PARENTS ARE PREVENTION
PARENTS PLAY A MAJOR ROLE IN PREVENTING SUBSTANCE USE
The misuse of alcohol, nicotine, and illicit drugs are the leading cause of preventable, premature death and disability in the U.S. Youth are among the most vulnerable in our population — they are at much higher risk for developing a substance use disorder later in life and the adverse consequences of substance use affect them more significantly. Parents play a major role in prevention, especially when they start the conversation early about the dangers of substance use. Talking with a child about the dangers of substance use and showing disapproval of such behavior are keys to shaping a youth's attitude and their behavior. Staying involved in a youth's daily activities is also critical.
STARTING THE CONVERSATION
At Clinton Substance Awareness & Prevention Coalition, our goal is to provide prevention information and resources to help parents get the conversation started or how to find help if they discover their child or loved on is in need of substance abuse counseling or techniques to stop. We've partnered with TalkSooner, both a website and an app. TalkSooner makes it easy for parents to talk early and talk often with their children about the dangers of drug use. When an opportunity to talk with youth arises, be ready wherever you are with the TalkSooner App. Conversation starters are provided to help you break the ice and get the conversation going, no matter where it's taking place.
Talk They Hear You
At CSAPC, we help promote the “Talk. They Hear You.”® campaign. Through the Sober Truth on Underage Drinking Act, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) created the “Talk. They Hear You.”® campaign to address the problem of underage drinking and substance misuse.
The “Talk. They Hear You.”® campaign’s goal is to provide parents and caregivers with the resources they need to address the issue of alcohol and other drugs with children under the age of 21. The campaign has historically equipped parents with the knowledge and skills to increase actions that reduce and prevent underage drinking. Recently, it has expanded its messaging to include other substances such as marijuana and prescription drugs. The campaign now offers resources to help parents talk to children of all ages about alcohol and other drugs.