TEEN ADVISORY COUNCIL UPDATE:: Info Meeting Tuesday Sept 18 at 7:50 in 610

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/opioids-drug-overdose-killed-more-americans-last-year-than-the-vietnam-war/

Suicide, addiction, and depression have a very close relationship. More than 90% of people who fall victim to suicide suffer from depression, have or substance abuse disorder, or both. Depression and substance abuse combine to form a vicious cycle that all too often leads to suicide. Many who experience such severe depression (as a result of Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and other conditions) frequently turn to drugs, alcohol, gambling, and other risky behaviors to numb their pain and/or alleviate their negative feelings.

However, substance abuse and addiction actually increase the severity and duration of depressive episodes, despite any temporary relief they may provide, actually greatly increasing the likelihood of suicidal thoughts (suicidal ideation). This is exacerbated by the fact that addiction frequently damages or destroys familial, professional, personal, and financial relationships, further increasing the risk of suicide. Even worse, many substances severely impact judgment, leading to suicide attempts.

The Top Five Reasons for Teen Drug Abuse

Peer pressure and social influence
Escape or self-medication
Academic or performance pressure
Coping with trauma, anxiety, depression or another underlying mental health issue
Media influences: Studies show that teens who watch movies that depict smoking or alcohol consumption are more likely to engage in those behaviors themselves

A study that surveyed 476 adolescents found that emotional vulnerability increases the likelihood of trying a variety of drugs in early adolescence. “Depression levels are associated with lifetime use of a variety of substances in early adolescence, and targeting this risk factor with preventive efforts may be useful in reducing risk,” the researchers concluded.

In other words, teaching children how to regulate their emotions, as well as addressing teen depression at the first signs of trouble, may keep kids from trying drugs.

Teen Advisory Council Announcement

Grace: HEY Lassiter, the Teen Advisory Council, is a new and important club at Lassiter this year! TAC is a chapter of the Georgia Prevention Project.

Perry: Our goal is to represent the youth voice through volunteering and community outreach to prevent the widespread epidemic of prescription drug abuse.

Will: Did you know 7 million Americans ages 12 and up abused a prescription medication in just one year

Grace: and 4 out of 5 people addicted to heroin began using prescription drugs first

Perry: 12 to 17 year olds abuse prescription drugs more often than ecstasy crack/cocaine heroin and meth combined.

Grace: And everyday 2,000 teenagers use a prescription drug to get high the first time.

Perry: Our mottos are not even once as in do not try even one time!

Grace: And not prescribed as in do not take any medication that is not prescribed to you! To find out more talk to any of us!

Will: Come to the informational meeting next Tuesday at 7:50 in Coach Brunners room! #hugsnotplugs #DONUTdodrugs Free Donuts!