Early prevention of drug and alcohol abuse

House of Freedom believes that the earlier drug and alcohol abuse is prevented, the better chance we have as a community to flourish. It was only about 30 years ago, where society began to shift their views about addiction and began to accept that there was something seriously devastating behind the use of alcohol and drugs. In fact, in 1987, campaigns launched by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America began to accept that the brain was being affected and compared it to an egg that was frying on a pan. From that point on, more and more studies have revealed that recovery from alcohol and drug abuse is one of the most challenging journeys in an individual who wishes their health to be restored.

Once addiction sets in, the journey back to health has been impossible for many individuals. Lives, families, and communities are destroyed by the effects of addiction. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that drug and alcohol use costs society more than half a trillion dollars on health and crime-related losses and productivity. These numbers are estimated to be approximately $181 billion for illicit drugs, $168 billion for tobacco, and $185 billion for alcohol. As a result, prevention has been viewed as one of the most powerful tools to save our communities and the future of our children. The U.S. department of health and human services reported that in 2007 alone, close to one million adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 used inhalants, this does not account for the other millions that used marijuana, alcohol, cigarettes, and other illicit drugs. Therefore, if these groups can be targeted at an early age then we can prevent the deterioration of our communities.

All this being said, it is crucial that parents now a days do not ignore what maybe early signs of addictive behavior in their children but rather get professional help to determine if something may be done to treat the concerns/problems before they become more severe.