Current analysis tells us that how youth and younger adults understand hurt from medication and alcohol is commonly improper. SAMHSA’s Nationwide Survey on Drug Use and Well being (NSDUH) from 2020 reveals that 57 % of youth ages 12 to 17 didn’t suppose there was nice hurt in having 5 or extra drinks a few times every week. Much more regarding is that as many as 62.6 % of these in that age group didn’t suppose it was very dangerous to smoke marijuana a few times every week.
In an evolving public well being panorama, it’s essential that we prioritize data-informed prevention methods when responding to the misuse of medicine and alcohol. We will draw inspiration from prevention professionals, community-based organizations, and others throughout the nation who, with the assist of SAMHSA and different federal businesses, use artistic, evidenced-based methods to place prevention first.
From rural Montana to varsity campuses in Florida, the success tales from SAMHSA’s Communities Discuss to Forestall Underage Ingesting initiative provide compelling examples of drug and alcohol misuse prevention at work. These communities and lots of others throughout america. used their ingenuity to push prevention work ahead, even when COVID-19 made gathering in particular person inconceivable.
This month (March 21-27), the Nationwide Institute on Drug Abuse’s (NIDA) Nationwide Medication and Alcohol Details Week (NDAFW) presents one other alternative to advance community-based prevention initiatives.
NDAFW helps encourage dialogue concerning the science of alcohol and different drug use—the way it impacts the mind and physique, and the way it could result in habit amongst youth. By speaking the long-term, dangerous results on the mind from utilizing alcohol and medicines, NIDA educates teenagers on the significance of prevention.
NDAFW week was created to enhance the prevention and consciousness of substance misuse in communities and nationwide by connecting everybody, from scientists, college students, and educators to well being care suppliers and group companions.
Listed here are just a few methods you can also make prevention a precedence this March:
- Promote Nationwide Medication and Alcohol Details Week as a prevention device for practitioners, communities, and households to maneuver past dialog and encourage motion.
- Share the info on substance misuse and join folks you already know socially and professionally to evidence-based sources, resembling:
Thanks to your continued assist in stopping substance misuse and its dangerous results. Together with your dedication and efforts, our prevention work can actually save lives.
