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Attend a Free Training to Become A Teen Influencer:

Learn about teen prescription drug abuse and the dangers to teens. Discover how you can play a role in helping teens understand and avoid the risks. Share what you learn with other teen influencers - parents, teachers, coaches, school and community providers-to help raise awareness about the prescription drug abuse problem and mobilize parents, schools, and communities to take action!

To learn more, or to schedule a free training, contact VSAAC at 203.736-8566 today!

 
Become a Teen Influencer!

The Valley Substance Abuse Action Council (VSAAC) is part of a new initiative inviting all adults to become "Teen Influencers."

The fastest growing drugs of abuse, for all ages, are prescription medications. The Teen Influencer project aims to educate adults about how they can influence teens to stay clear of prescription medications.

Consider these facts:

  • 1 in 5 (4.5 million) teens have abused prescription drugs.

  • One in three teens report knowing someone who abuses
    prescription drugs.

  • One in three teens surveyed say there is nothing wrong with using prescription drugs once in a while.

  • Every day 2,500 teens abuse a prescription drug for the first time.

  • Prescription drug abuse often leads to heroin use because heroin is cheaper.

Taking prescription drugs is considered safer than taking street drugs - after all, aren’t they prescribed by a doctor? Learn why this is a myth. Prescription meds are easy to get. The initial supply comes from family and friends’ medicine chests. When that supply runs out, teens will turn to the streets to get what they need. There are many reasons teens start taking prescription medications but the results are the same: prescription drug abuse can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure; organ damage; difficulty breathing; seizures; addiction; death.

VSAAC’S Survey of Student Needs has shown that teens in our community, Lower Naugatuck Valley, are following the trend toward prescription and over-the-counter medication misuse/abuse:

  • By grade 11- 8.7% have used stimulants (ritalin/aderall, etc.)

  • By grade 11- 6.3% have used antidepressants
    (prozac, paxil, etc.)

  • By grade 11- 9.7% have used pain killers
    (oxycontin, oxycodone, etc.)

  • By grade 11- 24.5% have used cold medicines and cough syrups, etc. to get high.

Parents, educators, coaches, healthcare professionals and any concerned adult can help to prevent teens from starting to use medicines not specifically prescribed for them. Come and have breakfast with us and learn about “Your Role as a Teen Influencer and What You Can Do to Help Prevent Teen Prescription Drug Abuse.” It is simple and painless and so very important.

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