Community Coalition for a Safe & Healthy Morris Our mission is to prevent and reduce substance use throughout the lifespan in Morris County through collaboration, education, and community-wide change. April is Alcohol Awareness Month: Alcohol is the number one drug of choice for America’s youth, and is more likely to kill young people than all illegal drugs combined. Alcohol Awareness Month, founded by National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) was established to help reduce the stigma associated with alcoholism. Communities are encouraged to reach out to the public every April with information about alcoholism and recovery. NCADD hosts an AlcoholFree Weekend from April 3April 5, which is designed to raise public awareness about the use of alcohol and how it may affect individuals, families, and the community. During this weekend, National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence extends an open invitation to all to participate in three alcoholfree days, and take this time to learn about alcoholism, and its early symptoms. For more information about NCADD, underage drinking, Alcohol Awareness Month and Alcohol-Free Weekend, visit www.ncadd.org UNDERAGE DRINKING IS ILLEGAL BECAUSE IT IS DANGEROUS NO EXCUSES. MYTH: Drinking is just a harmless phase all kids go through; they’ll grow out of it. FACT: Underage drinking is NOT inevitable, and research indicates that 49% of all high school students don’t drink. However, for those that do drink, many don’t grow out of it. People who begin drinking before age 15 are five times as likely to become alcoholics as those that begin after age 21. Many engage in dangerous binge drinking, which is drinking five or more drinks within a few hours. And, while we wait for them to “grow out of it,” they’re: • • • • • • getting hurt in accidents such as falls, burns, and drowning; dying in car crashes (youth who start drinking young are 7 times more likely to be in an alcoholrelated crash); contracting sexually-transmitted diseases; becoming teenage parents; committing crimes (physical assault, sexual assault, vandalism, robbery, theft, homicide); becoming victims of physical and sexual assault; FOR PARENTS Listen before you talk: For kids, knowing that we are really listening is the most important thing. Talk to your child & Ask open ended questions: Talk to your child regularly. Ask about their feelings, friends, activities. Try to avoid “yes” or “no” questions. Be involved: Get to know your child’s friends, continue to educate about the importance of good psychological, emotional, and physical health. Set expectations, limits, and consequences: Make it clear that you do not want your child drinking alcohol and using drugs and that you trust them not to. Talk about possible consequences of substance use. Be clear about what will occur if rules are broken. Family history: Research and personal experience has documented that addiction can be linked to genetics. If there is a family history of problems with alcohol or drugs, be honest about it. For more facts, information, and parent tips visit us at: http://safehealthymorris.org/ Like us on Facebook! [Facebook.com/CCSHMORRIS] Upcoming Events What? Do No Harm Symposium for correctional facility physicians *special guest Governor Jim McGreevy* Where? Morris County Correctional Facility, 43 John St Morristown, NJ th When? Tuesday, April 30 , 8 AM – 12 PM What? The Anonymous People film and panel discussion: bringing recovery to Morris County. This event is free and open to the public. Where? Succasunna Bow Tie Cinema 10, Roxbury Township, NJ th When? Tuesday, May 19 7 PM What? Do No Harm Symposium, addressing the role of the faithbased community in preventing substance abuse and supporting families in crisis. Where? Bethel A.M.E. Church: 59 Spring St Morristown, NJ th When? Wednesday, September 16 8:30 AM What? Recovery Coach Academy: an intensive training academy focusing on providing individuals with skills needed to guide, mentor, and support anyone entering longterm recovery from addiction. Where? CARES: 25 W. Main St Rockaway, NJ th st When? Week of June 15 -21 Please visit this link for more information and training times. Community Coalition for a Safe & Health Morris meets monthly at CARES, located at 25 W. Main St Rockaway, NJ. Click here for our meeting schedule
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