The Power of Prevention

Understanding Substance Use Prevention

Substance use prevention has come a long way since the infamous "this is your brain on drugs" commercials from the 80's and 90's. Through scientific research, we now understand that delaying the onset of alcohol and drug use takes much more than "just say no" messages and scare tactics.

Substance use prevention is most effective when we begin establishing a groundwork of healthy behaviors and decision-making from early childhood. By using strategies that target individuals, families, organizations, our community, and even state and national policies, we can improve health knowledge, attitudes, skills, and behaviors that effect our overall wellness.

General information about drug and alcohol use is important, but we also need to understand the risk factors that make us more susceptible to substance use/misuse and addiction and the protective factors that we can build in our community to protect our youth and families. We hope that the information provided here can help you gain a better understanding of substance use prevention and tools to help support you. Everyone in our community can play a role in substance use prevention!

General Prevention Resources

Current Youth Substance Use Trends and How to Talk to Your Child About It

Parents, caregivers, mentors, and community members all play a part in substance use prevention. No matter what role you might have in a child's life, there is something you can do to help support the youth in our community. More than understanding drug facts, we can work together to build a community that supports overall behavioral health wellness for the youth and adults in Dearborn County.

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Current Youth Substance Use Trends and How to Talk to Your Child About It

Our coalition is dedicated to supporting evidence-based prevention efforts for our local youth. Find out what our data is telling us about our local youth and what we can all do to support them.

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Prevention Starts with YOU!

Prevention Tips for Every Age

Conversations are one of the most powerful tools we can use to connect with- and protect- our children. When tackling some of life's tougher topics, especially about drugs and alcohol, just figuring out what to say can be a challenge. Here you can find scenarios, scripts, and other helpful tips on how to start those conversations.

Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Building Assets

Prevention Tips for Every Age

The 40 Developmental Assets, created by the Search Institute, provide us with preventative measures, positive experiences, and qualities that our youth need to grow into healthy, caring, and responsible adults.

Developmental Assets

Building Relationships

Prevention Tips for Every Age

Building Relationships

Build Developmental Relationships.

Connect with the youth in your life.

Learn how to set limits and boundaries.

Connecting

Parent Drug Guide

Understanding the Teen Brain, Why Kids Use, and Early Warning Signs

Building Relationships

Becoming educated on the facts about drugs, prevalence of use, and warning signs is the first step in keeping our kids safe. Find a comprehensive guide here.

Parent Drug Guide

Understanding the Teen Brain, Why Kids Use, and Early Warning Signs

Having difficulty understanding the teen in your life? You are not alone... Learn how the teen brain works, understand why kids might start using drugs or alcohol, and learn about the early warning signs of alcohol and drug use.

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Behavioral Health Wellness and More Resources

Understanding the Teen Brain, Why Kids Use, and Early Warning Signs

Using a public health approach, we can help the youth in our community develop overall wellness. Many different organizations are dedicated to this shared mission.

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