Congressional leaders are urged to take a stand in their community as opioids and other drugs are killing young people and ravaging families nationwide
WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month and Press the President calls upon Americans to consider tragic costs and consequences of the plight of substance abuse as it can drain families and communities. If you are an organization or group who is working to combat this issue, then Press the President would love to help you get the word out. This can happen through writing an article, posting a picture, or making a short video for www.pressthepresident.com.
A lot clearly needs to be done. A 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, reported 20.6 million Americans over the age of 12 are addicted to alcohol and drugs; in that breakdown, 14.1 million said alcohol, 3.9 million admitted illicit drugs, and 2.6 million said both alcohol and illicit drugs. These statistics about extensive substance abuse including underage drinking, dependence on alcohol and drugs, non-medical use of prescription drugs, abuse of over-the-counter medications, and illegal drug use amplify the widespread calamity substance abuse can bring to lives, families and communities.
Recently, affected families and community members came to Washington, DC to voice their concern about the abuse of opioids such as painkillers that have been killing the young and damaging families. The Fed Up! Coalition held a protest in front of the White House, urging President Obama and to take action to stop the abuse of opioids to curtail the rise in addiction and overdoses leading to millions of deaths.
Many political leaders are taking a stand against the addiction crisis. In March of this year, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick declared a public health emergency to combat the growing abuse of opiates, directing all the state's police, firefighters, and other first-responder emergency personnel be equipped with a drug that can quickly counteract the effect of heroin.
Substance abuse has also been a hot-button issue for the NFL. It reached an agreement with the NFLPA over a revised policy for its players, some of whom protested such stringent suspensions. Substance abuse, whether the use of performance enhancing drugs or the use of a controlled substance, continues to impact the organization.
These examples serve as a microcosm for the constant battle the US has with the impact of substance abuse. The problem certainly isn't new. President Obama proclaimed October as National Substance Abuse Prevention Month in 2011. It is observed across the US with the objective of preventing substance abuse. The White House is encouraging the public to use social media to encourage prevention of substance abuse.
The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) stated in its "2012 National Drug Control Strategy," that each $1.00 invested in an evidence-based prevention program can reduce costs related to substance use disorders by an average of $18.00. The strategy discusses activities that can lower substance abuse and its impact and presents a path for the drop of substance abuse and its impact by 15 percent during a five-year period (2010-2015). Click here to read the ONDCP Strategy.
What can you do to aid in the prevention of substance abuse and serve as a resource to your friends, family, and the community? Press the President would like you to write at www.pressthepresident.com and post to our social media channels on Facebook and Twitter about what substance abuse means to you and what should be done to stop it.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recommends the following activities to help spread the word about substance abuse prevention:
- Re-post some of the facts above on your social media page, blog, or website.
- Host an event in your neighborhood or community to raise awareness about substance abuse and to spur action on the part of community members and leaders.
- Share and discuss your commitment to preventing substance abuse with others. Starting a dialogue around prevention is the first step toward change.
- Throw a substance-free party in October to celebrate football season, a birthday, Halloween, or another occasion!
About Press the President:
Press the President is an interactive political blog that allows its users to share their thoughts on current events in an open format and take an active role in public life. It was founded in 2009 by two international entrepreneurs with media and legal backgrounds who decided to combine their talents and create a space for everyone to have a voice about American issues that can impact the globe. The user generated content is free and anyone is able to write commentary for the website. All material is subject to review and removal by the editorial staff at Press the President if it is deemed inappropriate. We invite you to be aware and be active. Politics involves all of us and – your vote counts too.
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