The Lake County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board is partnering with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Underage Drinking Prevention Campaign, titled “Talk. They Hear You.”
Officials with the ADAMHS Board announced the collaboration this week to support local families in engaging youths and addressing the risks associated with alcohol misuse.
According to officials, over 80 percent of young people ages 10 to 18 identify their parents as the most significant influence on decisions about alcohol consumption.
However, data indicates that “many parents hesitate to initiate these critical conversations.”
Additionally, the partnership offers parents and caregivers in Lake County free access to evidence-based tools and resources designed to help them communicate effectively about underage drinking and substance use.
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, alcohol remains the most misused substance among America’s youth. However, other substances, such as marijuana and prescription pain medications, are also becoming increasingly common among young people.
In Lake County, these trends mirror national statistics, noted ADAMHS Board Executive Director Kimberly Fraser.
“Research shows that nearly 5 percent of youth and 10 percent of adults meet the diagnostic criteria for a substance use disorder in a given year,” she said. “The prevalence of binge drinking in Lake County is higher than the state and national averages, so it remains a key focus for our outreach and education efforts.
“We are excited to introduce the ‘Talk. They Hear You.’ campaign to our community as part of our mission to fight against substance misuse.”
Additionally, the initiative provides parents with fact sheets, brochures, infographics and public service announcements.
The new resources also assist parents in having age-appropriate discussions with younger children on these topics.
“This campaign will enhance our local efforts to educate families about the dangers of substance misuse and the importance of early, open communication,” Fraser said. “With these resources, parents and caregivers can feel empowered to have meaningful conversations that foster trust and help prevent risky behaviors.”
For more information about “Talk. They Hear You,” and to access free resources, visit www.underagedrinking.samhsa.gov.
For more information about local support services in Lake County, visit www.helpthatworks.us.
