Very large numbers are involved from the community to the Federal
level, from MADD chapters to police officers.
Over 2,100 community coalitions and partnerships have formed in
neighborhoods across the U.S..
There is broad involvement, but more work can be done with:
Business
Community workers
Clergy
Educators
Health care providers
Police
Employers
Corrections personnel
In fact, everyone needs to involved in prevention.
What research has substantiated is that effective
substance abuse prevention must encompass families and whole
communities, not just youth and not just individuals to be considered
at high risk. Families need skills in creating healthy environments in
which to raise their children. Communities must take a firm stand
against the availability of tobacco, alcohol and illicit drug to youth,
and must establish and enforce laws to "walk the talk."
Business environments must also be healthy and take
a firm position that the use of both legal and illegal drugs are
counterproductive both to the business environment and the people that
comprise it. This is done via visible, enforceable drug-free workplace
policies, as well as the availability of interventions for employees
who have already manifested problems with drugs, both legal and
illegal.
Actions for
Business
Announce that prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD)
problems has become a major corporate focus and that there is an
expectation that everyone will take part in and benefit from this
collective effort.
Be aware of the potential risks that alcohol, tobacco, and other
drugs pose for any size business: absenteeism, loss of productivity,
tardiness, higher worker's compensation rates, higher product cost,
high turnover, insurance liability, reduced morale, increase in injury
and fatality rates, theft, poor quality of products and services, and
increased use of health services.
Develop and implement a model alcohol/smoke/drug-free workplace
policy and fully explain the benefits and procedures to all employees.
Educate employees about preventing ATOD problems in the workplace.
Provide training to managers and supervisors about how to prevent
ATOD problems in the workplace. Encourage employees to seek help
without feeling guilty, shameful, or fearful of losing their jobs.
Learn about employee assistance programs (EAPS) and how you can
implement one in your business. The leverage of the job can be an
effective way to motivate an employee into a treatment program. Start
by calling the CSAP Workplace Helpline at 1-800-843-4971.
Provide information to your employees about the connection between
alcohol and other drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, including
HIV/AIDS, teen pregnancy, domestic violence, crime, and rising health
care costs.
Display prominently in the workplace educational information about
ATODs and include articles in company newsletters, with paychecks, and
in other interoffice communications.
Sponsor prevention programs that benefit employees, their families,
and the community. These services foster good will, build community
cohesion, set community norms, and help develop a healthy,
substance-free workplace for the present and the future! Examples
include mentoring programs, parenting training, stress management
workshops, courses on health fairs, and workshops on preventing ATOD
use by children.
Host alcohol-free events, noting your company's commitment to
prevent injury or death associated with drinking and driving,
especially around holidays.
Include awareness messages in your advertising or packaging and
display posters in your store front.
Contact your local chamber of commerce and suggest holding
educational meetings and distributing materials on ATOD-related
problems to members.
Serve as a leader, supporter, or active participant in other
community-based efforts to prevent ATOD use by youth. Consider adding a
corporate performance standard for all employees that promotes
community involvement in ATOD prevention.
For prevention information, services, and
tools call the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
1-800-729-6686.
Make prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use by
youth a priority for your community, organization, or group. State your
commitment in printed materials and in public remarks made on behalf of
your group.
Obtain and use prevention tools and materials from local libraries,
county alcohol and other drug prevention directors, State RADAR
(Regional Alcohol and Drug Awareness Resource) Centers, and the
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information as well as
private non-profit organizations.
Establish a clear no-use policy regarding ATOD for all youth
activities. Set rules regarding illicit drug and tobacco use for
community group members.
Host appealing ATOD-free alternative activities for underage
people; encourage schools, parks and recreation departments, and other
youth-serving groups to offer such activities.
Host ATOD-free social events for adults to illustrate that they
also can enjoy normal social activities where alcohol is not
served.
Be aware of the connection between alcohol and other drugs and
sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS. Make others aware
that using alcohol and other drugs can lead to unplanned and
unprotected sex. Many drugs, including alcohol and tobacco products,
interfere with the body's immune system.
Teach your members resiliency-building interventions and
strategies, shown to help buffer stresses experienced by youth living
in families with ATOD-related problems.
Talk with youth about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs and listen
to their pressures and problems.
Advocate public policies shown to reduce underage ATOD use and
related problems such as lower legal blood alcohol levels (BACs),
particularly for those under 21; Administrative License Revocation
(ALR) laws; "use-lose" laws; enforcement of age-of-purchase laws; and
restrictions on outdoor advertising of alcohol and tobacco products
near or adjacent to youth gathering laces.
