Weeding Out The Truth
There’s a lot of misconceptions out there about substance use—and it’s time to separate truth from myth. We created the “Weeding Out the Truth” campaign to help adolescents and their parents get the facts about alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco use. Dive in to learn about today’s social norms, test your own knowledge, and find available resources.
Truths and Myths
Test Your Knowledge
How much do you know about drug and alcohol use among youth in eastern Connecticut? Put your awareness to the test with this 4-question quiz.
Truth or Myth?
When it comes to substance use and prevention strategies, telling fact from fiction can be tricky. Determine whether each statement below is true based on SERAC’s most recent survey of youth in eastern Connecticut.
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Youth in eastern CT reported that the number 1 location they use alcohol is on the street, in the woods, or in parks or fields.
Myth:According to SERAC’s most recent youth survey, the number 1 place youth reported using alcohol is at the homes of others.
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Most of the youth surveyed reported that there is risk to using electronic cigarettes.
Truth:According to SERAC’s most recent youth survey, 34% of students believe there is moderate risk, and 28% believe it is a great risk to use electronic cigarettes.
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Increasing the price of alcohol is reported as the least effective strategy to prevent underage drinking in eastern CT.
Truth:Youth reported that the two least effective prevention strategies are ads showing problems, and higher alcohol prices.
Resources
Find information, support, and treatment options near you.
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Change the Script is a statewide public awareness campaign to help communities deal with the prescription drug and opioid misuse crisis. It connects town leaders, healthcare professionals, treatment professionals and everyday people with the resources they need to face prescription opioid misuse.
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National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Call 1-800-273-8255, or visit the website.
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Truth: Gives facts and tools to make decisions about vaping, tobacco, and opioid use. It offers tips, tricks, and quitting programs that can help you navigate the pressures of addictive substances.
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Search Institute’s Developmental Asset Framework: The Search Institute has identified 40 positive supports and strengths that young people need to succeed. Half of the assets focus on the relationships and opportunities they need in their families, schools, and communities (external assets). The remaining assets focus on the social-emotional strengths, values, and commitments that are nurtured within young people (internal assets).
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SAMSHA National Helpline: A confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
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“Talk. They Hear You.”: A campaign aiming to reduce underage drinking and substance use among youths under the age of 21 by providing parents and caregivers with information and resources they need to address alcohol and other drug use with their children early.
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Live Loud: Offers support, facts, and resources for those suffering with opioids or other substances. They offer ways to connect and get support that is needed, peer support, and treatment options.
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211: A free, confidential information and referral service that connects people to essential health and human services 24 hours a day, seven days a week online and over the phone. Call 211 or visit the website.