FAITH MATTERS A growing body of research suggests that: Religion is an important protective factor against substance use and an important support for persons in recovery.*  Youth who attend religious services weekly are less likely to use marijuana.*  Teens say that religion helps them deal with problems related to drugs and alcohol.**  Children for whom religion is important report learning more about the risks of drugs.*  Instilling strong values is a protective factor in preventing many high-risk behaviors including substance use.* * * Report prepared for the Annie E. Casey Foundation ** 1999 Gallup Pole

IT TAKES A VILLAGE According to a recent study:  “Teens whose parents were consistent in their discipline and generally knew what their children were up to, were less likely to use drugs or alcohol. However, some of that protection was erased if their friends' parents were more lenient."  The study, "empowers parents to know that not only can they have an influence on their own children, but they can also have a positive influence on their children's friends as well”. “By acting together - the notion of 'it takes a village' - can result in better outcomes for adolescents.“ (Penn State Study published in Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, May 2012 issue) The Faith Community is the village that instills strong values in children guiding them to make healthy choices.

California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) Placer County Youth Surveys What Placer Youth Have Said Among Placer 11 th graders: 52% said drinking alcohol 1-2 times/week was NOT harmful 77% said it’s easy to get alcohol 44% had been to a party where adults allowed youth to drink alcohol 34% had been to an event where parents allowed youth to drink alcohol 19% (1 in 5) had used a prescription painkiller 11 % reported getting Rx medicines from their own home or home of family member 1 in 5 Placer County Youth drank alcohol by age 13 (20%) 10% of 9 th graders and 22% of 11 th graders had binged in the last 30 days (5 or more drinks in a row) The only norm is that it is normal for teens to drink. Placer County Youth

 Youth say parental disapproval of underage drinking is the key reason they have chosen not to drink.  Only 51% of Placer 11 th graders surveyed said their parent/guardian had talked with them about the dangers of drinking alcohol.  58% of 9 th graders said their parents would feel it is very wrong for them to drink any alcohol. "Parents need to have consequences. Talk to your kids specifically about what will happen if they use. Follow through and don't give empty threats." Placer County Teen Parent Influence The conversation we have with our teen is our HOPE.

Take a S ecure medicines and alcohol in your home T alk with your teens about the dangers of alcohol and drugs A ssure alcohol and other drugs are not available at teen parties N etwork with other parents D rug test your teen Take a S ecure medicines and alcohol in your home T alk with your teens about the dangers of alcohol and drugs A ssure alcohol and other drugs are not available at teen parties N etwork with other parents D rug test your teen Take the Parent Pledge Join our efforts to reduce youth access to alcohol and prescription medications Join 1,000 Placer County parents enrolling in the responsible host database and make a commitment to not allow underage drinking in your home.

Faith Leaders Play a Key Role  Clergy are the first professionals many people with personal problems like substance abuse contact for help.  94% of clergy feel substance abuse is an important issue in their congregations.  Nearly 40% indicate that half or more of the family problems they confront are substance abuse related  Only a third (37%) report they preach a sermon on the topic of substance abuse more than once a year. Substance abuse is America’s number one health problem – a problem that touches the life of every American child, family, congregation and community. The tragedy is not that we don’t know what to do; rather, it is that we simply fail to do it. National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, June 2011

1.Elevate substance abuse prevention on your faith agenda - Establish a strong position statement and policies against drugs use as well as underage alcohol use. - Partner with community-based organizations that have substance abuse prevention programs. 2.Promote substance abuse prevention messages - Incorporate prevention messages into sermons, homilies, newsletters, religious education, parenting classes, youth and parent events. - Select a day, a week, or a month to celebrate your faith community’s commitment to substance abuse prevention. 3.Help youth sort out the meaning in media messages. - Educate parents and other adults about the importance of helping kids analyze the media. - Incorporate media literacy lessons into youth programs. 4.Look for opportunities to spread the word. - Develop partnerships with faith- and community-based organizations to coordinate training, share information and substance abuse prevention education resources. - Include sections on your Web site to promote youth outreach and parenting resources. FOUR WAYS TO INCLUDE DRUG PREVENTION IN YOUR RELIGIOUS PROGAMS A Guide for Faith Leaders Encourage parent-teen communication about the risks of alcohol and drug use. Promote the Parent Pledge - reduce youth access to alcohol and Rx medicines. Encourage parent-teen communication about the risks of alcohol and drug use. Promote the Parent Pledge - reduce youth access to alcohol and Rx medicines.

Contact Information: Shari Crow, Coordinator (530) Be an active participant Join our CPY Leadership Team