PARENTS ARE PREVENTION
PARENTS PLAY A MAJOR ROLE IN PREVENTING SUBSTANCE ABUSE
The abuse 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 and in helping youth if they’ve initiated 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.
Tall Cop Says Stop™
One of our successful Clinton County programs is our partnership with Tall Cop. Tall Cop Says Stop™ was created by Officer Jermaine Galloway, an Idaho law enforcement officer since 1997. Regarded as one of America’s top experts in various drug and alcohol trends, he has specialized in underage drinking and drug enforcement for more than 15 years. All over our nation, communities struggle to deal with underage drinking and drug usage. What can we do about these issues? Are we just going to meet up and “round table” them every month? Or are we going to get out there and do something to fix the problems?
That’s where Tall Cop Says Stop™ comes in. Through education, prevention and enforcement, Tall Cop presentations address underage drinking and drug problems and empower parents and youth to detect these problems and fight them within our own communities.
Sesame Street in Communities
Sesame Street in the Communities is a great resources on how to talk with youth about struggles and issues like parental addiction. When a family member struggles with addiction, the whole family struggles. Children often think it’s their fault; they feel shame, embarrassment, guilt, and loneliness; they may feel invisible. It takes special effort to start important conversations and answer children’s questions. But parents, teachers, caregivers, and other caring adults can comfort children and guide them through difficult moments. With love and support, the family can cope with the challenges of addiction together.
