There is a ton of research that points to youth using drugs for reasons outside of "peer pressure." Often that research points to the way youth think: about themselves, about their authority figures, and about substances. In the DEA's "Get Smart about Drugs" program, a few of the listed risk factors for drug use are:
I remember being a teen. I remember having this perception that life was NOT GOOD when it was not PERFECT. That NO ONE could understand my negative emotions that I was feeling or if someone could, I wouldn't be the one to weigh them down with my issues. In retrospect I realize that often during adversity, I felt ALONE. Even with a caring family and supportive friends, my internal struggles were just that- MINE and kept INSIDE. Consequently, leading me to turn to external sources for temporary "relief." What am I saying here? Well, one thing for sure, is that we as as preventionists, as parents, as community leaders, as positive peers- have to impact the way our youth think! In reading an excellent book, "The Resilience Breakthrough," by Christian Moore, I came across an awesome quote by Dr. Theodore Rubin. Dr. Rubin said something profound that I would identify as necessary to address, "The problem is not that there are problems. The problem is expecting otherwise, and thinking that having problems is a problem." Working in the field of prevention I have learned that often times those who turn to these temporary and harmful forms of "relief" often do so as a method to get rid of their problems. To run from adversity as if it won't follow. Is it possible that we think it's a problem to have problems. Enough chat and anecdotes, here are some strategies I suggest for altering our thinking process and that of our youth: 1. Create a habit of being vulnerable, compassionate and empowering- Remember that we are all human and have struggled with SOMETHING in our life. Talk about those struggles, talk about how you have overcome and how you continue to do so as similar circumstances arise. Discuss how your struggle eventually developed your strengths. Resource: Here's a community for those who have quit or who want to quit smoking where. Amazing blogs and resources https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/ 2. Educate- Inform your youth about the truths of drugs, alcohol, unsafe sexual practices, etc. Let them know consequences. Be raw, be honest and if helpful share how you know about these dangers of these temporary sources of satisfaction. Leading me to my next point Resource: Here's a website with some facts about tobacco products, including JUULs. Knowledge is power, right?! https://therealcost.betobaccofree.hhs.gov/?g=t 3. Build from within and develop healthy coping skills- These "sources of satisfaction" that I keep referring to are external and thus, temporary. Developing healthy habits, building resilience, a sense of self worth, belongingness, and an understanding that having problems is not a problem, will go much further than these external ever could. Resource: Here's a website with several free activities and tips on building resilience for adults, teens and kids https://positivepsychologyprogram.com/resilience-activities-worksheets/
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Someone once said, "Don't wait until you get sick before you start paying attention to your health." I must say, we at SEOC agree! PREVENTION is critical to LIFE itself. This past weekend at Ferndale High School's Diabetes Awareness Exhibition Game, we partnered with the ACHC's Integrative Wellness Program, run by Diane Dovico. Prior to the start of the game, a Nurse Practitioner from St. John shared information about Diabetes. She informed around 300 listeners that though Type 2 Diabetes accounts for 90-95% of all diabetes cases, Type 2 Diabetes is PREVENTABLE. Yet millions are dying from this disease each year. WHOA. We understand that most times people wait until they get the disease before they start living differently, and that's if they ever do. But why wait? The coalition gets the privilege of educating not only adults of wellness practices, but youth too! It's important that they know as early as possible that they can make good lifestyle choices. We know that health is more than intervention once damage has been done. Consequently, SEOC and Integrative Wellness decided to focus on preventative activities. Activities that informed our audience of things they can do to stay healthy and NEVER get this destructive disease- The disease that can claim your eye sight, your limbs, or even your life. One game, created by Diane D and modeled after Michelle Obama's "Let's Move," campaign was the Let's Move Challenge Wellness Wheel. This game promotes physical activity showing both youth and adults the fun you can have and the importance of staying active! (See pics below). Nevertheless, we understand the prevalence of the disease so we also created resources for those who may already be diabetic. Below are just a few resources we created for them and for you! Remember! Don't wait until you get sick before you pay attention to your health. Understand, too, that Type 2 Diabetes is potentially reversible! Check with your doctor and use these resources to manage or possibly assist in the reversal of the disease.
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AuthorBri Green, Program Coordinator ArchivesCategories |