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Substance Abuse Prevention Month
Spread the word and get involved
October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month. The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) have joined forces with parents, youth, schools, businesses, and community leaders to raise awareness about the consequences of underage drinking. More than 9 million 12- to 20-year-olds use alcohol, risking serious threats to their overall health, academic performance, and future.
What can parents do?
Parents must remember that prevention programs are most effective during key transition periods when youth are most at risk. Deliver a message that is consistent and clear:
- Educate yourself about illicit drugs using online webinars.
- Foster open communication with your family members.
- Initiate a family conversation.
Use these resources to help you talk with your teen about substance abuse prevention:
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Technology, Teen Dating Violence and Abuse, and Bullying
Study Confirms that LGBT Teens Are at Higher Risk of Being Victims of Dating Violence
A new study on teen dating violence has found that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender teenagers are at much greater risk of dating abuse than their heterosexual counterparts. Transgender teens are especially vulnerable.
Analyzing data from their larger study, "Technology, Teen Dating Violence and Abuse, and Bullying," researchers at the Urban Institute provide one of the first examinations of dating violence and abuse through the distinct lens of sexual orientation and gender identity. Of the 3,745 youth in 7th to 12th grades, in New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey surveyed in the study, six percent identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. Of the LGBT respondents:
- 43% reported being victims of physical dating violence, compared to 29% of heterosexual youth.
- 59% reported emotional abuse, compared to 46% of heterosexual youth.
- 37% reported digital abuse and harassment (use of digital technologies), compared to 26% of heterosexual youth.
- 23% reported sexual coercion, compared to 12% of heterosexual youth.
Read the complete study "Technology, Teen Dating Violence and Abuse, and Bullying."
Looking for more information or ways to help? There are many powerful resources available to help prevent bullying and support LGBT youth, including SADD's Bullying. Not Cool. Bullying Prevention Resource Kit.
Other resources:
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Let's Talk About Sex:
How to Approach your Teen about the Topic
 In the Fall 2013 issue of Life with Teens magazine, Stephen Wallace, senior advisor for policy, research and education at SADD, and a regular contributor to several health and wellness publications, addresses the importance of parents talking with their teen about sex.
Despite awkward feelings both parents and teens may have about this conversation, your involvement matters more than you think!
According to research from Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), more than half of teens whose parents provide a strong level of guidance on the topic say they avoid sexual activity (52 percent), compared with those whose parents don't (27 percent).
Click here to read the full article and for conversation starters that you may try with your teen.
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The Secrets of Happy Families: Improve Your Mornings, Rethink Family Dinner, Fight Smarter, Go Out and Play, and Much More
New Book Provides Resources for Parents
 In The Secrets of Happy Families, New York Times bestselling author Bruce Feiler offers a new approach to family dynamics, citing techniques gathered from experts in the disciplines of science, business, sports, and the military.
To learn more about the author and where you can buy the book, click here. |
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TalkSooner App
Conversation starters and icebreakers
TalkSooner aims to make it easy for parents to talk early and often with their teen s about the dangers of drug use. The TalkSooner app is a
resource for parents and adults to helping them navigate the challenges their youth face.
With TalkSooner parents can:
- Get conversation starters to break the ice and begin meaning discussions.
- Learn the latest information on emerging drugs, insights into youth culture, effects of drug culture, and more!
- Know how to spot signs and symptoms of drug use.
Click on the icon for more information.
The TalkSooner app is a tool of TalkSooner.org, a collaborative of West Michgan counties. This app is helpful for people everywhere, but, some data & statistics will be specific to West Michigan. |
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Decades of Change
Highlights from the 2013 SADD National Conference
More than 400 youth role models and their adult advisors from around the U.S. attended the SADD National Conference, June 22-25, in Orlando, Florida. SADD's 28th annual
conference empowered young people to lead initiatives in their schools and communities that will encourage prevention education and create a positive effect on the lives of their peers.
Click here for conference highlights and check back often for details on the 2014 SADD National Conference, "Life is a Jungle: Join the Expedition," June 22-25, 2014 in Washington D.C. We don't want your teen to miss out!!
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