October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month

Vince received his bachelor’s degree in Family Science from The University of Maryland, and received his master’s degree in Social Work from The Catholic University of America. He provides individual therapy, group therapy, and assessments for clients in recovery when someone you love goes through drug and alcohol relapse from substance use and any related mental health issues. Vince is passionate about the work that he does, and approaches therapy through an empathetic and motivational approach. Similarly, substance abuse and addiction can have genetic influences as well.

drug awareness month

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, substance abuse costs the USA an estimated $740 billion annually. Research shows that for every dollar invested in an evidence-based prevention program, the costs related to substance use disorders decrease by an average of $18. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, substance abuse costs the country an estimated $740 billion annually.

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Out of the spotlight are the teens and young adults who abuse and may become addicted to these Rx drugs. Start by locking up your meds and properly disposing them when they’re no longer needed. Create a foundation for kids to establish healthy, medicine-taking practices that will last a lifetime. The earlier a person uses drugs or alcohol, the more likely they are to develop an addiction to drugs or alcohol. In fact, NCADD reports that children who use drugs or alcohol before the age of 15 are five times more likely to develop alcohol or drug dependence and addiction issues. RICARES is a grassroots recovery effort located in Providence, Rhode Island that focuses on creating a socially just community for all Rhode Islanders impacted by alcohol and substance use disorders.

drug awareness month

September is Opioids & Stimulants Awareness Month in the Florida Courts … an important time for awareness building, fostering partnerships, and taking action to address issues and impacts of substance use disorders. We will establish clear goals, both general in nature and specific to your needs. We continue to monitor those goals, to make sure that our clients are progressing and buying into their recovery plan. Broaching the subject of drugs and alcohol with a teen during National Substance Abuse Prevention Month can be a difficult task – but it’s worthwhile, and can even be a positive experience if handled carefully. Teens often don’t know as much about alcoholism and drug addiction as you might think, so don’t assume they’ve already heard what you have to say.

Through her own hard-won experience and deep desire to help others, Alexandra became a certified Peer Support Recovery Coach, Life Coach and actively practices principals learned through the recovery process in her daily life. Alexandra is a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend and has learned the value of recovery and succeeding in whatever she sets her mind to. Her innovative approach as Director of Operations gives her clients a safe and compassionate place at The Freedom Center to begin their recovery journey. Drug and alcohol addiction is a serious health condition that can destroy lives. The good news is that recovery from addiction is possible for those who seek help.

A person’s recovery journey can change multiple lives, including the life of their partner and child. Each October, SAFE Project is proud to join more than 80 million Americans taking part in prevention month, as well as national Red Ribbon Week, which occurs each year from October 23-31. In North Carolina, from January 2019 to December 2020, drug overdose deaths increased from 2,000 to 3,000, concurrent with national statistics. While marijuana is the most abused drug in North Carolina, followed by cocaine and heroin, alcohol abuse has been on the rise, with 4,000 alcohol-reported deaths in 2017. They Hear You.”® helps you start talking with your child early about the dangers of alcohol and other drugs. The mobile app shows how to turn everyday situations into opportunities to talk.Screen4Success has just been added to the “Talk.

Suboxone is prescribed to combat opioid use disorder and opioid withdrawal syndrome. Throughout the month of September, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration will be bringing awareness to #RecoveryMonth and promoting its “Young Adults in Recovery — Making Small Choices, Every Day” event. Speakers will share their expression of Recovery, as we celebrate the extraordinary impact Recovery community members, families, friends and community partners have made.

National Substance Use Prevention Month

October was first declared as National Substance Abuse Prevention Month in 2011. Studies show that the earlier an individual starts smoking, drinking or using other drugs, the greater the likelihood of developing addiction. 9 out of 10 people who abuse or are addicted what is a high functioning alcoholic to nicotine, alcohol or other drugs began using these substances before they were 18. People who began using addictive substances before age 15 are nearly 7 times likelier to develop a substance problem than those who delay first use until age 21 or older.

She earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling from Johns Hopkins University with an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland. Judy is a Primary Therapist who provides services to clients with dual-diagnosis disorders and is skilled in providing Trauma-Informed Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Eating Disorders. She has served in both clinical and leadership positions in a number of roles, in inpatient and outpatient settings, as a Primary Therapist and Clinical Supervisor. Vanessa is certified in addictions counseling by Maryland’s Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists, with credentials as a clinical supervisor. She comes to The Freedom Center with over 14 years of direct experience in residential and outpatient treatment between the private and federal sectors. Whether or not a person willingly chooses to use a drug, it’s fair to say that addiction was never the intended outcome.

  • This experience allowed him to learn the inner workings of almost any aspect of a company.
  • When dealing with multi-generational instances of drug abuse, a family-based approach might be more effective.
  • If you’ve chosen to live drug-free, explain why; if you’ve experimented with drugs, share what you learned from the experience.
  • Cheryl is a Clinical Social Worker licensed by the state of Maryland with over 30 years of experience in the field.
  • Throughout that process, he learned the importance of helping others and living by spiritual principles.

