National Prevention Week - May 12 - May 18, 2024

 

InnerAct Alliance is proud to join with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and prevention partners across the country to celebrate National Prevention Week May 12 - May 18, 2024 and showcase the important work of communities and organizations to prevent substance use and promote positive mental health.

Prevention happens every day. One of the major goals of substance abuse prevention is to delay the age of onset of substance use - the earlier parents start talking to children about the risks of using alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD), the better. Starting conversations early – and having them often – is critical because these days kids are inundated by more information than ever.

Building knowledge of the facts and negative health effects that substance use may have on developing brains and bodies is an important first step. However, inexperienced youth may not be fully convinced by the possibility of negative consequences and may instead believe that adverse effects won’t happen to them.

Communicate effectively with children and teens. Active involvement and support of parents and caring adults is critical in the prevention of youth substance abuse. Science shows us that adult and teen brains are wired differently. The rational part of the brain that is responsible for understanding consequences, known as the prefrontal cortex, is not fully developed until about age 25. That’s why teens aren’t always capable of good judgment. Teens process most information in their brain’s amygdala, which controls emotions, so they tend to rely more on their feelings than thinking their actions through.

*Pair facts about substance use and brain development with teachable moments and strategies that youth can use to resist temptation and peer pressure.

*Create opportunities to practice skills that involve kids in communicating effectively, setting reachable goals, making responsible decisions, identifying and managing emotions, and bonding with peers. Encourage this in children of all ages using age-appropriate explanations, activities, and role play to prepare for situations they will face at school, on the playground, and with peers.

*Discuss consequences of youth's actions to help them link impulsive thinking with facts. This helps the brain make these connections and wires the brain to make this link more often.

*Remind your children that they are resilient and competent. Many times, we are so focused in the moment that we have trouble seeing ways to take positive steps to change bad situations.

*Take an interest in things that are important to your kids. It doesn't mean you have to like their music or video games, but showing an interest in things they are involved in shows them they are important to you.

*Ask teen if they want you to respond when they come to you or if they'd prefer that you just listen. Don't try to fix problems or place blame - make it safe for them to come to you about anything.

*Remember that while their friends are important to them, the majority of teens say their parents are the #1 influence on their decisions about whether or not to drink or use drugs, according to the Partnership to End Addiction.

*Positive communication between parents and children, including discussing feelings, experiences, and beliefs, is important for healthy relationships and can help children do better in school and in life.

There’s more to prevention than facts. Together, we can educate and support our children so they feel empowered to make informed decisions. When kids choose the path they want to follow and develop skills to safeguard their future goals, they are more inclined to choose actions that are consistent with their goals and not take risks to jeopardize their ability to achieve them.

SAMHSA is working to change the prevention landscape by providing evidence-based and accessible resources to facilitate collective action. By showcasing the work of partners in prevention, we can confront the societal challenges surrounding substance misuse while celebrating the stories of prevention. For more information, visit SAMHSA at https://www.samhsa.gov/.