National Substance Abuse Prevention Month

In 2011, October was designated as National Substance Abuse Prevention Month. This time was set aside to create more awareness about substance abuse and memorialize those lost to addiction. Addiction treatment centers in Dallas, TX, and around the U.S. take this time to reach out to communities in hopes of helping those who still suffer from addiction.

National Substance Abuse Prevention Month provides an opportunity for individuals or organizations to come together for the cause. Organizations can provide support, resources, and education about substance abuse. They can also host community events and rally support for families of drug or alcohol users. 

Why Is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month Important?

The focus is on helping teenagers say no to drug and alcohol use. With the growing use of substances in young people, it is important that family, friends, and communities intervene to prevent further loss of life due to an overdose.

Currently, young Americans aged 12 to 20 account for over ten percent of alcohol consumption in the U.S. Over 23 million young people use illicit drugs. National Substance Abuse Prevention Month helps in the fight to reduce this number in several ways, including: 

• Developing prevention strategies by targeting the root of the problem
• Promoting healthy living and positive alternatives to drugs and alcohol
• Strengthening the support system that keeps teens away from drugs
• Helping families who have a teenager struggling with drug or alcohol addiction
• Collaborating with multiple organizations to develop a more unified effort 

Focusing on these aspects gives all of us a unified effort in preventing addiction and fatalities related to drug or alcohol use. 

Ending the Stigma of Drug Prevention, Addiction, and Treatment

Regardless of all the information now available for substance abuse, it is difficult to end the stigma regarding addiction prevention and treatment. Sadly, addiction treatment centers are perceived as either too clinical or ineffective. Furthermore, young people who have a drug addiction often have a negative self-image as it relates to seeking help for addiction. 

One of the goals of National Substance Abuse Prevention Month is to remove all of the negative perceptions and stigmas regarding abuse prevention and treatment. The more we can educate our communities on substance abuse, the more we can dispel the myths and negative stereotypes surrounding abuse.

How You Can Help Today

No matter who you are, chances are you are either struggling from substance abuse or know someone who is. If so, this is your opportunity to get help for addiction. You can also volunteer to help out during National Substance Abuse Prevention Month. To find out more about opportunities for volunteers or groups, contact Right Step Dallas today.

Right Step Dallas offers comprehensive treatment for drug and alcohol addiction. Treatment at Right Step Dallas can include:

• Inpatient drug rehab
• Intensive outpatient rehab 
• Rehab aftercare planning
• Evidence-based addiction therapy
• Chronic relapse treatment tracks

To find out more about our treatment services or options available to you, call us at 1.844.768.1161. We can help you get on the right road to recovery and prevent addiction and fatalities. Get help today.