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March is National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week

 


                

                                    

                                 Understanding Youth Substance Use and Prevention

March marks National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, a crucial time dedicated to raising awareness about substance use and alcohol consumption, particularly among youth. Adolescence and young adulthood are critical periods of exploration, which often extend to experimenting with substances and alcohol. Understanding the connection between youth substance use and alcohol dietary habits is essential for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies.

As this article is being written, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are considering revising the five-year Dietary Guidelines related to alcohol consumption. The reality remains stark—alcohol continues to claim the lives of youth and innocent citizens alike.

Alcohol Facts: The Hard Truth

  • Prevalence: In 2023, an estimated 28.9 million Americans aged 12 and older struggled with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), which equates to about 10.2% of the population.
  • Underage Drinking: Approximately 10.5% of U.S. children (about 75 million) live with a parent battling AUD.
  • Health Impact: Alcohol is the 5th-leading cause of preventable death in the United States, with around 88,000 deaths annually attributed to alcohol-related causes.
  • Economic Burden: The misuse of alcohol places a massive financial strain on the U.S. economy, costing billions of dollars annually in healthcare, lost productivity, and other expenses.

The Ripple Effect on Families

“As we have come to realize over the years, not only does the abuse of alcohol affect our children directly, but it also impacts their lives through the absence of parents. Alcohol leads to neglect, forcing parents to be absent both cognitively and physically. Consequently, children suffer and adopt learned behaviors, perpetuating alcohol use as a coping mechanism. Without a responsible parent or concerned citizen in their lives, we are failing our children.”
— Bonnie Taylor, MSSW, LCSW Mental Health Therapist

Drug Facts: Understanding the Scope

  • Substance Use Disorders: According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 48.5 million Americans (16.7%) aged 12 and older battled a substance use disorder in the past year.
  • Opioid Misuse: Approximately 10.3 million people aged 12 or older reportedly misused opioids, with most cases involving prescription pain relievers.
  • Co-occurring Disorders: About 20.4 million American adults (7.9%) suffered from both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder in the past year.
  • Teenage Risk: Teenagers and individuals with mental health disorders are at an increased risk of drug use and addiction.

The Mental Health Connection

“It is a known fact among mental health therapists that people, both diagnosed and undiagnosed with mental health disorders, often turn to self-medication using street drugs. Imagine being undiagnosed and suddenly hearing voices—this isn’t a subject most young people are comfortable discussing with friends.

Or consider a scenario where anxiety and stress are overwhelming, and the popular belief among peers is that ‘a little weed can help calm you down.’ Unfortunately, what starts as casual use can spiral into dependency, pushing individuals toward stronger substances. Even more alarming is the danger of mixing prescription medications with illicit drugs, which can lead to severe consequences, including hospitalization.”
— Bonnie Taylor, MSSW, LCSW Mental Health Therapist

Prevention and Intervention: What Can Be Done?

1. Engage With Young People

  • Listen to them—even when they appear resistant, showing genuine concern can make a difference.
  • Encourage open and nonjudgmental conversations about drug and alcohol use.

2. Provide Education and Resources

  • Access trusted information and support from organizations such as SAMHSA.gov.
  • Educate both youth and adults on the dangers of substance use and the warning signs of addiction.

3. Advocate for Responsible Policies

  • Stay informed on legislative changes, such as the potential revisions to alcohol dietary guidelines.
  • Support community initiatives and school programs that promote substance-free lifestyles.

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week serves as an important reminder of the impact of substance use on youth, families, and communities. By raising awareness, engaging in meaningful discussions, and taking proactive steps toward prevention, we can empower young people to make healthier choices and create a future free from the harms of addiction.

For more information, visit SAMHSA.gov or contact STYC for substance prevention or Seven Counties Services for mental health support.

 Contributor’s Note:  Bonnie Taylor, MSW, LCSW, is a dedicated Mental Health Therapist based in Louisville, KY, specializing in trauma care for both youth and adults. With a deep commitment to community well-being, she has collaborated with STYC for the past two years, offering her expertise and support wherever needed.


Honoring Luther Brown

Luther Brown was a dedicated member of the Shawnee Transformation Youth Coalition, serving as both co-chairperson and later Chairperson of the executive board. His unwavering passion for gun violence prevention was evident in the countless trainings he led throughout the community on Stop the Bleed, and gun safety. As a trained facilitator of Too Good for Drugs and Violence, Luther played a vital role in educating and empowering others.

His presence at board and coalition meetings was constant—always a smiling face, always engaged. He deeply believed in the mission of STYC and was especially committed to seeing the Youth Advocates thrive. In recognition of his impact, the conference room where STYC meets now bears his name, and the Real Action Video Contests stand as the highest award of excellence in his honor.

Luther was also a fierce advocate for policy change, using his voice to speak with national partners and legislators during his time at CADCA conferences. His legacy of advocacy and collaboration lives on. Just this past weekend, STYC youth stood at the state capitol, speaking with legislators—continuing the very work Luther championed.

The community is deeply grateful for Luther Brown’s contributions to the coalition. His passion, leadership, and dedication will never be forgotten. Most importantly, the work continues.

                                                                  August 1959 - April 2021




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