14 Oct National Substance Abuse Prevention Month
Welcome to the Next Step Community Solutions Blog!
If you are familiar with our services, or have looked around the website, you know the majority of our work is in substance abuse prevention. We have three coalitions that cover 13 East Texas counties and use evidence-based strategies to prevent underage drinking, marijuana use, and prescription drug abuse.
There’s an overwhelming amount of information on substance abuse prevention and this blog will help break down that information and serve as an educational tool.
October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month. In 2011, President Obama issued the first-ever Presidential Proclamation designating this month as National Substance Abuse Prevention Month to pay tribute to all those working to prevent substance abuse in our communities, and to rededicate ourselves to building a safer, drug-free America.
Underage drinking, non-medical use of prescription drugs, and illicit drug use take a devastating toll on our families and communities. From diminished achievement in our schools, to greater risks on our roads, to the heartache of lives cut tragically short, the consequences of substance abuse are profound.
However, there is hope. According to the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy’s (ONDCP) “2012 National Drug Control Strategy,” each dollar invested in an evidence-based prevention program can reduce costs related to substance use disorders by an average of $18.
Here’s how you can support prevention efforts:
- Share information about substance abuse prevention (like this blog) on your social media page, blog, or website.
- Host an event in your neighborhood or community to raise awareness about substance abuse.
- Share and discuss your commitment to preventing substance abuse with others. Starting a dialogue around prevention is the first step toward change.
- Throw a substance-free party in October to celebrate football season, a birthday, Halloween, or another occasion.
- Join a substance abuse prevention coalition.
- Donate to a substance abuse prevention organization.