Every year since 2012, October is recognized as Substance Use Prevention Month in an effort to educate and prevent young people from using substances. Keep reading to find out more about Substance Use Prevention Month, why early education about substance use and prevention efforts are so important, and how you can participate in Substance Use Prevention Month this and every October.
What is Substance Use Prevention Month?
Substance Use Prevention Month began in 2012 with President Barack Obama.
“By stopping drug use before it starts, we can prevent the disease of addiction and create stronger neighborhoods across our country…. All of us can play a role in preventing drug and alcohol abuse. As our children’s first teachers, parents and guardians can help by talking to their kids about the dangers of substance abuse. Alongside them, coalitions of teachers, faith-based groups, health care providers, law enforcement officials, and other local leaders are joining together to address substance abuse in their communities. As we observe National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, let us join in those vital efforts and reaffirm our vision for an America where each of us has the fullest opportunity to live in health and happiness.”
Why Prevention is So Important
According to The Center on Addiction, 9 out of 10 individuals who abuse substances began using before they turned 18. The younger an individual is when they begin using substances, the more likely they are to battle addiction throughout their life. In addition, the adolescent brain is still developing during this time. Substance use can stunt brain growth, which can impair emotions and behaviors for a lifetime.
Lifelong issues that can arise, aside from overdose and a lifelong battle with addiction, include:
- Impaired problem-solving skills
- Arrested emotional development
- Memory issues
- Lack of motivation
- Mood disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Psychotic disorders
With so much at stake, it is extremely important for young people to be educated early about substance use and its dangers. This is important for not only the individual’s health, but for the benefit of the whole family, the community, and to stop epidemics from growing.
How to Participate in Substance Use Prevention Month
Talking to Your Child About Substance Use
The most important way you can participate in Substance Use Prevention Month is by talking to your child about substance use disorder. Even if you feel like your child might be too young, it is important to start the conversation. The earlier you are able to speak with your child about substance abuse, the better so that when they encounter their first exposure to drugs, dangerous prescription drugs, or alcohol they will already have the power of knowledge engrained.
Donate
If you don’t have children of your own or are looking for more ways to make an impact during Substance Use Prevention Month, you can donate. Research local prevention efforts in your area, such as local organizations to donate to or events to participate in, or you can donate to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. According to its donation page, The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), supports most of the world’s research on the health aspects of drug abuse and addiction.
Stay Sober
Many people who do not suffer from substance use disorder will use October to stay sober, lightheartedly dubbed as “October”, to support other individuals who do suffer from substance use. If you or a loved one does suffer from substance use disorder, you can use Substance Use Prevention Month as your first step in getting sober by entering treatment. You can then use your experience and educate others for prevention.
About Seasons in Malibu
By educating today’s youth about substance use, we can help slow the rapidly growing drug and alcohol epidemic. Substance use can seem like a taboo subject thanks to the stigma surrounding addiction, however, the younger you are able to normalize your child with the conversation, the better. If you or a loved one are ready to get help for your addiction, we are here for you at our rehab in Malibu.
It is a priority for us that our life-changing drug and alcohol treatment be available to the people who need it. We are fully familiar with how much strength and courage it takes to pick up the phone and ask for help. Our counselors are invested in your well-being and are ready around the clock to guide you or a trusted friend or family member through the initial steps of overcoming drug or alcohol addiction. Making us the best rehab centers in US.
We perform outcome measures, as required by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), upon entry, after 30 days in treatment, and during discharge. We review various aspects of care such as clinical expertise, access to outside support, facility expectations, aftercare planning, and overall satisfaction with treatment services.
Over the years, we have collected hundreds of individual surveys from clients and proudly boast a 95% satisfaction rate when clients are asked whether they would recommend Seasons to a friend or a loved one. We believe this is the greatest testament to the compassionate and best-in-class care you will receive at Seasons. With our superior team of clinicians, we are able to succinctly pinpoint those areas of focus that will give the client the most advanced opportunity for success. Our approach towards healing is collaborative, comprehensive, and committed.