Substance Abuse Prevention Conference 2019

Summary

In Utah, suicide and substance abuse are alarmingly prevalent among youths, with rates exceeding national averages. The Hope Squad addresses this crisis, sharing personal stories to raise awareness. The script highlights the vulnerability of developing teenage brains to impulsive decisions and addiction, emphasizing the role of dopamine. It underscores the need for community-wide efforts, including education on the dangers of substances like marijuana and vaping, which are increasingly normalized among youth. The script calls for involvement from teachers, counselors, and parents to recognize warning signs and support youth, illustrating the urgency of the issue with statistics and personal accounts.

Takeaways

• 📊 Suicide is the leading cause of death among Utah kids aged 10 to 17, with rates higher than the national average.
• 🌱 The Hope Squad shares personal stories to raise awareness about the impact of substance abuse on youth.
• 💊 The teenage brain's development makes it susceptible to impulsive decisions and addiction, influenced by dopamine and the reward system.
• 🚫 The Washington County Youth Coalition educates about the consequences of substance use, particularly marijuana, which is often viewed as harmless by youth.
• 🌿 Vaping is prevalent among youth, with flavored nicotine products being particularly attractive and harmful.
• 🏫 Probation officers observe that vaping is an everyday occurrence in schools, with students easily sharing devices.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parents need to be involved in addressing substance abuse, setting clear rules against drinking and educating children about the dangers.
• 🔐 Safety tips include keeping medicine cabinets locked and educating children about the risks of substance abuse at a young age.
• 🏥 Health officials are working to educate communities and collect pills to prevent misuse, with significant amounts collected in short periods.
• 🗣️ Personal stories and experiences shared by youth are crucial for counselors and community members to understand the reality and scale of the substance abuse issue.

Q & A

What is the leading cause of death among Utah kids aged 10 to 17?

Suicide is the leading cause of death among Utah kids aged 10 to 17.

How does the rate of suicide among Utah kids compare to the national rate?

The rate of suicide among Utah kids is consistently higher than the national rate.

What is the Hope Squad and what do they discuss with teachers, counselors, and community members?

The Hope Squad is an organization that opens up discussions to teachers, counselors, and other community members about stories that have affected them personally, particularly regarding substance use and mental health among youth.

Why are teens and adolescents particularly susceptible to addiction?

Teens and adolescents are susceptible to addiction because their brains are still developing, which makes them more prone to making impulsive decisions and seeking the sensational high from substances.

What role does dopamine play in the teenage brain's susceptibility to addiction?

Dopamine is a major issue in the teenage brain due to its involvement in the reward system, which can make teens more likely to engage in addictive behaviors.

What is the most common substance being used among youth according to the Washington County Youth Coalition?

The most common substance being used among youth, as noted by the Washington County Youth Coalition, is marijuana.

Why do many kids have a relaxed attitude towards marijuana use?

Many kids have a relaxed attitude towards marijuana use because they do not view it as having many negative consequences, or if there are consequences, they believe they can handle them later.

What is the significance of vaping among youth and why is it concerning?

Vaping is significant among youth because it is an everyday action, even in schools, and is highly attractive due to flavors. It is concerning because many who vape are not aware of the underlying harmful effects of flavored liquid nicotine products.

What is the role of probation officers in addressing youth substance use?

Probation officers are learning from youth about their substance use habits, particularly vaping, and are involved in educating and referring them to tobacco cessation classes.

How are the Hope Squad and community members trying to raise awareness about the epidemic of substance use among youth?

The Hope Squad and community members are sharing personal experiences and statistics to raise awareness about the epidemic of substance use among youth, emphasizing the need for involvement from teachers, counselors, and parents.

What practical steps are suggested to prevent youth from accessing harmful substances?

Practical steps suggested include setting clear no alcohol rules, keeping medicine cabinets locked, and educating children at a young age about the dangers of substance use.