Increasing awareness of the consequences of unhealthy substance use
Clear, consistent rules about substance use, with follow through from families, schools, and community, help youth make healthy choices
One of the most important ways adults can help youth make healthy choices is to make their expectations clear and hold youth accountable. Maine teens that believe they will get caught by their parents are 5 times less likely to use alcohol. Rules are critical. Many adults (family, school, community) are taking this important action.
Good News:
A) Most
youth say their families have rules about use.*
B) Student leaders say we should consistently enforce existing rules rather
than create new ones.**
Cause for Action!!
C) Most
high school youth don’t believe they will be caught by parents if they
use.*
D) Almost
9 out of 10 high school youth don’t believe the police will catch them if
they use alcohol (middle school students not asked this question).*
E) Many youth think that schools could do a better job handling drug and
alcohol issues.**
* Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey '09
** Student Opinion Leader interviews '09
Current Actions By The Coalition
Reducing Access: Working With Law Enforcement; Schools and Communities; Retailers; Parents
Increasing Awareness of the Risks of Use: Working With Youth; Schools and Communities; Parents
Increasing Consequences, Awareness of Consequences: Law Enforcement; Schools and Communities; Parents
Increasing Skills to Make Healthy Choices: Youth
Increasing Community Assets: Under development
Our local service area includes: Augusta, Chelsea, Farmingdale, Fayette, Gardiner, Hallowell, Litchfield, Manchester, Monmouth, Mount Vernon, Pittston, Randolph, Readfield, Richmond, Vienna, Wayne, West Gardiner, Windsor, Winthrop.
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