Make a Difference During National Substance Abuse Prevention Awareness Month

In 2011, October was officially designated as National Substance Abuse Prevention Awareness Month. It is a time when people all over the country – adults, young adults, people in recovery, parents, family and friends – join together to bring awareness to the growing problem of substance abuse in America.

The 2015 theme for National Substance Abuse Prevention Awareness Month is “Unleashing the Collective Power of Communities”. By working together, communities have the power to make a difference in this area of health. One of the ways they can do so is through the events and fundraisers they hold this month.

“I call upon all Americans to engage in appropriate programs and activities to promote comprehensive substance abuse prevention efforts within their communities,” President Barack Obama said in his proclamation.

Interested in getting involved? Here are a few ideas of events and fundraisers that you can participate in during National Substance Abuse Prevention Awareness Month:

Write to your local Congressman, Senator or other elected officials.
These are the government officials who can influence how drug abuse is prevented and treated. By writing to them, you’re putting importance on the issue and getting their attention. The more people who do this, the more likely those elected officials will take action in a positive way.

Volunteer at community events.
If your community holds events for substance abuse prevention, volunteer to help by offering your time and talents. For example, you could offer to hand out pamphlets explaining the facts on drug and alcohol abuse.

Start a social media campaign.
Social media channels like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube have the power to reach thousands or even millions of people. Share something on social media to bring attention to the need for substance abuse prevention awareness and ask your friends to share it. The further it spreads, the bigger the impact will be.

Host or run in an area 5K.
5K races are extremely popular ways to raise money for a worthy cause. Check with your local community to see if there are 5K races being held in honor of National Substance Abuse Prevention Awareness Month. If there are, join the race or offer to volunteer at the event. For many races, you don’t have to be an avid runner – you can even walk the race.

Have a community bake sale.
Bake sales are popular among people of all ages – who doesn’t like desserts? Gather some friends and host a bake sale with proceeds going towards organizations that help prevent drug and alcohol abuse.

Host a candlelight vigil for a lost loved one.
Many people have loved ones who have been affected by drug or alcohol abuse – whether it’s a loved one they lost to a drunk driver, or an overdose, or something else. Gather people in your community to remember those individuals. It’s also a great way to spread the message of the importance of substance abuse prevention.

Talbott Recovery is dedicated to helping those who are suffering from drug or alcohol addiction get back on the right track. For more information about our substance abuse treatment program, contact us today.