They were stark images: the Grim Reaper and 29 "dead" students - their faces painted white, roaming the halls of Ontario (Ohio) High School. But their message was loud and clear: "drinking and driving kills."

"'The students (with faces painted white) cannot talk to anyone and teachers cannot call on them because they are the students who are now dead because of a drunk driver,' said Veronica Cain, Ontario Schools substance abuse coordinator."

The eerie event marked the beginning of Richland County's Youth Safety Awareness Week, aimed at reminding kids that prom and graduation season is a time for celebration, but also a time for responsibility. Source: Mansfield News Journal

Labels: awareness, education, prevention

For the month of January, the Wellness Connection of Hanover, New Hampshire will focus on educating the community about substance abuse. Several events are planned throughout the month.

"Town Hall Meeting: Substance Abuse in Hanover" will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 15. A panel of experts from the fields of education, medical, mental health and the legal profession, will discuss the aspects of substance abuse. An open forum will be available for those with questions and concerns."

Another forum on January 24th will cover substance abuse trends. All related events are free to the public.

Want to learn more about teen substance abuse? Visit DrugRehabTreatment.com.

Labels: community_programs, education, prevention

With the holiday season upon us, The Science Inside Alcohol Project is suggesting that parents take a new approach when talking to their teens about alcohol abuse. Instead of trying to scare them, try to educate them.

"Provide kids with the scientific evidence behind why drinking alcohol can hurt them. Adolescents believe they are invincible, which is perfectly normal developmentally. So remember to link what you are saying as closely as possible to their personal experiences."

Talk to them about how the body is damaged by alcohol abuse, the effects of drinking at an early age, and other information that's relevant to them. If your teen is an athlete, educate him or her on how alcohol abuse can affect athletic performance.

Labels: alcohol_abuse, binge drinking, education

Luzerne County Community College is hosting the area's first-ever Alcohol and Drug Studies Institute. The Institute courses run for a week and will be attended by over 100 professionals and relatives of substance abusers and addicts.

"[Mike] Donahue said one goal is to develop a curriculum of courses on the subject and to offer college credits that will count toward an associate's degree and that can be transferred to other colleges. Although nothing has been finalized, Donahue hopes the program of study will be available by fall 2008."

Read more at TimesLeader.com.

A report concerning drug use and availability among teens indicates that half of all teenagers during the 2001-02 academic year attended schools at which drugs were present. Read more about how school counselors, teacher training, and treatment for drug-using students can help keep drugs out of schools at www.teen-drug-help.com.

Labels: awareness, education, schools

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence coordinated a "Family Day for Prevention" in Middlesex County, New Jersey. The purpose was to raise awareness, and some additional funds, for the Middlesex County Substance Abuse Coalition.

"The key to drug, alcohol and substance abuse prevention is education, and the first line of defense against it is parenting, [Nina] Nieves said. 'The values that we impart is what they're going to give back to us. If I say "You cannot drink until you're 21, and then drink in moderation," I have to enforce it so they (my children) can learn by example,' Nieves said."

The 2nd annual Family Day included a 5k run, a bike ride, and it raised several hundred dollars for the Middlesex Coalition. Read more at THNT.com.

Parents struggling with troubled teens and drugs can find help at ByParents-ForParents.com. Read The Signs of Drug and Alcohol Abuse in Teenagers to learn more.

Labels: awareness, education, prevention

The play "Tunnels" consists of six vignettes that tell the stories of people who are addicted to alcohol or drugs. Over 700 saw the play, which was used to determine if dramatic arts can effectively educate people about substance abuse, and move them to get involved in prevention activities.

"The after-play survey revealed that the drama met its education objectives and also increased intent to participate in substance abuse prevention activities. Of participants who strongly or somewhat disagreed that drug use is a disease prior to the play, nearly half changed their opinion to somewhat agree and strongly agree after viewing it."

Three months after the play, a follow-up phone survey was conducted, and 81 percent of the respondents reported talking to friends and family about substance abuse. Read more at PsychCentral.com.

Teen with drug or alcohol abuse issues can find the help they need at SunHawk Academy. SunHawk's adolescent residential treatment center helps bring families together.

Labels: dramatic_arts, education, prevention

If you don't have teenage children, or don't spend much time with teenagers, the phrase "420" won't mean much to you. But those who are around teens often know that 420 is a common reference for smoking marijuana, and the day - 4/20 - is unofficially celebrated by high school and college students across the country.

"Rather than celebrating such a 'holiday', educators, law enforcement officers and health advocates want students to bungee and bounce their way to a sober and drug-free life choice at their annual anti-420 event."

The event is held at El Camino High School in Oceanside, California and is intended to create a carnival-like atmosphere were teens can also learn about substance abuse and addiction. Read more at NCTimes.com.

Labels: awareness, education, marijuana