Substance Abuse Prevention

By the time they reach the eighth grade, nearly 50 percent of adolescents have had at least one drink, and over 20 percent report having been “drunk” (1). Approximately 20 percent of 8th graders and almost 50 percent of 12th graders have consumed alcohol within the past 30 days (1). Among 12th graders, almost 30 percent report drinking on 3 or more occasions per month (2). Approximately 30 percent of 12th graders engage in heavy episodic drinking, now popularly termed “binge” drinking—that is, having at least five or more drinks on one occasion within the past 2 weeks—and it is estimated that 20 percent do so on more than one occasion (2).

Apart from being illegal, underage drinking poses a high risk to both the individual and society (3). For example, the rate of alcohol–related traffic crashes is greater for drivers ages 16 to 20 than for drivers age 21 and older (4). Adolescents also are vulnerable to alcohol–induced brain damage, which could contribute to poor performance at school or work. In addition, youthful drinking is associated with an increased likelihood of developing alcohol abuse or dependence later in life. Early intervention is essential to prevent the development of serious alcohol problems among youth between the ages of 12 and 20. Through prevention and intervention strategies directed at the individual, family, school, and community, we aim to provide knowledge and change belief systems and social norms to reinforce the message that underage alcohol use is unacceptable. We also aim to enhance young peoples’ self–esteem, self–motivation, and identity formation to enable them to take responsibility for their own health by making informed, deliberate, and healthy choices regarding alcohol use.

Prevention is an ongoing effort in the County, The TorC/Sierra DWI program is always looking for better programs that will meet the needs of our community and at the same time meet the guidelines set by DFA and DOH. The Goal of our prevention program is to

Increase public awareness of the dangers of underage drinking

Increase public awareness of the financial and legal costs of DWI

Increase awareness of legal ramifications of underage drinking and providing alcohol to minors

Provide and support alcohol free venues for youth and adults

To accomplish these goals the TorC/Sierra DWI program will fund 2 Preventionist who will be implementing the “Positive Action” Curriculum in the Arrey Elementary School,  the” Changes” program and the Social Responsibility Training, in The Middle and High School. Request for funds for additional program training supplies and educational materials is also in this request.

Because there are very few substance abuse prevention efforts in the County, the DWI prevention program continues to be the most important entity in changing the community norm around alcohol use and abuse. If there are any changes in the way students at the area schools view alcohol/substance abuse, it is due to the effectiveness of the DWI prevention program and the newly incorporated Youth and Family Community Center.

Our alternative activities have been successful and popular to the kids in the community and we will continue to build on these programs. With the addition of Positive Action curriculum in the area schools, and a new after-school prevention program (SPARKS), we believe prevention efforts have become stronger and more innovative than previous years. Prevention is our most cost effective component, reaching the largest number of persons served.

Working closely with the Court, JPPO,Teen Court and the Schools we have started a curculum for our at risk youth which incorporates the Changes program and the Social Responsibility Training programs. the courts have also mandated the Parents of youth that are in trouble for alcohol or drugs at school to attend counseling and classes provided by our Teen Court Administrator. as part of the program for those youth referred by JPPO.

T or C/Sierra County DWI Prevention Program