Substance Abuse Resources
PREVENTION & INTERVENTION
For the first time since 2002, substance use is on the rise in the United States. Possible reasons for the percentage increase are discussions about legalization of illicit substances, pro-drug messages in the media, easy access to substances, and other misinformation.
The nature of the community in which youth live – and their relationship to this community – can have a profound effect on whether they become involved in substance abuse and violence. Prevention activities carried out in communities can help ensure that the community is a positive influence that helps adolescents and young adults resist pressures toward risky behaviors. Consistent enforcement and reinforcement are needed to enhance the effectiveness of community policies on substance abuse. Communities must have an understanding of a problem if they are to accept and support efforts directed at that problem.
The community must address young people's perceptions about the pervasiveness of substance abuse by providing messages that correct misconceptions about the prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse among peers. Students are more likely to drink alcohol if they believe most of their peers drink and more likely to refrain from drinking if they believe most of their peers choose to not drink.
Parents, what can you do to reduce underage drinking and other drug use?
• Talk Early and Often – It’s never too early to talk to your child about the dangers of underage drinking. Make time for conversations about this issue.
• Get Involved – Talk with your child about their activities and interests. Keep your child involved in positive activities and show them that you care about reducing risky behaviors.
• Be a Role Model – Think about what you say and how you act in front of your child. Show them what is appropriate and acceptable in your family. Teach your child to choose friends wisely. Youth whose friends don’t use alcohol, tobacco or other drugs are less likely to engage in risky behaviors.
• Monitor Your Child’s Activities – Trust but verify the information your child is telling you. Know where your child is and get to know friends and friends’ parents.
• Set Clear Rules – Tell your child what your household rules are and what behavior you expect. Be consistent and be specific. Don’t assume they know what you are thinking.
AWARENESS, EDUCATION & PREVENTION
Underage drinking and other drug use cannot be successfully addressed by focusing on youth alone. Youth obtain alcohol and other drugs– either directly or indirectly – from adults. Therefore, efforts to prevent substance use must focus on adults as well as youth, and must engage society as a whole. Additional efforts on the part of schools, families, other adults and the community at large will be necessary to reduce the use of alcohol by youth.
Schools – Monitor substance abuse and risk and protective factors among students. Engage in school improvement efforts, and develop and enforce strict “no use” policies for all students. Participate in the Kansas Communities that Care Survey to obtain data that can be used for school improvement efforts.
Parents – Educate yourselves and talk to your child about underage drinking – The more parents talk with their youth about underage drinking, the less likely they will become harmfully involved. Unfortunately, less than half of Kansas’s students (46.9%) report they have talked to their parents about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs in the past year.
Adults - Reduce access and do not provide alcohol to youth–Nearly 22.4% of Kansas students report alcohol is “very easy” to get. Nationally, 65% of youth report that they get their alcohol from friends and family. Get involved in a local coalition to reduce underage drinking, financially support local efforts and advocate for funding for effective substance abuse prevention programs, practices and policies.
Government Funded Programs – Screen for substance use disorders and offer effective interventions to every person entering a government funded health service, criminal justice or social welfare setting. Screening, brief interventions and referral to treatment (SBIRT) reduce the long-term costs of addiction and have shown reductions in hospitalizations.
Community Involvement – Our words and our actions define what is acceptable and what is not acceptable to our youth. Educating all sectors of the community (business, community agencies, community coalitions, faith community, health agencies, law enforcement, media, parents, schools and youth) about the impact of underage drinking and building local support for effective programs, aggressive enforcement, and prosecution of underage drinking laws will reduce underage drinking and create healthier communities.
Support Enforcement - State and localities should implement enforcement programs to deter adults from purchasing alcohol for minors such as the routine compliance checks or other prevention programs targeting adults who purchase alcohol for minors; as well as high visibility enforcement of laws against selling by retailers and furnishing or hosting by other adults.
For more information about any of the provided resources, please contact Mirror, Inc. Prevention and Wellness Services at (316) 283-6743.
RESOURCES
Underage Drinking
The It Matters website and related educational campaigns are sponsored by Kansas Behavioral Health Services, which helps communities understand the extent and cause of substance abuse problems and take action to reduce and prevent them. Trained professionals help communities select proven prevention strategies and seek resources.
The young teens place for information on alcohol and resisting peer pressure. The Cool Spot offers facts on alcohol and the dangers of underage alcohol use as well as ways to identify and avoid peer pressure.
Report Underage Drinking (Anonymous)
1-866-MUST-B-21 (687-8221)
24-hour toll-free tip line. You will be prompted to enter a number corresponding to your state (#1 for Kansas) and will be connected to a dispatcher. The Kansas Highway Patrol operator will transfer you to the appropriate local law enforcement agency.
Call if you know about a party or other gathering involving underage drinkers, ideally before it occurs or if you suspect underage drinking in your neighborhood: at a house party, at a park, in a field—anywhere.
Drug Use
National Institute on Drug Abuse
NIDA’s mission is to lead the nation in bringing the power of science to bear on drug abuse and addiction. This charge has two critical components. The first is the strategic support and conduct of research across a broad range of disciplines. The second is ensuring the rapid and effective dissemination and use of the results of that research to significantly improve prevention and treatment and to inform policy as it relates to drug abuse and addiction.
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
TTY: 1-800-487-4889
Also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service, this Helpline provides 24-hour free and confidential treatment referral and information about mental and/or substance use disorders, prevention, and recovery in English and Spanish.
Partnership for Drug Free Kids
Working to reduce teen substance abuse and support families impacted by addiction. Families can find information they need to understand the ever-changing environment, which now includes prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications.
Founded as part of the national youth anti-drug media campaign, Above the Influence is now associated with the Partnership for Drug Free Kids. It is inspired by what teens have stated about their lives, and how they deal with the influences that shape their decisions. The goal is to help teens stand up to negative pressures so that they’re prepared to face them.
Treatment & Referral Options
Mirror Integrated Health
130 E. 5th; Newton, KS
(316) 283-6743
In pursuit of our mission statement, Mirror, Inc. offers a comprehensive array of programming to individuals, communities and government entities in multiple locations, for those seeking assistance with drug abuse, drug addiction and problem gambling. Our prevention center targets community organizations and groups to deliver trainings, consultations and guidance in the development of strategies to strengthen families and the communities in which they live. Locally, we offer many options including the Alcohol Drug Information School for those charged with violations of Kansas laws, and an early intervention program called Teen Intervene.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Association
Find a direct link to addiction treatment services. This link can also be found on the drugabuse.gov site.
Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator
Find alcohol and drug abuse treatment or mental health treatment facilities and programs around the country with this resource.
Buprenorphine Physician & Treatment Program Locator
Find information on locating physicians and treatment programs authorized to treat opioids, such as heroin or prescription pain relievers.
Opioid Treatment Program Directory
Find treatment programs in your state that treat addiction and dependence on opioids, such as heroin or prescription pain relievers.
Other Preventative Resources
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
TTY: 1-800-799-4889
24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Your call is routed to the nearest crisis center in the national network of more than 150 crisis centers.
1-800-985-5990
TTY: 1-800-846-8517
Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions after any natural or human-caused disaster. Call this toll-free number to be connected to the nearest crisis center for information, support, and counseling.
1-800-273-8255
TTY: 1-800-799-4889
Connects veterans in crisis (and their families and friends) with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential, toll-free hotline, online chat, or text.
1-800-206-7231
Kansas-based organization that promotes positive youth behaviors by supporting diverse families and communities through education, networking and advocacy.