eliminating potential consequences to mother and baby as the result of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs.
5. Development of a Screening Tool to be utilized by medical facilities, health care sites, human and social service agencies, clinical settings, etc. to assist women in identifying potential risks or consequences to themselves and their unborn child relative to alcohol, tobacco, or other drug use while pregnant.
6. Workshops and Seminars will be conducted for physicians, physician assistants, nurses, nurse assistants, social workers, counselors, psychologists, caseworkers, support staff and others involved in the care of women and their unborn child.
7. Informational Messages For Community consisting of billboards, print and electronic educational messages, health fairs, brochures describing impact of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs of abuse on women and fetal development.
8. Youth Related Perinatal Projects such as challenging young people to participate in essay and poster contests with perinatal addiction themes, requesting that young people present graduation projects on issues about or relating to perinatal addiction.

In addition to these planned initiatives, we will develop additional ones as we progress through the grant cycle.

Where Can I Go For Help If I Have A Problem With Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs?

Wyoming Valley Alcohol and Drug Services, Inc. provides confidential, professional assessment/evaluation and counseling services in a comfortable office setting at 437 North Main Street, Wilkes-Barre…820-8888. Our trained and highly-skilled counselors will meet with you to discuss treatment options and recommendations designed for you and your baby’s health. REMEMBER…early detection is important and will go a long way in reducing and eliminating health consequences for you and your baby.

Why Should I Talk To My Physician?

Not every medication poses a risk to your unborn baby. However, some do. That’s why it is important that you are completely honest in discussing your intake or planned intake of alcohol,
tobacco, over-the-counter drugs, and other drugs of abuse with your physician. Alcohol in any amount can be harmful, as well as the use of any tobacco product while pregnant. Also,
we know that illicit drugs (illegal drugs) of any type are very harmful to mothers and unborn children. Additionally, if you are taking any of the following types or categories of drugs or
medications, you are encouraged to discuss any potential consequences on you and your unborn child.

• Antibiotics
• Cholesterol
• Cancer
• Muscle Relaxants
• Cardiovascular/Hypertension
• Analgesics (pain relief)
• Anti-Convulsants
• Anti-Depressants
• Anti-Inflammatory
• Stimulants/Appetite Suppressants
• Anti-Coagulants (blood thinners)
• Diuretics
• Anti-Secretory Drugs
• Hormones
• Anti-Diabetic
• Anti-Progesterone
• Estrogen
• Asthma/Bronchodilators
• Acne Medications
• Urinary Tract Anti-Spasmodics

Remember, your physician should be consulted continually throughout your pregnancy since this partnership is working for the same goal; a healthy Mom and Baby.

Are All The Agency Services Confidential?

Yes. Your confidentiality and well-being is our #1 concern. There are many state and federal confidentiality laws which protect you and assure for your privacy. Additionally, our agency has
a highly trained, dedicated, and professional staff that emphasizes confidentiality, patient dignity, and ethics.

[tab: Resource Websites]

Prevention/Education Websites

On Drug/Alcohol Effects on Women and Fetal Development

1. Motherisk
2. National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
3. March of Dimes 
4. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Family Resource Institute
5. FAS Center For Excellence – Center For Substance Abuse Prevention
6. University of Washington School of Medicine Fetal Alcohol and Drug Unit
7. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
8. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
9. American Legacy
10. American Lung Association
11. BabyZone
12. American Council For Drug Education
13. National Institute of Health
14. National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD)
15. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention
16. National Clearinghouse For Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI)
17. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library
18. The Partnership For A Drug Free America
19. FDA Ratings For Prescription Drug Use During Pregnancy; Active Ingredients In Common Over-The-Counter Products
20. Kids Health For Parents 
21. Westside Pregnancy Resource Center
22. Minnesota Dept. of Health Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorders and Prevention
23. WorldProfit.Com – Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effects
24. Creative Consultants, Inc.
25. Alcohol Policies Project – Center For Science In The Public Interest
26. State of Alaska Office of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
27. The FAS Family Resource Institute
28. SAMHSA Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Perinatal Program of Wyoming Valley Alcohol and Drug Services, Inc. funded by a special grant from the Blue Ribbon Foundation of Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

[tab: Risk Assessment Questionnaire]

Risk Assessment Questionnaire For Mothers-To-Be

Answer our Risk Assessment Questionnaire For Mothers-To-Be Today

[tab: Drug]

ISM’s (Root Cause/s That Fuel Use/Abuse/Misuse)

This presentation covers ism’s (root causes that fuel use, abuse, and misuse); systemic reasons that influence and contribute to addictive cycle

Bath Salts and Synthetic Marijuana

This presentation covers bath salts and synthetic marijuana; how used, what they look like, and consequences

How to Utilize a School Based Drug Curriculum Framework

Dr. Vito Forlenza, agency consultant, developed a first of its kind work; discussion of components of framework and recommendations on how to integrate lessons and messages into schools.

