Oct 29, 2014

The last week of October is Red Ribbon Week, celebrating a drug-free life (redribbon.org). It’s also the culmination of National Substance Abuse Prevention Month.

So why is substance abuse prevention important? According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) Acting Director Michael Botticelli, “Preventing drug use before it begins – particularly among young people – is the most cost-effective way to reduce drug use and its consequences.” This matters to us as members of our community and our society.

But as parents, friends, family members – human beings – it’s not all about the money. Botticelli recognizes the cost of drug abuse is far-reaching beyond just our wallets. He goes on to say, “The best approach to reducing the tremendous toll substance abuse exacts from individuals, families and communities is to prevent the damage before it occurs.”

Parents want to help their kids avoid this “tremendous toll,” which could involve their health (physical or mental), family, other relationships, schooling, employment – the list goes on. Parents, however, often find themselves learning about a new drug trend and feel it’s just “one more thing to worry about.” One example would be the current heroin epidemic, especially among people who may have become addicted to prescription pain killers.

The good news is that parents don’t have to resort to worrying. Research has shown repeatedly that parents are a key factor in preventing drug abuse. When parents have open two-way communication with their kids and seek to provide accurate information, many are surprised to discover how much influence they can actually have. And young people are less likely to abuse drugs when they know their parents care, and that they have specific rules or expectations regarding drug use.

Some websites with helpful information on heroin and other drugs, as well as tips for talking to kids, include: www.fda.gov; www.cdc.gov; www.drugfree.org; teenshealth.org/teen; www.drugfreeactionalliance.org/know; combatheroin.ny.gov; and www.drugabuse.gov.

Even when there has been substance abuse with resultant problems, it’s never too late to seek help. People recover from addiction every day and lead healthy, productive lives.

HFM Prevention Council, Johnstown

Source: https://www.dailygazette.com/leader_herald/opinion/letters/prevention-is-important/article_c5769b46-83c7-5907-a49b-bb4cf191f7aa.html?=/&subcategory=640%7CConcert