If you wanted to keep from getting sunburned, would you apply sunscreen for only one day? Or would it be enough to eat balanced meals for just one week each year if you wanted to be really healthy? Those would be ineffective ways to deal with serious issues. Maintaining your health or preventing skin damage from the sun take our attention every day of every week all year long. Preventing alcohol and other drug abuse requires the same kind of attention. In the past, Minnesotans have set aside a week in November and called it Chemical Health Week. But, it’s not enough to employ prevention efforts for a special day or only during a designated week. We need to be mindful of making good decisions about chemical health throughout the year.

Most young people don’t use alcohol or other drugs, but they do experience pressures to use and sometimes get conflicting messages from the adults around them. Those who use alcohol or other drugs have a negative impact on the rest of us. For example, in Northfield, more than 70% of 9th graders said that had not had any alcohol in the past year. But, for those did drink alcohol, 30% got it from family members, 30% took it from their homes and about 20% got someone else to buy it for them. Knowingly or unknowingly, adults are supplying alcohol for kids.

Similarly, most young people are not using marijuana but the numbers who are increase as students move from 6th to 12th grade. And yet, when students are surveyed about how their peers feel about marijuana use, 14% of 9th graders and 32% of 11th graders think their peers feel it is ok at least sometimes. We know when kids perceive drug use as “no big deal”, they are much more likely to start using. Perception becomes reality and making a choice to try marijuana or other drugs becomes easier. Kids who drink or use other drugs have a much greater chance of becoming addicted or experiencing other problems.

Action toward solving drug and alcohol problems helps to create safer and healthier environments in our community. To be effective, words and actions must be consistent and must come from places such as churches, workplaces, families, city and county governments, healthcare providers and schools. Young people must hear that we care about their growth, development and safety. They must understand drug and alcohol use threatens their health and their future and that we want them to avoid using alcohol and other drugs. Clear and consistent communication from all sectors of our community is important.

Words alone are not enough, no matter how strong and consistent. Actions are also strong messages to youth, often speaking louder than words. Here are some actions to consider, knowing that young people may watch what you do more than they listen to what you say:

• Never purchase or provide alcohol or any other drugs to minors. The idea of providing kids a “safe” place to drink is NOT safe and NOT healthy.
• As an adult, if you choose to drink, make sure you do so responsibly.
• Be responsible with all medications, whether prescription or over the counter. Taking any medicine should be done with careful thought and respect.
• Do not drink and drive. Do not ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Celebrate good things in your life but don’t make alcohol use the focus of your celebrations. Consider recommending that community celebrations be alcohol free.