Substance Abuse Prevention
Definition
Substance use means any use of a substance, or uses of substances, that results in negative consequences. This includes but is not limited to, alcohol, tobacco, prescription drugs, marijuana and other illegal drugs. To impact the use and misuse of substances in Manitowoc County, focus will be given to underage drinking, responsible adult alcohol consumption, tobacco use among all ages, misuse and abuse of prescription drugs, and use of all illegal drugs.
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Importance of the Focus Area
Alcohol-related deaths are the fourth leading cause of death in Wisconsin behind heart disease, cancer, and stroke. Wisconsin tops the nation in wasted lives, harm, and death associated with its drinking culture. Wisconsin ranks extraordinarily high compared to other states on the nation’s leading indicators of problem drinking. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data for 2008, Wisconsin ranked first in the rate of adult drinkers; second in the rate of adult heavy drinkers (60 or more drinks per month) and first in the rate of adult binge drinking (5 or more drinks on an occasion). In its 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, the Centers for Disease Control ranked Wisconsin first in the rate of current alcohol use among youth; and third in the rate of binge drinking among youth. Wisconsin ranks third in the nation in per-capita consumption of beer. Wisconsin’s drinking culture is not intentionally harmful, however we must achieve a culture that encourages residents to drink responsibly, safely and legally.
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Manitowoc County has seen a huge decrease in smoking. In July 2010, Wisconsin passed a state-law banning indoor smoking for any established business. Although this limits access to smoking there was an increase in those smoking. Tobacco related deaths is the number one most preventable death and so it is important to continue educating and promoting the benefits to not smoking. With the increase cost of tobacco and decrease in access to smoking, some, especially youth are turning to other tobacco products including orbits, Snus, and chew. It is imperative to educate residents of the harmful effects of these products and the importance to keep these products out of youth’s hands.
Manitowoc County has experienced at least one death a month due to a prescription drug overdose. Each month tons of unused prescription drugs are collected. The misuse and abuse of prescription drugs continues to be a concern for among all ages. Disposing of unused medications is important as well as the education for prescribers and consumers of the abuse and the addictive component of these prescription drugs. Prescription drugs remain one of the fastest growing drugs being misused and abused.
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Living in a rural community leads many to think that marijuana and other illegal drugs is not a problem as that is only a problem that most urban areas must deal with. However Manitowoc County numbers of arrests for use and distribution of these illegal drugs are comparable with the state of Wisconsin. Although there are many arrests among adults, we have seen an increase in arrest among young adults starting as early as 20 years old. Illegal drug use among our youth also are comparable with the state data. So although Manitowoc County is smaller in nature, we are not immune to the use and distribution of illegal drugs. Illegal drugs continue to plaque our community and in the end affect the health and safety of our residents.
It is critical to prevent chemical use among our youth. In order to do this we as a community must commit to educating our youth, providing an environment that condemns use among our youth and modeling the vary behaviors we expect from our youth.
