Lodge News
Red Ribbon Week
This article written by William Bryan, (National Director of the Elks Drug Program} I found very interesting.
October might just be the busiest month in the Drug Awareness Program. Red Ribbon Week is October 23-31, and October is also Youth Substance Use Prevention Month and Substance Misuse Prevention Month. October was first declared as National Substance Abuse Prevention Month in 2011. Since then, October has been a time to highlight the vital role of substance abuse prevention in both individual and community health, to remember those who have lost their lives to substance abuse, and to acknowledge those in recovery, as well as children, parents, family, and friends supporting them.Studies show that the earlier an individual starts smoking, drinking, or using other drugs, the greater the likelihood of developing an addiction. Nine out of 10 people who abuse or are addicted to nicotine, alcohol, or other drugs began using these substances before they were 18. People who began using addictive substances before age 15 are nearly seven times more likely to develop a substance problem than those who delay first use until age 21 or older. Every year that substance use is delayed during the period of adolescent brain development, the risk of addiction and substance abuse decreases.
Posted by: Ken-Ton, NY #1942 (10/01/2024)
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