Prevention
According to the 2012 National Prevention Council Action Plan, “preventing drug abuse and excessive alcohol use increases people’s chances of living long, healthy, and productive lives and improves quality of life, academic performance, workplace productivity... reduces crime and criminal justice expenses; and reduces motor vehicle crashes and fatalities.” Effective, evidence-based interventions can be employed before young people become involved with substances. Parents, schools and communities can take an active role in preventing substance abuse.
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SAMHSA’s “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign aims to reduce underage drinking and substance use among youths under the age of 21 by providing parents and caregivers with information and resources they need to address alcohol and other drug use with their children early.
Research suggests that one of the most important factors in healthy child development is a strong, open relationship with a parent. It is important to start talking to your children about alcohol and other drugs before they are exposed to them—as early as 9 years old.
Click Here for parent resources to help you start—and keep up—the conversation about the dangers of drinking alcohol and using other drugs at a young age.
Click Here for the "Talking to Kids About Alcohol and Other Drugs: 5 Conversation Goals" flyer.
Click Here for the "Talk, They Hear You Mobile App" flyer.
According to the CDC, binge drinking is a dangerous and costly public health problem. Find out how you can prevent it. Click Here for the Binge Drinking Fact Sheet.
COMBAT HEROIN is targeted to parents, adults and young people who are seeking help and information concerning heroin and opioid abuse and misuse. This website also contains information about the warning signs of heroin and opioid abuse and misuse, access to OASAS treatment providers, guidance to help parents talk to their children and for health care professionals to talk to their patients.
Marijuana Talk Kit – What parents need to know to talk with your teen about marijuana. This talk kit is created to help families navigate through a changing marijuana landscape; one that includes new policies like legalization.
Drug Fact Sheet - Marijuana/Cannabis provided by The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA).
The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) launches "You Can Be The Difference" public awareness campaign to combat addiction amongst teen or young adults. Campaign offers resources for educators, coaches, families and features public service announcement by former professional football player Erik Coleman.
The Cannabis/Marijuana Awareness & Prevention TookKit - Theory-based and evidence-informed resources created by educators, parents, and researchers aimed at preventing middle and high school students’ use of cannabis/marijuana.
Preventing Marijuana Use Among Youth - An Evidence-Based Resource Guide Series provided by The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration (SAMHSA).
National Institute on Drug Abuse is a leader in research and information on drugs of abuse for professionals, parents, educators and youth.
Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction: How Science Has Revolutionized the Understanding of Drug Addiction