October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month and many Americans are observing this month by hosting programs that will help prevent substance abuse. Alcohol and drug use is a growing concern that needs to be addressed on many levels. Teaching young children about the hazards of substance abuse will help make an impact on their decision making and behavior in the future.
Observance of Substance Abuse Prevention
Teenagers and young adults are also at risk for substance abuse and there are programs prepared specifically for those age groups. Whether you are young or old, you can be caught up in the pattern of abusing drugs or alcohol. Knowing the many risks involved and getting the help you need to recover from this type of behavior is crucial to achieving and maintaining sobriety.
Substance abuse prevention programs are given across the nation by schools and community organizations to help keep America drug-free, healthier and safer. The adult and juvenile court system also has drug and alcohol treatment programs for those who are incarcerated. Substance abuse prevention is the most cost-effective way to reduce substance abuse and all the problems that it brings.
Preventing substance abuse will help avert:
- Physical and mental health problems
- Lower academic achievement
- Death by overdose
- Accidents
- Divorce
- Family problems
- Employment problems
- Criminal activity and incarceration
- High costs of medical care, counseling and therapy
- Neighborhood violence and gang activity
- Child and spousal abuse
- Law enforcement and court costs
We can avoid all these problems that may occur from substance abuse by promoting the many programs that are designed to address substance abuse prevention. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), working with prevention scientists, has designed research-based programs that are strategically effective. It was shown over a period of time that youth who were kept in the loop of receiving programs had better outcomes than those who did not. The Caring School Community Program is a universal school program designed to work closely with families. The program focuses on building a sense of community between elementary school children and their school.
Research has shown that the connection between families and their school reduces substance abuse, mental health issues and violence. It also increases a child’s motivation and academic achievement.
The Selective Programs cover such areas as:
- Helping high school male athletes avoid taking anabolic steroids and other drugs, and providing healthy strength training and nutrition alternatives. Coaches, teammates and parents are all involved in the program.
- Coping Power is a child-parent intervention program directed at pre-adolescent children who are a high risk for aggressive behavior, delinquency and drug abuse. A component of the program teaches fifth and sixth graders how to identify and handle anger and anxiety, manage their impulses and develop healthy academic, social and problem solving skills.
- Focus on Family is a program designed to help parents who are taking methadone treatment. It addresses the parent’s use of drugs or alcohol and how to prevent their child from doing the same. The program works to help the parent reduce their substance abuse and improve their management skills.
There are many effective substance abuse prevention programs available in communities across America. Schools and community organizations working together with families to provide support for the children plays a big role in substance abuse prevention. The best way we can observe substance abuse prevention is to continue educating, nurturing and supporting our children. Cary Drug Treatment Centers is here to help you begin your recovery journey. Just give us a call today at (919) 301-0170 for information.
