October is Substance Abuse Prevention Month
DID YOU KNOW
Prevention strengthens protective factors and reduces risk factors in individuals, families, schools, communities, and society.
DID YOU KNOW
Prevention helps us get ahead of substance use and mental health challenges so that youth, families, and communities can thrive.
This October let’s talk about substance use and misuse and talk about prevention. Let’s continue to lift up the national conversation and share how prevention can positively affect our community and communities across the country. This year’s NATIONAL RED RIBBON WEEK is October 23-31st and the theme is: Life is a movie, film drug free. This creative theme came from two teachers from Solon Middle School in Ohio. It serves as a powerful reminder that ordinary Americans nationwide contribute significantly to their communities every day by embracing a drug-free lifestyle.
DID YOU KNOW
Millions of Americans suffer from substance abuse, which includes underage drinking, alcohol dependency, non-medical use of prescription drugs, abuse of over-the-counter medications, and illicit drug use. Young Americans aged 12 to 20 account for 11 percent of the country’s monthly alcohol consumption.
DID YOU KNOW
Prevention strategies targeting the root of the problem are essential to curb drug use and help people lead healthier lives.
We know early intervention helps prevent substance abuse and reduce the negative consequences of addiction before they occur. Early drug abuse correlates with substance abuse problems later in life, and the most significant increases in destructive behavior appear to take place among older teens and young adults.
How To Start the Conversation with Your Kids
There are so many great resources to help get you started on a conversation with your kids about drugs. Here are some tips and resource to help you prep and be ready to start the conversation:
- Be Prepared- It is important to make sure you are ready before engaging in this conversation. Start by compiling a list of resource and planning what you would like to say.
- Plan to Have the Conversation at an Appropriate Time- make sure to have the conversation at a time when you wont be rushed and will have enough time to spend with your child.
- Prepare Specific Examples- have specific examples in mind that help to explain the reason why you are having the conversation or concerned about the child.
Here are some great websites for starting and having these conversations:
- The New Drug Talk: English- www.thenewdrugtalk.org/ Spanish- www.lanuevadrugtalk.org/
- Talk they Hear You: www.samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you/parent-resources
- Find the Words: www.thespeedyfoundation.org/new-page
- Vaping: What-You-Need-to-Know-and-How-to-Talk-to-Your-Kids-About-Vaping-Guide-Partnership-for-Drug-Free-Kids.pdf (drugfree.org)