According to a recent CDC study, most young people are in good health. However, some young people are more likely to engage in risky activities like high-risk substance use, which can have detrimental effects on their health. Many people who qualify as having a substance use disorder as adults began using drugs when they were teenagers or young adults. Youth with substance use disorders also have higher rates of physical and mental illnesses, poorer overall health and wellbeing, and a higher risk of developing an addiction. Adolescent substance use that carries a significant risk of adverse consequences is referred to as high-risk substance use (i.e., injury, criminal justice involvement, school dropout, loss of life). High-risk substance use also encompasses abusing or misusing prescription medications, including opioids.
In fact, 14% of students nationwide have reported misusing prescription opioids. As adults, we must assist in combating this disturbing trend of misuse. A significant first step is implementing safeguards, known as protective factors, on behalf of our younger citizens. Several protective factors include: • Parent/caregiver or family engagement
• Family support
• Parental/caregiver disapproval of substance use
• Parental monitoring
• School Connectedness
• Dispose and/or lock-up prescription medications properly For more information about youth protective factors, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with KCee Scoggins at kcee.scoggins@okstate.edu o r visit drugfree.org.