National Prevention Week is May 14-thru-20

SAMHSA’s (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) sixth annual National Prevention Week is May 14-20, 2017, dedicated to increasing the prevention of substance use and promotion of mental health. The observance brings individuals, organizations, coalitions, states, and communities together through local events to raise awareness about the importance of preventing substance use and mental disorders.

This year’s theme—Making Each Day Count— highlights the important role that individuals and communities alike have in helping people lead healthy, productive lives and in raising awareness about the importance of substance use prevention and promotion of mental health. Near the kickoff of summer, this is an ideal time for communities to come together and rally around prevention.

The percentages of marijuana, cigarette, and alcohol initiation among youth increase between spring (April and May) and summer (June and July), and the timing of National Prevention Week helps to educate young people and their families at this crucial time of year.

Monday, May 15th, is Prevention of Tobacco Use Day.

Tobacco is one of the easiest and most addictive substances for youth to obtain. According to the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, the tobacco industry spends $30 million in convenience stores and gas stations in Montana each year. They use sweet flavors, candy colors, and in-store displays to target Montana kids. 70% of kids visit convenience stores weekly. 500 kids under the age of 18 become will become consistent tobacco users in 2017. It is estimated that 1600 Montanans will die from tobacco related illness in 2017, and 19,000 Montanan citizens currently under the age of 18 will ultimately die prematurely from tobacco related illnesses. $440 million is spent on health care in Montana each year due to smoking. The Montana Tobacco Quit Line is a free service available to all Montanans who would like to quit using smokeless or other tobacco products. Call 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669), or visit the website at http://www.QuitNowMontana.com to enroll.

Tuesday, May 16th, is Prevention of Underage Drinking & Alcohol Misuse Day

Today’s drug of choice for youth is alcohol and a great risk to those who choose to experiment with alcohol. Each year, approximately 5,000 youth under the age of 21 die as a result of underage drinking. About 10% of 12-year-olds say they have tried alcohol, but by age 15, that number jumps to 50%. In 2012, 58.3% of people who tried alcohol for the first time were younger than 18. Between the ages of 9 and 13, children start to view alcohol more positively. Many children begin to think underage drinking is OK. Some even start to experiment. Studies have shown that more than 80% of children say parents are the leading influence in their decision to drink or not. Parents may have questions how to approach their teens about underage drinking. The Let’s Face It Campaign is a great source for parents for information and to connect with others with the same goal. Go to http://www.letsfaceitmt.com.

Wednesday, May 17th, is Prevention of Opioid & Prescription Drug Misuse

Due to the fact that prescription drugs, when used as prescribed can improve one’s health, many youth believe they are a safe way to get high. Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) indicate that about 15 million people aged 12 or older used prescription drugs non-medically in the past year, and 6.5 million did so in the past month. This issue is a growing national problem in the United States. Prescription drugs are misused and abused more often than any other drug, except marijuana and alcohol. This growth is fueled by misconceptions about prescription drug safety, and increasing availability. Secure or lock medications up and educate your child on the dangers, set clear rules and monitor their behavior. Old, unused medications can be disposed of in the drop box at the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office

Thursday, May 18th, is Prevention of Illicit Drug Use & Youth Marijuana Use

According to the Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States for the population overall and for youths in particular. According to research health risks associated with youth marijuana use, including poorer education/employment outcomes, poorer cognitive outcomes, increased likelihood of vehicle crashes, and increased addiction risk. The short-term effects of marijuana include problems with memory and learning, distorted perception, difficulty in thinking and problem-solving, and loss of coordination. Among youth, heavy cannabis use is associated with cognitive problems and increased risk of mental illness. Although the laws regarding marijuana use have changed in a number of states over the past decade, marijuana use remains illegal under federal laws in all states

Friday, May 19th, is Prevention of Suicide

Nearly 40,000 people in the United States die from suicide annually, or 1 person every 13 minutes. This exceeds the rate of death from homicide and AIDS combined. More people die by suicide than from automobile accidents. Suicide is a serious public health problem that causes immeasurable pain, suffering, and loss to individuals, families, and communities nationwide. The causes of suicide are complex and determined by multiple combinations of factors, such as mental illness, substance abuse, painful losses, exposure to violence, and social isolation. Prevention efforts address individual, relationship, community, and societal factors while promoting hope, easing access into effective treatment, encouraging connectedness, and supporting recovery. If you or someone you know National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (link is external) 1-800-273-TALK (8255)1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Saturday, May 20th, is Promotion of Mental Health & Wellness

SAMHSA’s Wellness Initiative raises awareness of health disparities among people with serious mental and/or substance use disorders and the general population. Research indicates alarming health disparities between people with serious mental and/or substance use disorders and the general population. Many people who have experienced these disorders can achieve a full and satisfying life in the community, especially when they can access effective services and support systems. The Wellness Initiative encourages people to improve their mental and physical health through positive lifestyle changes.