Substance Abuse Prevention Month Goes Beyond The Month Of October
The struggle with addiction is year-round. It doesn’t cease or stop being a very real thing for the people going through addiction and their family and friends. Addiction is a disease that millions of people throughout American alone struggle with.
October is nationally recognized as National Substance Abuse Prevention Month. Throughout the United States, varying sponsors and organizations bring awareness about addiction through programs. Not only about substance abuse itself but how to prevent it in the first place.
In particular, this month is dedicated to substance abuse prevention by targeting those who are most vulnerable – youth. It became a nationally recognized month in 2011. And while it has only been an official month for the past decade, the work and efforts of those who make this month possible are not going unnoticed.
When it comes to prevention, though, it is not something that needs to just happen during one month of the year. Every single day, all year round, should be dedicated to preventing substance abuse. Let’s go over what this month is all about.
Substance Use Is Not Just About Drugs
First, this is a common misconception that many people don’t fully realize. Substances include alcohol, over-the counter abuse of medications, non-medical usage of prescription drugs, and illegal drugs.
The first steps to preventing substance abuse is to understand that it involves so much more than just prescription pills. Addiction can rear it’s ugly head over anything.
Addiction Can Happen To Anyone
There is no rhyme or reason to who addiction can affect. While it may affect certain populations or demographics more frequently, it isn’t limited to them. Substance abuse can affect anyone from all walks of life. Part of the stigma surrounding it addiction are thoughts similiar to, “Oh it could never happen to so and so because xyz.”
When discussing prevention, it’s crucial to break these stigmas that it can’t happen. Unfortunately, preventing addiction is hard when these stereotypes of who it affects exist. And it isn’t something that should only happen in the month of October. It’s a never ending effort to prevent it.
Prevention Begins In Local Communities
Yes, it is a nationally recognized month. However, the key to preventing addiction begins in local communnities. From the ground up, educators, local government, parents, and local charity organizations all need to be involved in this process. Prevention should happen at all life stages, but targeting youth, in particular, lays the ground work.
Various research shows that the earlier someone begins to drink, smoke, or use recreational drugs, the more likely they are to develop an addiction later in life.
How To Support The Cause & Show Support
Awareness months come and go throughout the year. But from November on, that doesn’t mean that Substance Abuse Prevention Month should be forgotten about. All year round, it is up to communities to keep the momentum going to ensure that as many youth as possible are aware of the consequences of addiction and how to avoid it.
From a basic level, prevention begins at home. It starts with parents and caregivers who are responsible for children. Privacy in these formative years is important. But that doesn’t mean that there should be a hands-off approach to recognizing the signs & symptoms of addiction.
As adults, it is also important to ensure that the local organizations in your area are supported throughout the year. Consider donating to some to ensure they can keep reaching youth in your community. Times are hard for everyone, but even a small donation can have a big effect.
If you believe that a youth in your life may be starting down the path to substance abuse, let’s connect soon. Preventative measures also include addiction counseling or individual counseling to ensure that their mental health is stabilized and in a clear state of mind.