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Many adults who have a substance use disorder started using substances in their teenage years. In fact, Kansas teens aged 15 - 17 represented 69% of drug - related deaths 2017 - 2021.1 There are many factors such as family history, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), youth homelessness, mental health problems, parental separation, incarceration of a family member and more that are associated with youth substance use disorder.
It is important that health care providers offer education to younger patients and their families, review safe prescribing practices and consider alternative treatments to substance misuse where appropriate. If necessary, these providers can conduct universal substance use screening for adolescents and connect them with treatment.
Reference:
1. Kansas State Child Dealth Reveiw Board. (2023). 2023 Annual Report (2021 Data). Topeka.
Social Media Graphics and Messages
Post 1
English: Alcohol, vaping, prescription drugs and other substances are extremely addictive and can cause lasting damages to your brain and body. Reach out for help. Call 1-800-662-4357 or text 988 or find a local treatment provider: findtreatment.gov
Spanish: El alcohol, el vapeo, los medicamentos recetados y otras sustancias son extremadamente adictivos y pueden causar daños duraderos en el cerebro y el cuerpo. Busque ayuda. Llame al 1-800-662-4357 o envíe un mensaje de texto al 988 o busque un proveedor de tratamiento local en: findtreatment.gov
Post 2
English: Join us in working to prevent youth substance use and misuse by learning how you can help: "Talk. They Hear You." ® Campaign
Spanish: Únase a nosotros en la labor de prevenir el consumo y abuso de sustancias entre los jóvenes, aprendiendo cómo puede ayudar en: Campaña "Hable. Ellos escuchan."
Post 3
English: Your life matters; don't allow substance use and misuse take it away.
Spanish: Tu vida importa, no permitas que el consumo y el abuso de sustancias te la quiten.
Post 4
English: Many adults who have a substance use disorder started using substances in their adolescent years. Supporting youth is the best way to invest in a prosperous future.
Spanish: Muchos adultos que padecen un trastorno por consumo de sustancias comenzaron a consumir sustancias en la adolescencia. Apoyar a la juventud es la mejor manera de invertir en un futuro próspero.
Preventative Action
It is important that health care providers offer education to younger patients and their families,
review safe prescribing practices and consider alternative treatments to substance misuse where
appropriate. If necessary, these providers can conduct universal substance use screening for
adolescents and connect them with treatment.
School connectedness, connection to resources such as housing and other basic needs, mental
health services and more are preventive factors of substance use and misuse.
Help spread awareness by using these resources:
Data and Information
- Health Care Systems and Substance Use Disorders
- Risk and protective factors of drug abuse among adolescents: a systematic review
- High - Risk Substance Use Among Youth
- 2023 Kansas State Death Review annual report (2021 data)
- Caring for youth with co-occurring substance use and severe psychiatric disorders: diagnostic challenges and clinical implications
Provider Resources
- DAISEY - Behavioral Health Screening Tool
- KSKidsMAP
- Kansas Prevention Collaborative
- Kansas Naloxone Program
- SAMHSA Prevention
- "Talk. They Hear You." ® Campaign
- Safe Streets Wichita
Kansas Youth Programs and Resources