Provide and supervise "safe havens" or secure ATOD-free areas where
youth can gather for social, recreational, and athletic activities,
particularly in communities where public parks, playgrounds, streets,
vacant lots, and the like attract ATOD users, drug dealers, gang
activity, etc.
Encourage schools to offer student assistance programs (SAPs),
ATOD-specific counseling services, and easy, confidential access to
other ATOD helping resources in the community.
Be a positive role model. Do not engage in any illegal tobacco
advertising and marketing with youth. Ask what they think about these
messages, whether they understand their purpose, and whether they
recognize that these messages do not teach the possible harmful effects
of using these products.
Support proposed public policy changes likely to make your
community, your State, and the country a safer, healthier, and
positively challenging environment.
Be a positive role model. Do not engage in any illegal, unhealthy,
or dangerous ATOD use practices. Provide an example consistent with
your messages to youth.
Provide lots of love, support, and encouragement and help a child
learn to do something well. For prevention
information, services, and tools call the National Clearinghouse for
Alcohol and Drug Information 1-800-729-6686.
Educate your clients about the consequences of
alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use and abuse. Work with
established ATOD prevention groups or use a hospital/HMO (health
maintenance organization) or health department as a site that provides
ATOD information and training.
Examine your own ATOD use and decide if it is consistent with your
professional responsibilities.
Learn what you can do in your position to prevent ATOD abuse. A
suggestion from a health care provider about alcohol, tobacco, or other
drug use is one of the most effective deterrents to use/abuse.
Help build resiliency in youth so they are more likely to resist
drugs. Encourage involvement in healthy activities, listen to their
concerns, and build their positive sense of self-identity by affirming
and encouraging their accomplishments. Work with schools to provide
afterschool care and positive peer pressure programs.
Learn about the resources available to address ATOD problems. Do
not try to resolve the problem by yourself--there are networks of
volunteers and social service professionals who are trained and
available to intervene if necessary.
Provide training to managers and supervisors about how to prevent
ATOD problems in the workplace. Encourage employees to seek help
without feeling guilty, shameful, or fearful of losing their jobs.
Be aware of the connection between alcohol, tobacco, and other
drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS. Make
patients aware that using alcohol and other drugs can lead to unplanned
and unprotected sex. Many drugs, including alcohol and tobacco
products, interfere with the body's immune system.
Consider implementation of an early detection referral and
treatment guideline similar to the one developed by the Group Health
Cooperative of Puget Sound. (For more information on these guidelines,
contact the Group Health Cooperative at 206-883-5608.)
Screen all patients for ATOD problems in the course of obtaining a
detailed medical history and physical. Ask about use/abuse patterns in
the family to identify children in at-risk situations. Talk with
patients about the implications for children and family.
When prescribing medication, inform patients and their families
about the side effects of combining alcohol and other drugs.
Be involved in professional organizations that can influence
decisionmakers concerning local, State, and Federal policy on ATOD
problems.
Take a comprehensive approach to prevention efforts. Serve as a
leader, supporter, or active participant in other community-based
efforts to prevent ATOD use by youth.
Be a positive role model. Do not engage in any illegal, unhealthy,
or dangerous ATOD use practices. Provide an example consistent with
your messages to youth. For prevention
information, services, and tools call the National Clearinghouse for
Alcohol and Drug Information 1-800-729-6686.
Review your own knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding use
of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD); determine whether you
follow Federal dietary guidelines for alcohol consumption. If you
smoke, develop a plan to stop. Adhere to doctor's directions for use of
prescription drugs; follow manufacturer's guidelines regarding
nonprescription pharmaceuticals. Do not use any illegal drugs.
Make an educated decision regarding ATOD use in your life. Put
yourself and your family in situations that support your decision. If
you are not sure about your decision, seek assistance from a local
prevention community group or leader.
Talk with children, friends, and family members about alcohol,
tobacco, and other drugs. Listen. Find out what kind of pressures the
people you talk to are facing.
Help a child deal with peer pressure by acknowledging good choices
and reinforcing connections to supportive social, family, and community
systems.
Be aware of the connection between alcohol and other drugs and
sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS. Using alcohol and
other drugs can lead to unplanned and unprotected sex. Many drugs,
including alcohol and tobacco products, interfere with the body's
immune system.
Set firm "no use" rules for alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use by
all youth under 21 in your care.
Encourage healthy, creative activities that do not involve alcohol,
tobacco, or other drugs.
Support community, workplace, and school efforts to establish and
maintain alcohol-, drug- and smoke-free environments.
Team up with others to provide support and activities that foster
resilience.
Know what to do if you suspect a problem.
Become a leader in your community, your church, and your
neighborhood in formulating and enforcing a non-ATOD atmosphere.
