THE POSITIVE TRUTH
To often there is a dark narrow view of youth or other sub-groups. This view is portrayed in the media, espoused by health experts, or just misrepresented due to misperceptions or inadequate information. Are there issues with certain sub groups and some youth and adult populations? The answer is yes. But the majority of young and old alike are actually making good decisions about low risk behaviors when it comes to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Examine research in these areas and you will find that the majority of young people, young adults, and other sub groups are making good decisions about behaviors that effect their physical and mental health. Fear tactics for motivating behavior have unintended negative outcomes. Decades of research across disciplines ranging from training animals to training people has documented the fact that positive, inspirational approaches trump negative, fear based approaches. The positive approaches produce more profound, sustainable results with out unintended negative outcomes.
If you would like to receive emails from the Star Valley Prevention Coalition, please send your request to prevention@silverstar.com.
DID YOU KNOW THAT 89.9%
OF LINCOLN COUNTY SCHOOL
DISTRICT #2 MIDDLE SCHOOL
STUDENTS HAVE NEVER SMOKED
A WHOLE CIGARETTE?
2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey
Parent Perceptions Matter This report presents important data about how Wyoming parents perceive alcohol use among their children and the students in their children’s schools. Understanding parent perceptions is a critical element of Wyoming’s comprehensive strategy aimed at keeping youth healthy and safe by avoiding the risks associated with alcohol use. Most WY teens have healthy attitudes, share positive family values, and do not use alcohol. At the same time, far too many young people use alcohol. So, while most students make good decisions about alcohol, the negative impacts associated with those that drink are devastating. Alcohol-related accidents are the leading cause of death among 15-24 year-olds. Alcohol use contributes to poor academic performance, violence, property damage, and sexual assaults. Two key findings emerge from these data that reflect both hope and concern about raising teenagers who choose not to use alcohol. Hope is expressed in data that show that the majority of parents who responded have strong protective beliefs and behaviors. They believe that their own teenagers share similar beliefs and are making the right choices by avoiding illegal substances. Concern is reflected in the fact that these same parents do not believe that most other youth at their children’s school share the same positive views, and they believe that most other youth choose to use alcohol.
Presented by: Carl Harris, Certified Facilitator, Star Valley Prevention Coalition
PRIME For Life is an alcohol and drug program for people of all ages. It is designed to gently but powerfully challenge common beliefs and attitudes that directly contribute to high-risk alcohol and drug use. The program goals are to reduce the risk for health problems and impairment problems by:
A primary goal of PRIME For Life is prevention of any type of alcohol or drug problem. This includes prevention of health problems such as alcoholism, or impairment problems such as car crashes or fights. Emphasis is on knowing and understanding risks one cannot change and reducing risks one can change.
Get started now with your Talk Kit (just click on this website www.timetotalk.org) which will help you:
- Begin talking with your kids about the risks of drugs and alcohol
- Know exactly what to say
- Answer the tough question: “Did you do drugs?”
You’ll also find:
- Tips for caring adults involved with kids
- A practical, one-sheet guide to the drug and alcohol scene
RAD-Click on the RAD link to read the article about LaVarr McBride who after 24 Years in the United States District Courts, takes time to visit Star Valley High School and talk about the perils of drug and alcohol abuse.