Nicotine Use, Dependence and Cessation

WVADS, Inc. is a frontrunner in nicotine awareness, prevention/education, and treatment. Presentation discusses reasons for use, treatment options available, physiological and behavioral consequences of use

Drugs of Abuse

Participants learn about the many drugs and chemicals being abused; over the counter, prescription meds, street drugs; how used, physical and behavioral consequences

[tab: Alcohol]

Binge Drinking

This presentation covers medical consequences, legal consequences, date rape, violence, and unsafe practices associated with binge drinking

Hallmark Signs of Alcoholism

This presentation covers Jekyll-Hyde changes in behavior, alcohol blackouts, changes in tolerance and loss of control

Blood Alcohol

This presentation covers Blood Alcohol Levels (BAL), Blood Alcohol Concentrations (BAC) and its implication on brain function(s) .

Alcohol Use and Abuse as a Precursor to Co-Occurring Problems

This presentation covers Alcohol use and abuse as a precursor to co-occurring problems such as depression and suicide

Use of Recovering Alcoholics/Addicts

WVADS, Inc. facilitates many presentations and programs which feature individuals who share their personal stories of addiction and recovery

The Real Story of DUI

This presentation covers Frank and Sharon Yanulevius sharing story of daughter’s untimely death by drunk driver; Power Point on life of Sharon Yanulevius who was tragically killed by a drunk driver on August 12, 1995. Friends of Sharon pamphlet and booklet used as handouts

Underage Drinking In American Culture; What Do We Do About It?

This workshop provides state of the problem….just how serious it is; reasons that contribute and fuel the problem; role of family, community, media, music, movie, video, etc. on problem; recommendations to reduce problem

[tab: Effects]

Treatment Options and Fellowship Options

This presentation covers treatment options and fellowship options; discussion regarding types of treatment (levels of care); how WVADS determines appropriate treatment recommendations; the role of the fellowships of AA, NA, etc. in enhancing recovery

Academic and Legal Implications and Consequences

This presentation covers academic and legal implications and consequences specific to high school, college and university populations; explores impact of drug/alcohol use on learning, cognition, concentration, attention, as well as legal consequences of use.

Pre and Post-Testing of Drug/Alcohol Knowledge

This presentation covers pre and post testing utilizing comprehensive and challenging pre and post testing concept, participated is provided with in-depth knowledge of drugs, alcohol, and their human and societal impact

Stages of Alcohol and Drug Use

This presentation covers use, abuse, misuse, dependency and addiction; progression of addiction through disease stages; physiological, behavioral consequences.

Etiology of Addiction

This presentation covers the underlying physiological, psychological, sociological, and cultural origins or causes

Choice and Decision Making

This presentation covers peer influence, social influence, media influence, beverage industry influence and entertainment industry influence

Risk Vs. Protective Factors

This presentation covers Catalano and Hawkins, noted researchers, work on Risk and Protective Factors and the role they play in youth’s decision to experiment with or use drugs/alcohol

Understanding Assessment/Evaluation Tools

This presentation covers understanding assessment and evaluation tools; Pennsylvania Client Placement Criteria; Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test; Drug and Alcohol Screening….includes South Oaks Gambling Screening Tool

Addiction As A Family Disease

This presentation covers the impact of addiction on the family; stages of family progression; consequences of failure to receive treatment; treatment and fellowship options for famil

The Role of Trauma in Addiction and Recovery

This presentation covers the role of trauma in addiction and recovery; stressors, hardships, tragedies, human pains and how they contribute to use and abuse of drugs/alcohol

Role of Relapse Prevention In Recovery

This presentation covers the role of relapse prevention in recovery; strategies, recommendations, suggestions for enhancing recovery and preventing relapse

Ethics and Addiction

This presentation covers laws, regulations, ethical codes, protocols and procedures of ethics that govern addiction field.

Drugs, Brains and Behavior; The Science of Addiction

This presentation covers the impact of drug use on brain and its regions; consequences resulting from this use; cognitive function, intellectual impact, etc.

Search and Seizure Do’s and Don’ts

This presentation covers specific driven workshops addressing search and seizure laws, regulations, case precedent court rulings, boundaries; what you can and cannot do

Methods of Drug Testing

In this presentation participants learn about various options of drug testing, including drug testing school and industrial policies, cleansing agents on market, etc.

