October is Prevention Month: Time to Mobilize to Protect Our Young People from Substance Misuse

As we recognize October as National Youth Substance Use Prevention Month, it’s more important than ever to raise awareness about the dangers of substance misuse and empower families to protect young people from these risks. With a growing number of illegal online pharmacies selling counterfeit pills made with fentanyl and methamphetamine, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has issued a Public Safety Alert warning to families across the country.

The full Public Safety Alert can be found at DEA Issues Warning About Illegal Online Pharmacies | DEA.gov.

The danger presented by these phony online pharmacies is especially alarming because many unsuspecting individuals believe they are purchasing legitimate medications, such as oxycodone, Adderall, and Xanax, but these counterfeit drugs are incredibly dangerous.

It’s not enough to be aware—it’s time to act. Here’s how to do both.

• Help spread the word on the One Pill Can Kill initiative
• Support Red Ribbon Week October, 23^rd – 31^st
• Participate in Prescription Drug Take Back efforts in your community. If you’re not able to physically get to a Drug Take Back site in your community, you can contact The Governor’s Prevention Partnership to request a Deterra home drug deactivation kit to safely discard unused or expired medications. Make your request while supplies last for your free kit and ensure medications are properly and safely disposed of.
• For resources on keeping young people safe and preventing substance misuse, check out Change the Script, a Connecticut campaign led by The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services that is aimed at equipping communities with the tools to fight opioid addiction.

Key Prevention Tips for Families:

Preventing substance misuse isn’t easy, but even the smallest steps can yield the biggest returns. Prevention Starts with You—and you practice prevention every day.

• Start conversations early – Talk to young people about the risks of substance misuse. Use age-appropriate language and listen carefully to their questions and concerns. SAMHSA’s Talk They Hear You campaign provides excellent tips on how to start these conversations.
• Monitor medications – Securely store any prescription medications in your home and properly dispose of unused or expired medicines to keep them out of reach.
• Raise awareness about fentanyl – Explain the dangers of fentanyl, especially when found in counterfeit pills. Let young people know that just one pill can be deadly.
• Promote healthy alternatives – Encourage pro-social activities and healthy outlets for stress and anxiety, like sports, hobbies and creative activities, to reduce the temptation to experiment with drugs.
• Stay involved – Make sure to stay involved in your young person’s life, build trust and maintain an open line of communication. Having caring adults, parents, mentors, coaches, difference makers, aunts and uncles around is one of the most effective ways to prevent risky behavior.

You don’t have to do everything—start with one thing and grow from there. We encourage you to explore The Partnership’s Prevention Starts With You guide for more information on opioid and prescription drug safety.

Finally, a key protective factor in preventing substance misuse is mentoring.  We need caring adults across the state to step up and become mentors for young people. By being there for a young person for just four hours a month for one year, you can Guide, Listen and Inspire.

Young people who meet regularly with their mentor are 46% less likely to start using drugs than their peers and 27% less likely to start drinking. Your time and support can make a lasting impact on a young person’s life.

Victor a mentor at Bunnell High School in Stratford put it this way, “I’m able to watch them be fearless.  I’m able to witness them achieving things they never achieved before.” Sign up to become a mentor today with one of our registered, quality-based mentoring programs in your community, or join one of our Mentor Information sessions for answers to your questions as you consider being the presence young people need.

Together, we can create a brighter future for our youth. Prevention Starts with You!