National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week Offers Opportunity for Dialogue

Op-ed:
Linda D. Adair, Alcohol and Drug Prevention Specialist, Caroline County Health Department

Help teens shatter the myths about drugs and drug use

About a third of high school seniors across the country report using an illegal drug sometime in the past year, and more than 10 percent report non-medical use of a narcotic painkiller, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Here in Caroline County, more than 5 percent of our high school seniors have tried heroin, according to the latest Youth Risk Behavior Survey.

Drugs can put a teenager’s health and life in jeopardy, but many teens are not aware of the risks. Today’s popular culture is filled with inaccurate information about drugs. Without a reliable source of information, teens often turn to the Internet, TV or friends and often get misinformation. And when it comes to drugs and drug use, misinformation can have serious consequences.

We at the Caroline County Health Department Prevention Office think it’s time to ‘Shatter the Myths.’ With science-based information on drugs and their impact on the body, teenagers can make well-informed decisions before engaging in risky behavior.

January 22 through 27, 2019 marks National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week, which is a time for teens to shatter myths about drugs and drug use. This national observance encourages community-based events between teens and experts to address questions and concerns.

For information, resources, interactive activities and more, visit www.teens.drugabuse.gov. For local prevention resources, contact Linda Adair, Alcohol and Drug Prevention Specialist with the Caroline County Health Department, at 410-479-3800 ext. 1021.

###

The Caroline County Behavioral Health Prevention Office helps community groups, agencies and people with programs and activities that deter the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs. Resources includes speakers, Narcan trainings and other information. For more information call 410-479-3800, ext. 1021.