Category: Substance Use Prevention

December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

Both Drunk Driving and Drugged Driving are Dangerous

Alcohol and drugs affect the way you drive—putting you, your passengers, and other drivers on the road at risk. Drugs can alter your perception, attention, balance, coordination, reaction time, and the other skills you need to stay alert and safe.

What is drug-impaired driving? Driving under the influence of over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, or illegal drugs.
https://d14rmgtrwzf5a.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/nida-druggeddriving-infographic.pdf
More and more studies of drivers killed in motor vehicle accidents have found an increasing number of these drivers testing positive for at least one drug.
According to the GHSA’s “Drug-Impaired Driving” survey, 43.6 of drivers tested after a deadly car crash had drugs in their system.
Using any mind-altering drug makes it unsafe to drive a car—just like driving after drinking alcohol!

More Information:
https://www.justthinktwice.gov/getting-high-and-driving
https://www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov/
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/drugged-driving

The Great American Smokeout® November 18, 2021

Quitting smoking isn’t easy. It takes time. And a plan. You don’t have to stop smoking in one day. Start with day one. Let the Great American Smokeout event on the third Thursday in November be your day to start your journey toward a smoke-free life. You’ll be joining thousands of people who smoke across the country in taking an important step toward a healthier life and reducing your cancer risk. Plus, the American Cancer Society can help you access the resources and support you need to quit.
https://www.cancer.org/healthy/stay-away-from-tobacco/great-american-smokeout.html

**Urgent** Press Release and Public Safety Alert Issued by the DEA

Publication Date: Sep 30, 2021
Sharp Increase in Fake Prescription Pills Containing Fentanyl and Meth
DEA Warns that International and Domestic Criminal Drug Networks are Flooding the United States with Lethal Counterfeit Pills
September 27, 2021 – The Drug Enforcement Administration warns the American public of the alarming increase in the lethality and availability of fake prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine. International and domestic criminal drug networks are mass-producing fake pills, falsely marketing them as legitimate prescription pills, and killing unsuspecting Americans. These counterfeit pills are easy to purchase, widely available, and often contain deadly doses of fentanyl. Pills purchased outside of a licensed pharmacy are illegal, dangerous, and potentially lethal. This alert does not apply to legitimate pharmaceutical medications prescribed by medical professionals and dispensed by pharmacists.
https://pttcnetwork.org/centers/global-pttc/news/press-release-and-public-safety-alert-issued-today-dea

WI DHS Small Talks: Why should you talk to kids about alcohol?

Underage drinking is a real problem in Wisconsin, and it starts earlier and can be more dangerous than you might think. But parents, loved ones, and other caring adults can make a real difference. All you have to do is talk. That’s right. Having small, casual conversations with kids, starting around age 8, can help prevent underage drinking.
Video in English with Spanish subtitles
¿Hablas español? subtítulos disponibles

Know what to say and do to have a successful small talk

Sepa qué decir y hacer para tener una charla exitosa

Medication Disposal

In 2019, 9.7 million people aged 12 or older misused used pain relievers in the United States.
50.8% of the pain relievers were accessed through friends or relatives. They were given to them for free, purchased or just taken from them without asking.
Help reduce access to prescription medications by locking them up or storing them in a safe place, not sharing medications, and using drop box locations to dispose of unwanted medications.

Disposal Locations

Small Talks: Start Talking, It Makes a Difference

Think kids won’t listen? Think again. Research shows that parents and other caring adults are the most powerful influence on children’s choices about underage drinking. That means you can make a real difference, especially if you start early. Don’t worry; it’s easier than you may think. We can show you how, with helpful suggestions for tackling tough questions and ideas for getting the conversations started.


https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/small-talks/start-talking.htm

6 Part Series on Opioid Addiction

This series of brief videos presented by Wisconsin Voices for Recovery increases awareness that addiction is a disease and provides information about how public stigma influences recovery and contributes to overdose death. Information on Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is also provided to inform people that there is a way to get out of the addiction roller coaster and enjoy life. Also included, Naloxone Reverses Death, Recovery Coaches Support & Strength, and Relapse is Not Failing.