As everyone is aware there is a growing problem with substance abuse, and heroin use in particular, throughout the United States, in Connecticut, and yes – in Suffield.
As the Suffield Local Prevention Council (SLPC) continues our efforts to increase substance abuse awareness in the Suffield community and to provide information on prevention and available help resources, it has become very apparent that there are many ways that each of us can be a piece of the solution when it comes to preventing substance abuse.
Some of ways that everyone can help include:
• Talking to your children about the risks of substance abuse and how to avoid becoming involved. Research has shown that individuals who have not abused drugs or alcohol by the time they are 18 have a 90 percent chance of never doing so. If they don’t start by 21 they have a 95 percent chance of not becoming addicted.
• Being a role model. Parents’ actions speak louder than words – we should assess our own smoking and drinking as well as use of prescription medications or marijuana. All of these are proven “gateways” to further substance abuse, and are typically used before a person progresses to other, more harmful substances.
• Asking doctors if there is an alternative to prescribing opioids when pain medication is required. Opioid use is a major contributor to the current heroin epidemic in the United States.
• Getting rid of any unwanted and/or expired medications. Any community member can discard these at any time at the Prescription Collection Drop Box located in the lobby of the Suffield Police Department at 911 Mountain Road.
• Calling the police if you know of someone dealing drugs or supplying alcohol to minors. Calls can go to the Suffield Police main number at 860-668-3870 and can be made anonymously.
• Asking for help if you, a family member or a friend need it. The most direct way to find a resource is to dial 2-1-1, where you will reach a highly-trained contact specialist who will assess your needs and provide referrals to local resources. You can get help with not only substance abuse concerns but with utility assistance, food, housing, child care, after school programs, elder care, crisis intervention and much more.
Together we can be so much more effective working to reduce the damage of alcohol and drug abuse to our families, our friends, and our community. Always remember that “You Are a Piece of the Solution.”