Preventing Substance Abuse During the Holidays

Happy holidays from your community Coalition! We hope this month is special for you. During this time of celebration, we’d like to give you a few safety tips.

Watch for these serious mental health warning signs in your loved ones over the holidays (from Prevention Action Alliance):

• Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself
• Looking for a way to kill oneself
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious or agitated
• Behaving recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Displaying extreme mood swings

If you or someone you know is showing the above symptoms, encourage them to seek professional help. Call 911 if they are suicidal.

Another way to support your kids is to be aware of the current societal risks in the drug and alcohol world. Right now, the creation and sale of counterfeit pills has skyrocketed, compounding issues such as addiction, overdoses, and death. 

The best way to avoid such risks is to only take prescription medication prescribed to you by your own doctor, and to take the medication exactly as prescribed. If you have any questions about your medication, your prescription, or over-the-counter meds, reach out to your doctor or pharmacist.

Some adults worry that discussing these issues with youth will give them ideas and make them want to use, but statistics actually show the opposite is true. The more open and approachable adults are with youth in having these conversations, the less likely youth are to abuse substances.

Cleaning out your medicine cabinet?

One of the most common ways youth begin abusing substances is by using a family member’s prescription medication. This falls in the realm of substance abuse and is both illegal and extremely dangerous.

To avoid the risk of your pets, children, or family friends getting into your medication, dispose unused meds safely. You can learn more about this method at the Deterra website.

Thank you for being a vital part of our community!

Copyright © 2021 Rittman SALT Coalition. All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
Rittman SALT Coalition
c/o 104 Spink St.
Wooster, OH 44691

coalitionscommunication@gmail.com