Most of us have wondered at one time or another how to prevent drug abuse, whether for our friends, our families, or ourselves. Drug abuse can have significant impacts on families and communities. Studies from the late 1990s and early 2000s estimated alcohol, tobacco, and drug costs to the U.S. at more than $500 billion per year and these costs are paid by consumers, businesses, and employers through health care costs, the legal system, law enforcement, and prevention and support programs. There are also several personal consequences of drug abuse, such as disease, theft and violence, unwanted or unplanned sex, incarceration, and more.
Addressing and preventing drug abuse early directly correlates to health, wellness, and better outcomes for communities and individuals. So, here are five ways of preventing drug abuse we should all be aware of and encourage.
Education and Awareness
Providing education about the dangers of drug abuse, particularly to youth, is a great way to raise awareness and prevent drug use. D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) is one program that started in the 1980s. Today, there are others, such as Across Ages and Al’s Pals from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), and more from individual state departments of health and human services and departments of education, which may also include public awareness campaigns. All of these programs and campaigns are designed to help youth make healthy and informed decisions around drug abuse.
Strong Family Connections
Families have great power and ability to prevent drug abuse. Encouraging open communication around drugs and peer pressure can help both kids and adults make good decisions about substance use. If you don’t have kids, you can still impact the young people in your life; in some cases, they might find you easier to talk to than a parent. If you are a parent, modeling positive behavior around substance use has a tremendous impact. Family means many things to many people; for some, “family” means close friendships. Recognize that you can positively influence those closest to you no matter how you define certain relationships. You can be a safe space for vulnerable members of your tribe.
Community Involvement and Support
Not everyone has supportive family and friends or access to school and educational programs. Fortunately, most communities have programs that offer resources for preventing drug abuse or promoting healthy living. If you have the time and ability, consider connecting with peer mentorship as either a mentor or mentee.
Develop Coping Skills and Resilience in Yourself…and Others
So many things in life start with ourselves, and we are all “works in progress.” If you can teach mindfulness, meditation, or have experience with physical activities such as yoga or running, perhaps you could help others learn and practice these techniques and activities to cope with stress. If you haven’t tried them before, see if you can find a place to do them or if you know anyone who does. These activities and many, many more can help manage stress, develop self-esteem, and build resilience so we are better prepared to help others and ourselves avoid drug use.
Intervene Early
Recognizing behaviors and risk factors in ourselves and our loved ones can prevent drug abuse, especially when done early. If you have the capacity, try to be a safe, non-judgmental space for those in your life who may be susceptible to substance use. Professional support can be tremendously helpful for anyone experiencing a substance use disorder, and this could be in the form of counseling, therapy, or support groups.
Southern Sky Recovery Can Help
These five ways of preventing drug abuse are things we can all do in our own communities, because preventing drug abuse is truly a team effort. Our drug rehab is owned by people in long-term recovery, so we get it. And we understand that substance use disorder is a personal experience for every individual. Southern Sky Recovery offers compassionate treatment programs and evidence-based therapy that can be tailored to your unique needs or the unique needs of a loved one. If you have been considering a drug rehab program and are ready to take steps toward the life you deserve, please contact us today to explore how we can help.
