In October, the Samhsa Services Services and Services Services observes the month of youth substance use prevention. The need for prevention has never been greater. Studies show that the previous life that a young man begins to use alcohol or other medicines, the greater the risk of abuse or addiction.1;2
- In 2021, more than 100,000 people in the US died from an overdose of drugs.3
- According to national survey of Samhsa’s 2020 use and health, 8.2 % of adolescents aged 12 to 17 drank alcohol last month, and 13.8 % of adolescents aged 12 to 17 used illegal drugs last year.4
In order for prevention to be effective, we focus on what works. A Guide to Samhsa’s Strategic Prevention Framework (PDF | 3.3 MB) It offers five steps and two guidelines to create integrated solutions. We know, for example, that prevention works best when:
- Faces risk factors and protective factors.
- It operates on levels of person, relationship, community and society.
- Treats social decisive health factors.
- It is adapted to the unique needs of individuals and communities.
- It is culturally capable.
- It is viable.
We also know that early intervention is vital to youth. Every year that substances is delayed while the teenage brain develops, the risks of addiction and abuse of substances are reduced.1;2
A modern prevention system includes four elements (4 e):
- Early action (act early, throughout life and continuity of care).
- Easy access (create and maintain a barrier access to resources and prevention services).
- Effective delivery (provides resources and services that meet local needs and based on data).
- Fair opportunities (develop and support opportunities for everyone to achieve optimal health – regardless of socio -economic, race, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, religion, geographical position, disability and other identities).
Prevention saves money.
- Substance abuse costs hundreds of billions of dollars each year, according to the National Institute for Drug Abuse.5;6
- Prevention is able to dramatically reduce these expenses. The average effective school curriculum will save about $ 18, per $ 1 invested if applied nationally.7
The budget request of President 2023 president requires increased funding for the extension of prevention, treatment, reduction of lesions and supporting restoration, rehabilitation, with targeted investments to support communities not covered by service, as well as reducing supplies.8
This month and this year, connect others with preservation resources based on evidence. Here are only some of the resources available through Samhsa:
- “Talk. They hear you.” ® helps you start talking to your child early on the dangers of alcohol and other drugs. The mobile app shows how to turn daily situations into opportunities to talk.
- Screen4Success It has just been added to “Talk, listen to you” ® Mobile app. Screen4Success offers self-sacrifice to support youth in understanding their health, well-being and prosperity.
- They speak communities It helps you design (or find) a local event to prevent the use of minors.
- Adolescent Tips and Minor consumption: myths vs. events Provide facts, consequences and help break down myths.
- Samhsa’s national assistance line provides referrals to local therapeutic treatments, support groups and resources. It is confidential and free, for individuals or families facing misuse of substances and/or mental health problems. Call 24/7 at 800-662-Help (4357) or TTY: 800-487-4889.
Examples of the most recent Samhsa grant funding include:
Throughout October and all year, let’s celebrate all those who prevention to support better, healthier lives for individuals, families and communities. We are stronger together, using prevention science to save lives.
1Grant Bf, Dawson, Da. National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (1997). Age at the start of alcohol use and its connection to abuse and dependence on DSM-IV alcohol abuse: Results by National Epidemiological Oenology Research. Journal of Abuse, Vol. 9, pp. 103-110.
2Grant Bf, Dawson, Da. National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (1998). Age at the start of drug use and its connection to abuse and dependence on DSM-IV drug abuse: Results by National Epidemiological Research of Long-time Alcohol. Journal of Abuse, Vol. 10, pp. 163-173.
3Disease Control and Prevention Centers, National Center for Health Statistics. National System of Vital Statistics, temporary excessive measurements of drug death. Ahmad FB, Cisewski Ja, Rossen LM, Sutton P. Access to www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/drug-overdose-data.htm On September 19, 2022
4Substances of Mental Health Substances and Services. (2021). Key Indicators of Substance and Mental Health Use in the United States: Results from national research on 2020 use and health (HHS No. Pep21-07-01-003, NSDUH Series H-56). Rockville, MD: Center for Statistics for Behavioral Health and Health Administration, Abuse of Substances and Mental Health Services.
5National Institute for Drug Abuse. (nd). Cost of substance abuse.
6National Institute for Drug Abuse. (January 2018). Is the treatment of drug addiction worth its cost?
7Miller, T. and Hendrie, D. (2008). Dollars and Substance Abuse: Cost-Benefits Analysis (HHS Post No. (SMA) 07-4298). Rockville, MD: Center for Prevention of Substance Abuse, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Management
8The White House. (March 28, 2022). President Biden is calling for increased funding to tackle addiction and excessive dose.
