Substance Use & Misuse Prevention- Did You Know-October 20205
DID YOU KNOW that Prevention strengthens protective factors and reduces risk factors in individuals, families, schools, communities, and society? Prevention also helps us get ahead of substance use and mental health challenges so that youth, families, and communities can thrive.
This fall TASK wants to continue substance use and misuse conversations and talk about prevention. Let’s continue to share how prevention can positively affect our community and our youth! It is no wonder that NATIONAL RED RIBBON WEEK falls at the end of October. Red Ribbon Week is a time to talk to kids about substances and support them in making healthy choices and participating in healthy activities. TASK wants to support our community and show our kids how to embrace 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. Prevention strategies targeting the root of the problem are essential to curb drug use and help people lead healthier lives. Early intervention helps prevent substance abuse and reduces 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.
DID YOU KNOW that Marijuana can be addictive and that Teens have a higher risk than adults of becoming addicted to marijuana? Marijuana can cause cognitive and physical issues such as breathing problems; increased heart rate; poor judgment and decision making; and difficulty with attention, concentration, coordination, problem solving, learning, and memory.
DID YOU KNOW that Approximately 1.2 million kids aged 12 to 17 used marijuana for the first time in the past year. That is about 3,300 kids a day. 1 in 6 people who start using marijuana as teenagers will become addicted. Nearly 1 in 3 people who use marijuana may have some degree of marijuana use disorder.
DID YOU KNOW that it is unsafe and illegal to take someone else’s prescription medication? Studies show that 53% of people aged 12 and older obtained prescription pain medication for nonmedical use from a friend or a relative. Doctors prescribe different dosages based on a person’s size or age, and taking the wrong strength or mixing with alcohol or other drugs can be deadly.
DID YOU KNOW Alcohol can affect brain function—Alcohol use can permanently impair brain function by affecting the actual physical development of the brain structure. Negative effects include decreased ability in planning, executive functioning, memory, spatial operations, and attention. Alcohol can lead to other substance use—Alcohol use is associated with a greater likelihood of using other substances, including marijuana and tobacco.
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 a few to help you prepare and be ready to start the conversation:
1. The New Drug Talk: English- thenewdrugtalk.org/ Spanish- www.lanuevadrugtalk.org/
2.Talk they Hear You: samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you/parent-resources & https://library.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/pep23-03-01-004.pdf
3.Find the Words: thespeedyfoundation.org/new-page
TASK is a non-profit with a mission to prevent and reduce youth substance abuse and related harm – Keeping kids safe in collaboration with our community partners. You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more tips and resources and visit us at – www.tahoesafekids.org