Erase Region CT Regional Action Committees

ERASE’s Mission Statement To foster community coalitions by providing prevention resources and support for data-informed initiatives and behavioral health promotion strategies.

Services ERASE Provides Student Survey Evaluation Grant Writing Technical Assistance Suicide Prevention Training QPR Behavioral Health Promotion How ERASE Utilizes its Funding The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Drug-Free Communities program Local contributions

Recent Any Tobacco Use Grades 6-8Grade 9-12 Bolton East Hartford Enfield 2011 Somers South Windsor Stafford Tolland Regional Selected Data from ERASE Regional Dataset v7 Total dataset=9651 youth (weighted = youth)

Recent Marijuana Use Grades 6-8Grade 9-12 Bolton East Hartford Enfield Somers South Windsor Stafford Tolland Regional Selected Data from ERASE Regional Dataset v7 Total dataset=9651 youth (weighted = youth)

Recent Alcohol Use Grades 6-8Grade 9-12 Bolton East Hartford Enfield Somers South Windsor Stafford Tolland Regional Selected Data from ERASE Regional Dataset v7 Total dataset=9651 youth (weighted = youth)

Recent Rx Drug Misuse Grades 6-8Grade 9-12 Bolton East Hartford Enfield 2011 Somers South Windsor Stafford Tolland Regional Selected Data from ERASE Regional Dataset v7 Total dataset=9651 youth (weighted = youth)

Below are several warning signs indicating that your teen is abusing alcohol or other drugs: Changes in appetite or sleep patterns. This could be characterized by a marked increase or decrease in either or both. Deterioration of physical appearance. Withdrawal from social or important activities. Unexplained need for money or secretive about spending habits. Individuals abusing drugs may begin asking for money without a clear reason. Sudden change in friends or locations. Increased interpersonal or legal problems Change in personality or attitude. Neglecting responsibilities. Using despite knowing it is dangerous. Substance abuse is something that can and likely will get worse over time. Be proactive and remember that a short conversation could be the one thing that keeps your teen from full-blown addiction.

Consequences of Underage Drinking Children who drink alcohol are more likely to: Use drugs : Frequent binge drinkers (nearly 1 million high school students nationwide) are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, including using other drugs such as marijuana and cocaine. Get bad grades : Children who use alcohol have higher rates of academic problems and poor school performance compared with nondrinkers. Suffer injury/death: Including homicide, nonfatal violent crimes such as rape, robbery, and assault; and property crimes, including burglary, larceny, and car theft were attributed to underage drinking. Engage in risky sexual activity: Young people who use alcohol are more likely to be sexually active at earlier ages, to have sexual intercourse more often, and to have unprotected sex. Make bad decisions : Drinking lowers inhibitions and increases the chances that children will engage in risky behavior or do something that they will regret when they are sober. Have health problems: Young people who drink are more likely to have health issues such as depression and anxiety disorders.

‪ Parent discussion on drug abuse and addiction with Dr. Volkow NIDA ‬

The SPF process: Promotes youth development Reduces risk-taking behaviors Builds assets and resilience Prevents problem behaviors across the life span of the programs Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) SPF is to use findings from public health research along with evidence-based prevention programs to build capacity and sustainable prevention. This, in turn, promotes resilience and decreases risk factors in individuals, families, and communities.

Resources know-my-child-is-using/ know-my-child-is-using/ a-underage-drinking-resources-national_0.pdf a-underage-drinking-resources-national_0.pdf your-kids your-kids

Contact Us ERASE 70 Canterbury Street East Hartford, CT Phone: Fax: Bonnie W. Smith, MPH, CPH Executive Director Melisa Luginbuhl Project Manager Haley Shoop Prevention Coordinator