|
 North Carolina
Proactively Fights
Substance Abuse
Substance
abuse among youth is a problem everywhere and North Carolina is
no exception. Whether it’s prescription drugs, over the counter
medications, tobacco or alcohol, young people live in a culture
that presents ever-present dangers. According to the
Office of
National Drug Control Policy, around 30% of high
school students surveyed in North Carolina in 2003, had been
offered, sold, or given an illegal drug on school property.
The good news is that North Carolina is on the forefront of
youth substance abuse intervention.
Why Our Youth Abuse
Substances
Prevention
programs seek to address reasons behind youth substance abuse.
The Partnership for a Drug-Free America® (PDFA) lists two –
recreation and self-medication. Seeking recreation, teens may
experiment just to get high, says PDFA. “Restless, bored or
risk-taking teens may smoke a joint or have a few drinks simply
to fill their time.” Another reason – “fitting in,” says the
National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign (www.theAntiDrug.com).
“Kids often believe that more kids are doing drugs than is
actually the case. That sometimes means they will try drugs in
an attempt to fit in.” A circle of kids who allow drugs to
define their existence “spend increasing amounts of time seeking
ways to get high,” says PDFA (www.drugfree.org).
Self-medication is the second major reason that young people
abuse substances. Drugs may seem like an antidote to problems
like bad test results or loosing a game. Pressures to fit in,
unhappy feelings or loneliness and uncomfortable situations may
lead some teens to abuse substances. Research indicates that as
many as half of all youth involved with substance abuse are
affected by mental health problems that need professional
attention.
As Partnership
for a Drug-Free NC’s media campaign points out, one of the first
lines of defense against substance abuse is the parent – “the
anti-drug.” Spending time with kids, keeping communication lines
open, being aware of their friends and their activities and
building relationships, all foster an environment that helps
prevent substance abuse. NC Parent Network works throughout the
state to help parents. See the article
by Phil Mooring to
learn more.
NC Programs at Work
Early
intervention takes many forms. Risk-taking, sometimes noted as a
factor for youths who abuse substances, is encouraged by one
Coastal Horizons program in Wilmington. But this is healthy
risk-taking. An outdoor adventure program incorporating a rope
climbing course, a giant swing and kayaking provide excitement
that is positive and character building. It helps youth to build
confidence and the ability to say no to harmful substances.
One of the
aspects of Unlimited Success in Stokes County is an after-school
program. Prevention literature says that the most important time
to monitor students is between 3 and 6 p.m. “Kids are at the
greatest risk for abusing drugs during these hours,” says PDFA.
The program has school curriculum offerings for students as
young as second grade.
Prevention
means it’s never too soon to start talking about the negative
effects of substance abuse. Third and fourth graders in the
several NC communities have taken part in a program called “I’m
Special.” It is offered in schools, community groups and
churches. The aim is to build a strong sense of self and
strengthen life skills such as cooperation, decision making and
coping. Students are educated about healthy choices, teamwork,
communication, self-concept and the expression of feelings.
At STAND Camp,
(Students Taking Actions Not Drugs!) a four-day residential
leadership camp for middle school students developed by the
Chemical Dependency Center (CDC, see
www.chemdepctr.com) of Charlotte Mecklenburg, students learn
to work in groups or “families.” Activities, education and
exercises help youth practice leadership and teamwork. Each
group puts on a skit during graduation day demonstrating what
they have learned.
Other
prevention programs include TeenFest, which showcases a take-off
on the hit TV show, “American Idol” held at NC Central
University in Durham. Teens compete for cash prizes as they put
together songs and skits and dances for their peers that
encourage self-esteem and present anti-substance
abuse/anti-violence messages (April 1), see
www.governorsinstitute.org). For youth 6 through 18, healthy
fun with family and friends at Emerald Pointe Water Park in
Greensboro is the goal of Drug-Free Day (August 20). Essay
writers who make a drug-free pledge receive free admission to
the park for one day. Several essay winners receive season
passes.
The Next
Step
Editor: Leanne
Murray
Writer: Rose Walsh
Designer: Virginia Hart
Partnership for a Drug-Free
NC
665 W. Fourth Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
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