National Prevention Week May 7 – May 13, 2023 - “Talk. They Hear You.”

 

According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, alcohol continues to be the most widely misused substance among our nation’s young people. And in recent years, other drugs such as marijuana and prescription pain medication have also become increasingly prevalent among youth.

Over 80 percent of young people aged 10-18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision about whether or not to drink alcohol or experiment with other substances. Yet many parents do not have these important conversations. 

As part of our ongoing commitment to support local youth, InnerAct Alliance and our coalition partners, StandUP Polk and UthMpact, are pleased to partner with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Drug Free America Foundation during National Prevention Week May 7 – May 13, 2023 to encourage and guide parents and caregivers to engage in important conversations with young people about the risks of underage substance use.

One of the major goals of substance abuse prevention programs is to delay the age of onset of substance use – the earlier you start talking to children about the risks of using alcohol and other drugs, the better. Initiatives like SAMHSA’s “Talk. They Hear You.” help to place useful resources in the hands of parents and caregivers, educators, and community members to offer the knowledge and skills they need to talk to children. Recently, the campaign has expanded its messaging beyond alcohol education to also include other substances, such as marijuana and prescription drugs, to help reduce and prevent underage use.

“Talk. They Hear You” campaign materials are now available on the SAMHSA website at www.underagedrinking.samhsa.gov.

“Although alcohol is the most commonly used substance by teens, the good news is that local efforts to educate youth on the risks and consequences of substance misuse are showing signs of success. Teen alcohol use numbers continue to drop each year – in fact, the most recent Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS) shows that 83% of Polk Teens DO NOT use Alcohol,” said Angie Ellison, executive director of InnerAct Alliance, “but our education efforts must continue.”

To stay updated on local substance abuse prevention issues affecting our community and learn how to find valuable information and helpful resources, follow InnerAct Alliance on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/InnerActAlliance and check out our online blog https://inneractblogtownhallmeeting.blogspot.com/.