The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council of Deep East Texas
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council of Deep East Texas
National Prevention Week with Melanie Patterson LCDC, CPS (Program Manager of YPS & PRC)
National Prevention Week with Melanie Patterson LCDC, CPS (Program Manager of YPS & PRC)
National Prevention Week with Melanie Patterson LCDC, CPS (Program Manager of YPS & PRC)
Wednesday 10th May 2023
Join Melanie Patterson and Connor Gilbertson as they discuss the power of prevention in combating substance misuse and promoting positive mental health.
21 minutes
Empowering
Informative
Transformative
Supportive
Hopeful
About this podcast
Author:
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council of Deep East Texas
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Family Recovery from Addiction
Creative Recovery Journeys
Empowering Recovery Journeys
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Episodes:
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Get the buttons here!Building Stronger Communities: Melanie Patterson on Prevention and Youth Engagement
Episode Overview
- Discussing the purpose of National Prevention Week and its significance in raising awareness about substance misuse prevention and positive mental health promotion in communities
- Highlighting the effectiveness of prevention over intervention, using practical examples to illustrate the significance of early prevention
- Exploring the extensive array of evidence-based strategies implemented in innovative programs targeting youth across 12 counties to prevent alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use
- Emphasizing the vital role of parental guidance and the impact of social media on youth exposure to harmful substances
- Reflecting on the substantial decrease in tobacco, e-cigarette, and alcohol use, attributing the success to effective prevention services and parental influence
Prevention does work. Our overall tobacco use had decreased 34 percent, which is amazing. Our e-cigarette use decreased 14 percent. Our alcohol use decreased 17 percent. And what is even more amazing is that nationally, e-cigarette and marijuana use are trending up, while in our region, they actually trended down.
Ever thought about the power of prevention in tackling substance misuse? In this episode of 'Give, Get, Grow', Connor Gilbertson chats with Melanie Patterson, a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and Certified Prevention Specialist, about National Prevention Week and why it matters. Melanie passionately explains how early prevention is more effective than intervention, sharing real-life examples that highlight the benefits of proactive measures.
They dive into various evidence-based programs aimed at youth across 12 counties, focusing on preventing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use. One standout initiative, 'Hidden in Plain Sight', teaches parents and community members to spot signs of substance use in teen environments. The conversation also touches on the role of social media in exposing youth to harmful substances and the critical need for parental guidance.
Melanie shares promising results from the Texas School Survey, showing significant drops in tobacco, e-cigarette, and alcohol use among teens. She attributes this success to robust prevention services and strong parental involvement. The episode wraps up with a look at ongoing partnerships with schools and community efforts to promote national campaigns and month-long initiatives. It's a thought-provoking discussion that underscores the importance of prevention in fostering healthier communities.