Omnibus Transportation Policy Compliance for Industry

Specific presentation for industry that assists safety sensitive industries (as determined by federal government) to become compliant with strict standards of Omnibus Transportation Policy

Industrial Drug and Alcohol Policies and Procedures

This presentation is a how-to workshop designed to provide industry with state of the art policies, procedures, protocols for dealing with impaired employees; sample policies discussed.

Women’s Issues in Addiction and Recovery

This presentation covers specific issues that women face who suffer from addiction; what barriers do women face and recommendations to improve access to treatment

Prescription Drug Abuse- America’s Emerging Epidemic

This presentation will examine the fastest growing type of drug abuse; examines reasons for use, factors that contribute to continued use; explanation of WVADS, Inc. novel “Prescription Drug Treatment Program” (Informational booklet utilized in training)

Drug Definitions

This presentation covers half-life of drugs, synergy, drug automatism, gynecomastia, A-Motivational Syndrome, Jonesing, etc.; why addicts need to know these terms.

[tab: Other]

Understanding the Components of a School Based Drug and Alcohol Policy

The presentation covers what constitutes Reasonable Suspicion; Search and Seizure; Supreme Court Decisions; Process/Protocols For Dealing With Drug/Alcohol Violations

Listing of Valuable Informational Websites

This presentation covers a listing of valuable informational websites

The Potential Impact of Continued Poor Choice and Poor Decision-Making

This presentation covers prevention tips and Recommendations for wellness. There is also an in-session written exercise designed to foster reflection and understanding of the potential impact of continued poor choice and poor decision making.

Suicide and Addiction

This presentation covers suicide and addiction; suicide is 3rd leading cause of death in U.S. among 16-25 year olds; role of drugs/alcohol in suicide is discussed; risk and protective factors are presented.

Treatment Needs of Substance Abusing Traumatized Military Members

This presentation covers substance abuse in the emotional and physical disabled patient; unique treatment issues are presented; barriers affecting these patients and specific recommendations to improve treatment outcomes in this population (Informational booklet utilized in training)

Substance Abuse in the Emotional and Physical Disabled Patients

This presentation covers substance abuse in the emotional and physical disabled patients

Weapons Deterrent Program For Youth

This presentation covers methods of non-violent conflict resolution; recommendations on handling stressful incidents with non-violent techniques and strategies (Informational booklet utilized in training)

Gangs and Drugs

This presentation covers why people are enamored by gangs; what are gangs; role of drug and alcohol use in youth involvement with gangs (Informational booklet utilized in training)

Specialty Treatment Program For Military Veterans, Military Members, and Their Families

WVADS, Inc. is pleased to announce that it has developed expertise in the treatment of military veterans, members, and their families. This unique offering utilizes trained agency clinicians who are familiar with the specific presenting problems of this population. These are America’s heroes, who, during their military service and duty, have, often times, been traumatized, severely wounded, and emotionally scarred from the impact of war and military conflicts. Often times, because of these unpleasant experiences, the military veteran may develop problems with drugs and alcohol. Our agency is trained, poised, and remains ready to offer a helping hand. The unique features of this specialty program include:

• Enhanced access to treatment
• Specialized intake/assessment process focusing on trauma and PTSD questionnaire
• Specialized therapy for co-occurring disorders such as depression and substance abuse
• Inclusion of family throughout treatment process
• Education/information on enhancing resiliency skills, conflict resolution and coping strategies
• Assessment of Traumatic Stress Factors

Specialty Program For Physically and Developmentally Disabled Patients

WVADS, Inc. has partnered with the Northeastern Pennsylvania Center For Independent Living (NEPACIL) to create a specialty treatment and prevention/education component. The clinical staff and prevention/education team of WVADS, Inc. have undergone extensive training and orientation to develop specific competencies in addressing the special needs of physically and developmentally disabled patients who access care at WVADS, Inc. Data from the United States Department of Health and Human Services demonstrates substance use disorders occur more often in persons with disabilities than in the general population. This includes problems with alcoholism, prescription drugs, and illicit drugs.

• Persons with any type of disability experience substance abuse at rates 2 to 4 times greater than the general population
• Substance abuse prevalence rates approach or exceed 50% for persons with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or mental illness
• Substance abuse is a contributing factor or cause of up to 65% of disabling injuries in the United States

This program is unique in many ways, inclusive of the specific areas that will be addressed with the patient and family.

• Impulsivity
• Social Isolation
• Self-Esteem Issues
• Anger and Resentments
• Feelings of Hopelessness and Despair
• Panic
• Fears
• Goal Setting
• Problem Solving Techniques
• Building Resiliency Skills
• Volunteerism
• Conflict Resolution
• Depression and Stress
• Strengthening Coping Skills
• Obstacles To Recovery
• Relapse Prevention Strategies
• Empowerment
• Solution Oriented Thinking
• Attaining Recovery vs. Maintaining Recovery