Letter to the Editor: Program teaches adults about teen alcohol and other drug use

By Amy Ring, Prevention Specialist
Prairie Ridge Integrated Behavioral Healthcare

Prairie Ridge Integrated Behavioral Healthcare and Floyd County FOCUS would like to acknowledge the businesses and organizations that have recently participated in Hidden In Plain Sight demonstrations.

Thank you to Mitas Tires, Families Making Connections, Floyd County Public Health and Charles City Schools for making prevention efforts a priority!

Hidden In Plain Sight is an opportunity for adults to test their knowledge about the signs of teen alcohol or drug use through exploring a staged teen bedroom. Participants are asked to look for items that may indicate alcohol or drug use.

Addressing underage drinking and drug use in our communities takes more than just employees of treatment facilities and members of coalitions. Parents, guardians, and influential adults are the first line of defense when it comes to preventing problems.

Educating ourselves, talking with our children about the potential consequences, setting clear expectations and being open to answering questions can go a long way in helping kids stay safe and avoid future problems.

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) state that teens who drink are at higher risk for physical or sexual assault, problems with academics and attendance at school, have higher risk for death from car crashes or unintentional injury, or could experience changes in brain development that may have lifelong effects.

Not only does HIPS teach use more about how to spot it potential alcohol or drug use, it provides us information on how to teen-proof our homes.

For more information about bringing HIPS to your organization, business, or school call (641)424-2391 and ask for a member of the prevention team.

Participants in the demonstrations thus far have overwhelmingly reported that they have learned new and valuable information that they have found useful. Thank you to all who have participated so far!