The Office of National Drug Control Policy joins President Obama in celebrating National Substance Abuse Prevention Month and encourages prevention efforts this month and all year long to ensure the health of teens and young adults. Click the button below to check out the resources on substance abuse prevention provide by SAMHSA. Inspire Malibu is the premier Non 12 Step, drug, alcohol, and detox treatment center in Malibu California led by our board certified addiction specialists. Our state-of-the-art treatment program combines the latest scientific research with proven, evidence-based therapies to address both alcohol and substance abuse successfully. Inspire Malibu isJoint Commission accreditedand has been designated a Higher Level of Care from the Department of Health Care Services. In addition to the title of Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Kevin is also licensed by the state of Maryland as a Clinical Drug and Alcohol Counselor.

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The campaign serves an ideal launching pad for medicine misuse prevention efforts. Strategic Prevention Framework–Partnerships for Success grant program aims to help reduce the onset and progression of substance misuse and its related problems. Easy access (create and sustain barrier-free access to prevention resources and services).

Hillsides envisions a world in which children and young adults, families, and communities are able to heal, grow, and thrive. My Peer Recovery Specialist immediately helped me to get into a sober house, where I still am today. I am currently six months sober, and he helped me give my life the organization and direction that I needed to start my journey into sobriety. I had tried to enter recovery before, but I had relapsed after a few months.

When you think of making a choice, have you ever given thought to the reasoning behind it? Do you ever think about the choices available to the youth in your life? We invite you to make the choice to use our seven ways to engage in Red Ribbon Week and encourage prevention. A cornerstone of the NMAAM campaign is the Dose of Prevention Challenge, an initiative designed to challenge coalitions to get medicine misuse on the radar screens of parents and others by holding an educational event or activity in their communities. CADCA urges coalitions to help raise awareness about the dangers of prescription and over-the-counter medicine misuse by taking part in NMAAM.

Patients that follow dosage instructions to the letter often find themselves inadvertently hooked. In the case of illicit drug users, they too are often the victim of underestimated dangers. Drugs are often contaminated with other chemicals and substances, with as much as 70% of the nation’s drug supply estimated to have been laced with the hyper-potent and ultra-addictive opioid, fentanyl. Substance abuse prevention is more than telling someone “don’t do drugs”. It’s a complex issue that requires understanding a host of seemingly unrelated factors, and most importantly, doing so with empathy. Regardless of which side you are on , here are the fundamental aspects to consider.

Addressing Perpetration of Intimate Partner Violence in Families Affected by Substance Use

Our Kansas Substance Abuse Prevention Awareness Month campaign will highlight the prevention work being done across Kansas, promote the events happening during the month and share our commitment to safe and healthy communities. Some studies suggest that as many as six in 10 people with substance abuse disorder have a mental illness. This can be particularly challenging because regardless of which came first, both conditions make the other worse. Treatment must address both issues in order for a person to gain a strong foothold in recovery. Individuals, adolescents included, with substance abuse problems can also suffer from a dual diagnosis, which is the presence of a mental health condition, like depression or anxiety, along with addiction.

Formal addiction treatment at a drug rehab center is one of the best ways to help a person overcome a drug habit. The physical and psychological effects of addiction are dealt with simultaneously, helping to encourage lasting behavioral changes while also seeing them safely through side effects. There are different treatment levels for varying severity of addiction, as well as different types of programs to better meet the needs of individual patients. KANSAS PREVENTION CONFERENCE – October 21st– 22ndprovides educational opportunities to increase awareness of emerging trends, build skills and knowledge to prevent suicide, alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse, and advocate for best practices. During the month of October, we are“Connecting Red Ribbons across Kansas”to symbolize our collective commitment to continuing the quest of preventing substance misuse for a stronger Kansas.

James now has the opportunity to do what he loves and help others achieve long-term recovery. James works alongside the clinical director and administrative team to help ensure that every client benefits from a customized treatment plan and holistic approach that offers freedom from the grips of addiction. Suboxone is the brand name for an FDA-approved combination medication containing buprenorphine and naloxone. It works by binding to the same brain receptors as opioids to prevent or reduce cravings for drugs such as heroin, morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl. Summit County Community Partnership is a consortium of community resources committed to preventing substance abuse in Summit County. The courts have an important role to play in fostering solutions, including effective treatment for those battling addiction.

Screen4Success offers self-screening to support youth in understanding their health, wellness, and well-being. Keeping Youth Drug Free – Coming in February 2013 toSAMHSA’s Store– a booklet to inform parents about alcohol allergy & alcohol intolerance how to prevent their children from using illicit drugs. Too Smart to Start– a website dedicated to helping youth, families, educators, and communities prevent underage alcohol use and its related problems.

Throughout his recovery, James has used his personal story to help make a difference in the lives of others. Over the years he grew into becoming an advocate for people in recovery or seeking recovery from substance use disorders. James is a CCAR Recovery Coach and believes in developing meaningful relationships, and providing highly individualized therapy and client care. In 2017, James had the opportunity to combine his business experience and passion for recovery to start The Freedom Center.

In the years since Recovery Month launched, SAMHSA has timed announcements of initiatives and grant funding during Recovery Month, while collaborating with private and public entities to celebrate individuals during their long-term recoveries. This month celebrate those who are making the steps to overcome addiction and live a healthier life. It is never too late to educate yourself about preventing addiction and encouraging a friend or family member to seek treatment. Created in 1985, Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention program. It is an ideal way for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against drugs by showing their commitment to a drug-free lifestyle through the symbol of the Red Ribbon.

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