The Mental Health Association of Fauquier County has been implementing this survey since 1990; it gives an inside look into the substance use and mental health trends for students in 6th to 12th grade in Fauquier and Rappahannock counties.
Some questions asked include age of first use for various substances; factors that increase risk and/or protection for youth; how they perceive the dangers of substances; when, where, and how substances are used and accessed; school safety; and feelings of anxiety and depression.
Nurture your relationship with your child by talking often and practicing active listening Many little talks may be more effective than one big talk.
Discuss substance use and give your child accurate facts about the associated health risks.
Model Healthy Behaviors If your response to stress, joy, and social situations always or often include substance use, add alternative strategies to show kids a healthier way
Pay attention to the messages your words and behaviors send about substance use.
Establish expectations, set boundaries, and follow through with consequences. Reasonable limits are those that are respectful and appropriate and take into consideration age, circumstances, and capacity to be responsible
Make explicit rules about no use of drugs and alcohol for reasons of health. Know the signs and symptoms of substance use and intervene at first signs of use.
AT SCHOOL
Post in a high traffic area a listing of who students can contact for certain situations, including an anonymous tip line, if you have one. Schedule presentations for students about substance use and mental health concerns, including QPR Gatekeeper Suicide Prevention Training If possible, provide various after school clubs and activities to combat that risk time period when kids are unsupervised and parents are at work.
Assure all school activities are committed to a drug-free environment, including sports teams and clubs
Know the signs and symptoms Make sure staff can identify students who may be at risk for substance use, and work with the family to get help. Encourage all staff to become certified in Mental Health First Aid. Implement evidence-based drug education and prevention campaigns.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Encourage everyone in our community to become certified in Mental Health First Aid to help create a caring and informed community of individuals who know how to respond to substance use and mental health concerns, in crisis and non-crisis situations.
Join the Faith Community Wellness Council through Mental Health Fauquier to become involved in community conversations and complete Spiritual First Aid, which is mental health with a spiritual focus
Facilitate dialogue about substance use in your community and prevention and treatment options. Be intentional with the words you use regarding substance use. Help break the stigma that substance use only happens to certain types of people
Provide the community with facts about the harmful effects of underage drinking and drug use Being open and honest about the dangers can influence families to make safer decisions. Consider hosting alcohol-free events to show that social situations can be fun without substances.
RESOURCES
Power to the Parent gives facts, strategies, and information, as well a parent quiz, talking points, prom safety, and setting consequences powertotheparent.org
One Choice Prevention provides the 5 prevention basics that all parents and caring adults need to know to understand youth substance use onechoiceprevention.org
Partnership to End Addiction provides one-on-one help to address substance use through early action and prevention, and treatment and recovery. drugfree.org
Substance-Free Athletics helps to create conversation around underage substance use to empower coaches and parents. substance-free-athletics.org
