Preventing Teen Drug and Alcohol Use Critical During Prom and Graduation Season

DENVER, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As spring nears, experts with "Speak Now Colorado" are urging parents to take proactive measures to prevent underage alcohol, marijuana, and other drug use ahead of the prom and graduation season. The campaign is sponsored by the Colorado Department of Human Services, Office of Behavioral Health.

"This time of year, it's especially important to have open and honest communication with your kids about what they will do if they encounter alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs at a party, how to say no to getting in the car with an impaired driver, and the need for them to call for a ride to be safe," said Robert Valuck, Ph.D., professor at the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. "Ultimately, it's about encouraging our kids to make smart choices while they celebrate."

The Speak Now Colorado website provides evidence-based advice and resources for parents of kids ages 9-20. The site has conversation starters for parents to consider when discussing parties, prescription drugs, or when your child asks about your own use of drugs or alcohol. The website is also useful in helping parents identify high risk behaviors and the CO laws pertaining to the use of alcohol, marijuana, prescription drugs and other drugs.

According to the 2015 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, youth are three-times less likely to binge drink if a parent feels it's wrong. "We often assume that our kids aren't listening to us, but the research shows us otherwise. Kids are listening and what you say to them matters. Our mantra is 'speak now, speak often," said Dr. Valuck.

For more information, and for downloadable resource materials such as fact sheets, posters and social media images, go to www.speaknowcolorado.org.

Contacts:
Erich Kirshner, 303.921.6733 or [email protected] 
Katie Trexler Kern, 303.941.4118 or [email protected]

SOURCE Speak Now Colorado

Related Links

http://www.speaknowcolorado.org