Young Person

As a young person, you can create an impact in your community against drug and alcohol use. The first step is to make a firm decision that alcohol and drugs are not your “thing”. Be who you are and discover your anti-drug and stick to it. You can become involved in your community and be a leader among your peers in making positive decisions.

Things You Can Do:

• Make a list of adults you can trust and talk to about alcohol and other drugs.
• Become aware of signs and symptoms associated with alcohol and drug use. If you see a friend who is need of help refer them to a trusted adult.
• Choose your friends wisely; hang with friends who make healthy decisions.
• Give back to the community by assisting with a cigarette bud cleanup or many other creative activities.
• Join a sports team or take up a hobby that you enjoy.
• Assist your school or community with organizing after school activities for youth.
• Get educated on prevention of substance abuse and become a peer educator. Get involved with Students Preventing and Informing on Drugs and Alcohol (SPIDA).

My story begins at the detox on Billingsley Road. While I was there, it was suggested to me that I go to the outpatient treatment program (SACOT) at Anuvia. I thought SACOT was only offered at the Men’s Shelter, so this information helped, but I didn’t go.