Vista Hill - Stronger Families… Brighter Futures Since 1957

Race for Autism. The National Foundation for Autism Research 2008 Race for Autism took place on March 29 in scenic Balboa Park. The competitive 5K run, 5K walk and 1 mile family walk drew several thousand enthusiastic participants this year. The 2008 Stein Education Center team posted over 40 runners and walkers and raised over $1,400 for NFAR. Special Educator Justin Wolfe, a competitive distance runner, took first place in the men's 30 – 35 age category and posted a time of 17:51 in the 5K. Way to go Justin and kudos to the whole team! View photos.

New Addiction on Campus: Raiding the Medicine Cabinet. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal – Health Journal reported that Generation Rx or what's commonly known as college-age students are getting high from prescriptions (opiates) in their parents' medicine cabinets. In 2006, 2.2 million people, (ages 12+) admitted abusing pain relievers. Those 18-25, admitted the highest usage. Comparatively, these drugs are used far less frequently than alcohol and marijuana; however, they are far more addictive. The problem is the availability. More prescriptions are being written and filled. And if these Rx-ers can't find what they want at home, they go through an online pharmacy. Keg parties have been replaced with "pharm parties," whereby everyone dumps their stash in a big bowl and eats them like candy. The mortality rate for accidental opiate overdoses has climbed four to five times higher than the heroin epidemic of the 70s. For more information click here: For specific program information available through Vista Hill click here.

College-age Adults and Problem Drinking or Drug Use. College students (and their parents) should consider an assessment and possibly treatment with a health professional about their alcohol or drug intake. For more program information click here.

The Bridges Adult Intensive Outpatient Program offers a free and confidential assessment by calling 858.518.2192.

Combined Approach Most Effective for Adolescent Depression. A combination of therapy and medication helps depressed adolescents heal faster than therapy or medication alone. This is according to a study published in the October Archives of General Psychiatry. Click here for the full story.