You may have asked yourself, “What can I do to help prevent drug and alcohol abuse?” The answer is, according to the STAND Coalition, is a lot.
For starters, you can have conversations with the young people in your life about alcohol and drugs. Not just one conversation but an ongoing dialogue as they grow. Research shows that this simple act is a form of prevention for young people. You can set expectations for them not to use alcohol and never to use drugs. You can be aware of their personal risk factors and know the role that risk plays in developing an addiction. And, you can be part of Front Line Home.
The STAND Coalition, in partnership with the Crawford-Marion ADAMH Board and Marion Crawford Prevention Programs, created FRONT LINE Homes as a means of encouraging community members to pledge against allowing the underage use of alcohol or any use of illegal drugs in their home. This is a program designed to support families in preventing substance abuse problems. By joining the Front Line Homes Project, organizers say you are sending a clear message that families:
- Should not knowingly serve alcohol or make it available to minors
- Should be aware of what takes place in their homes
- Will not allow their home to be used for illegal underage drinking and/or drug use.
Jodi Galloway, director of Marion-Crawford Prevention Programs notes, “Prevention of substance abuse does not happen in a vacuum. It takes action and education is at the core of that action.”
The STAND coalition suggests that parents learn more about alcohol and other drugs of abuse and find out what their personal risk factors are.
“One of the most significant risk factors is that of early use of alcohol or other drugs. Sadly, many adults see teen alcohol use as inevitable or a rite of passage,” said Galloway. “The truth couldn’t be further from this assertion.”
In fact, Galloway said multiple studies from the National Institutes of Health have shown that those who begin drinking in their teens were not only at greater risk of developing alcohol dependence during their life but were also at a greater risk of developing dependence more quickly and at a younger age. One of the most substantial studies showed that of those who started drinking by age 16, nearly half (46%) developed alcohol dependence. The study concluded by saying that “…interventions that delay drinking onset may not only reduce the acute consequences of drinking among youth, but may help reduce alcohol dependence among adolescents and adults”.
Galloway further suggests that it is never too early to talk to your kids about this subject because parents are the strongest influence that their children have. She encourages parents to talk to them, help them make good choices and good friends and make your expectations that they not use alcohol and other drugs clear.
If you want to be a Front Line Home, you can contact Jodi Galloway at 740-387-8531 to sign up and have a sign placed in your yard.
About Marion Online News
