Empowering Teens: How Our Partnership Tackles Drug Use and Boosts Mental Health

On March 26, a serious incident at Douglas High School raised alarms. Vape pens found there tested positive for THC, Ecstasy, fentanyl, and other opioids. Dan Hamer, a Juvenile Probation Officer, stated, “We dodged a tragedy,” highlighting how common these dangers are becoming.

In response, Partnership Douglas County organized a Parents Night at the Douglas County Community & Senior Center. The focus was to inform families about the increase in drug issues among youth. Alongside this, they introduced a new program called HEART, which stands for Hope, Empowerment, Assistance, Recovery, Transformation. This initiative aims to support youths facing challenges by providing essential resources and mental health support.

Daria Singer, Executive Director of Partnership Douglas County, explained that HEART was developed after a troubling number of youth overdoses in Northern Nevada. “We want this program to help families at no cost,” she said, emphasizing the need for immediate action in these tough times.

During the event, it became clear that mental health issues often go hand-in-hand with substance use. “You can’t tackle drug problems without addressing mental health first,” Singer noted. Many teens struggle to communicate their struggles, leaving parents unaware and concerned.

Peer pressure plays a significant role in youth substance use. Recent surveys highlighted that young people often turn to drugs to feel accepted among friends. Hamer pointed out that any sudden changes in a teen’s behavior might signal a deeper issue, whether related to mental health or drug use. “We need to explore which came first,” he remarked.

Adolescence is a tough journey. It’s vital for parents to recognize emotional and social changes and maintain open communication with their children. This awareness can help prevent mental health struggles and substance use.

Partnership Douglas County aims to equip families with the tools to foster these conversations within their communities. They believe that by raising awareness and providing education, we can start to change the troubling statistics surrounding youth drug use.

Interestingly, recent studies indicate that around 40% of teens have tried at least one illicit substance by the time they finish high school. This underscores the urgency of programs like HEART. With an increased focus on mental health and preventative measures, there is hope for reducing these numbers and ensuring a healthier future for our youth.

For further details, check this report from the National Institute on Drug Abuse for more insights on youth substance use trends.



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