Stephen Della Valle Appears on NBC40's Health Watch to Discuss How to Prevent Substance Abuse

Oct. 30, 2008 - PRLog -- (LINWOOD, NJ)—In a recent interview with Robin Stoloff of NBC40, Stephen Della Valle, author of the new inspirational book Rising Above the Influence: A True Story About Alcohol, Drugs and Recovery, provided information on what steps can be taken to help prevent substance abuse amongst kids and teenagers.  

When asked what inspired him to write his tell-all book, Stephen said, “From the age of thirteen to thirty-seven I lived in the grips of substance abuse, and I lost everything—my career, my family, and my freedom.  I want to share my story with people that it is possible to turn your life around from addiction.”

Stephen, who is also the President of Turning Point Rehabilitation Center in Verona, NJ, sees too often where the destructive path of addiction can lead people.

Since getting sober twenty years ago, Stephen has been adamant about helping others achieving the lifestyle he has by being an advocate of sobriety.

“Parents and educators are the first line of defense in helping kids stay away from drugs,” says Stephen.  “The most important thing we can do as parents are to lead by example, and stay involved in their lives.  Keep aware of who their friends are and where they go when they are not home.”

Within the past three years prescription drug abuse has been growing at a faster rate than illegal drugs, especially amongst teenagers.  Reports from the U.S. Department of National Drug Control Policy indicate that 2.1 million teenagers abused prescription drugs in 2005 and the most commonly abused drug amongst twelve to thirteen-year-olds was also prescription drugs.

“Everybody can make a difference in reducing the rate of increase of prescription drug abuse,” says Stephen.  “The key is to educate kids as to where drug use will lead them—jail, institutions or death.”  

Rising Above the Influence is his honest and inspiring account of the depths one man can fall to—and the heights he can achieve if only he reaches out a hand for help.

For more information please visit www.risingabovetheinfluence.net.  To watch this segment please visit www.nbc40.net.