Be a positive role model. Do not engage in any illegal, unhealthy,
or dangerous ATOD use practices. Provide an example consistent with
your messages to youth.
Take a comprehensive approach to prevention efforts. Serve as a
leader, supporter, or active participant in other community-based
efforts to prevent ATOD use by youth. For
prevention information, services, and tools call the National
Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
1-800-729-6686.
Be aware that age-related stresses, such as loss of employment,
widowhood, or other bereavement, may put you at risk for increased
alcohol consumption. Alert others in your age group to this
problem.
The changing metabolism that comes with aging can make older people
more susceptible to the effects of alcohol. Be aware that consuming the
same amount of alcohol as in younger years may have greater effects and
lead to problems.
Alcohol problems are compounded by drug use. Do not mix alcohol
with over- the-counter or prescription drugs. Ask questions of your
doctor and your pharmacist regarding alcohol and tobacco use and their
possible interaction with prescription medications.
Volunteer -- alternative activities held in schools and communities
are in particular need of your skills and experience. Your time and
involvement will make a real difference to peers, youth, families, and
others.
Get involved with Youth in your community and share your cultural
knowledge and wisdom. Encourage their interests, praise their
successes, and help them take pride in their heritage.
Numbers of HIV/AIDS cases are growing among older Americans.
Educate yourself and your peers on risky behaviors which can lead to
acquiring HIV/AIDS.
Talk with your family, children, and grandchildren about alcohol,
tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use and the potential health, safety,
and legal consequences.
Take a comprehensive approach to prevention efforts. Serve as a
leader, supporter or active participant in community-based efforts to
prevent ATOD abuse in youth, adult, and peers.
Take positive steps toward prevention: exercise, support drug-free
environments, and get involved in healthy activities.
Know what to do if you suspect a problem.
Be a positive role model. Do not engage in any illegal, unhealthy,
or dangerous ATOD use practices. Provide an example consistent with
your messages to youth. For prevention
information, services, and tools call the National Clearinghouse for
Alcohol and Drug Information 1-800-729-6686.
Establish and enforce rules against underage drinking. Keep
alcohol, tobacco products, and prescription drugs out of the reach of
children too young to adhere to such rules. Do not use or store illegal
drugs in your home. Avoid exposing others to tobacco smoke and
acknowledge that regular smoking is unhealthy. Do not use alcohol if
you are pregnant, plan to drive or engage in a physical activity, take
medications, cannot keep your drinking moderate, or are a child or
adolescent.
Be clear and consistent in stating your expectation that underage
youth in your charge will not use alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs
(ATOD). Let other parents know your views if your children are going to
be guests in their homes.
Be aware of the connection between alcohol and other drugs and
sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS. Make children aware
that using alcohol and other drugs can lead to unplanned and
unprotected sex. Many drugs, including alcohol and tobacco products,
interfere with the body's immune system.
If a family member exhibits signs of an ATOD problem, be prepared
to connect him or her with appropriate help in your area. Know what
alcoholism/addiction and ATOD dependence are and what resources are
available to you.
Help children understand that they are not responsible for problems
adults experience, that adult behavior while under the influence of
ATOD does not necessarily reflect true attitudes. Learn what else you
can do to help buffer stress for children in this situation and reduce
their risk of developing serious problems in their own lives.
Help children and adolescents team the health, safety, and legal
consequences of using ATOD. Be sure they understand that alcohol and
tobacco are drugs and are as dangerous as illegal drugs.
Model low-risk alcohol use and ask others in your community to do
so as well. Be a responsible host.
Model and encourage good health practices: serve balanced and
nutritious meals at regular times and plan ATOD-free family activities.
Encourage individual expression and creativity and respect for nature
and the human spirit.
Be sure children have easy access to a wide range of appealing,
ATOD-free, alternative activities and safe, monitored areas where they
can gather.
Discuss alcohol and tobacco advertising and marketing with youth.
Ask what they think about these messages, whether they understand their
purpose, and whether they recognize that these messages do not teach
the possible harmful effects of using these products.
Support proposed public policy changes likely to make your
community, your State, and the country a safer, healthier, and
positively challenging environment.
Be a positive role model. Do not engage in any illegal, unhealthy,
or dangerous ATOD use practices. Provide an example consistent with
your messages to youth.
Provide lots of love, support, and encouragement and help a child
learn to do something well. For prevention
information, services, and tools call the National Clearinghouse for
Alcohol and Drug Information 1-800-729-6686.
Hawaii Department of Health
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division
601 Kamokila Blvd. Room 360
Kapolei, Hawai'i, 96707
(808) 692-7506
