Substance Use Prevention Month highlights the importance of preventing substance abuse while remembering those who have died from substance abuse and acknowledging those in recovery. Substance use often plays a role in families struggling to stay together and keep their kids home. Studies also show that the earlier a young person starts using alcohol or other drugs, the greater their lifetime risk of misuse or addiction.

That’s why Saint Francis provides help to those who need it. Our alcohol and drug counseling programs recognize that each journey to recovery is unique, so we embrace a personalized approach rather than a one-size-fits-all methodology.

Our outpatient and intensive outpatient programs are evidence-based, family-oriented, and designed to support:

• Pre-adolescents and adolescents grappling with substance challenges.
• Adults seeking sustainable recovery solutions, focusing on holistic body, mind, and spirit healing.
• Families navigating the complexities of substance use impacts.

Still, persons struggling with substance use need the support of family and friends alongside a good program.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), more than three-quarters of youth ages 12-17 have never used illicit substances:

• 78% have never used alcohol.
• 80% have never used nicotine products.
• 79% have never used illicit drugs.

That’s the good news.

But for those who have used substances and for their parents, the health of their families depends upon prevention as well as treatment.

Again, according to SAMHSA, prevention aims to:

• Prevent initiation of substance use.
• Prevent the progression of substance use (to a substance use disorder).
• Prevent and reduce harms associated with substance use.

Is there room in your day to support someone struggling with addiction?

If so, you can direct them to https://saintfrancisministries.org/behavioral-health/ to get the help they need.