Confronting the crisis: Education is the first line of defense

Clover, SC - Every October, communities across the nation come together to observe Substance Abuse Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and promoting strategies to prevent drug and alcohol misuse. One major event during this month is Red Ribbon Week, which takes place in the last week of October. Red Ribbon Week began in 1985 to honor the life of a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent, Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who died in the line of duty. It has since grown into a nationwide movement focused on educating youth about the dangers of substance abuse while encouraging them to live drug-free lives. Through events and activities, this week emphasizes the importance of making positive, healthy choices and staying substance-free.
A growing concern is the rise in synthetic drugs disguised as harmless products, like dietary supplements and candy. These deceptive look-a-likes often resemble everyday items, making them easy for young people to mistake as safe. Brightly colored pills or gummy-like substances can be especially tempting to kids and teens, who may not realize they’re consuming something harmful. Educating youth and adults about this tactic is crucial to prevention, as it not only raises awareness but also equips young people to recognize potential dangers and make safer, informed choices.
York County continues to face a serious overdose crisis, mirroring a troubling national trend. Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times stronger than heroin. Seven in 10 fentanyl-laced pills contain a lethal dose. In 2023, York County recorded 118 overdose deaths. 97 of those were due to fentanyl. This year has seen 54 more cases with fentanyl involved in 45 of them. There has been a 3% decrease in overdose deaths in 2022—York County’s first decrease since 2018 potentially related to education efforts and the availability of Narcan.
Although it is the most reported about, Fentanyl is not the only concern when it comes to substance abuse. Nationally, 107,543 people died from drug overdoses and 178,000 from excessive alcohol use in 2022. Youth are particularly at risk, as 90% of addiction starts in the teen years, and early marijuana use can lower IQ. Although youth DUIs are down, more parents are allowing kids to drink at home, underscoring the need for sustained prevention efforts.
Substance abuse is a serious issue, but the focus of prevention is all about empowerment. Helping young people develop the tools they need to make healthy choices can lead to positive outcomes. One important strategy is teaching refusal skills, which can be practiced through role-play exercises where teens learn how to handle peer pressure and avoid compromising situations. These skills provide them with the confidence to stand up for themselves while maintaining their friendships and self-respect.
Beyond teaching refusal strategies, it’s important for teachers and parents to recognize signs that someone may be at risk and what drug abuse is. Look for changes in behavior, such as becoming more secretive, hanging out with a new group of friends, or a shift in appearance. They may also become emotionally distant, secretive with their phone, or show signs of withdrawal from activities they used to enjoy.
By focusing on creating a supportive environment where young people feel empowered to make positive choices, we can help prevent substance abuse before it starts. Encourage open communication, support, and guidance to ensure that the youth in your life have the tools they need to stay on a healthy path.
For more information on the dangers of substance abuse and ways to help others avoid and resist these habits, visit York County All On Board at https://allonboard.org/. If your child is in school, and you suspect they may be struggling with substance use, consider reaching out to their school’s Counseling Center for support and guidance.