Why is Substance Misuse Prevention and Education Important?
According to the latest Indiana Youth Institute Kid Count Report:
- In 2017, there were 161 drug overdose deaths among Hoosier youth ages 15–24.
- 15.2% of Indiana high school students reported that they used a drug other than alcohol or tobacco in the past month, and 6.0% used a drug other than alcohol, tobacco, or marijuana.
- 9 in 10 Indiana high school students (90.0%) say their family has clear rules about drug and alcohol use.
- 13.0% of Indiana teens ages 14 and older say they use alcohol or drugs to relax, feel better about themselves, or fit in.
- 28.5% of Indiana teens ages 14 and older say they have ever ridden in a car driven by someone, including themselves, that was high or had been using alcohol.
IYI Data book can be found at 2020 Indiana Youth Institute Databook
Curriculum / Programs
Four identified evidence-based prevention curricula
These four curriculums are recommended for grades K-6 (7-8 depending on lesson) and have not shown to be effective at the high school level.
Is there another evidence-based program that you think should be added to this list? Email Jason Murrey, Prevention Specialist, at jmurrey1@doe.in.gov. In order for the program to be added to the list, you will have to provide clinical data that shows the program is effective.
Recommended High School Program
Website http://www.operationprevention.com
Created in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Discovery Education, Operation Prevention is an award-winning educational program dedicated to preventing opioid misuse among elementary, middle, and high school students nationwide.
Resources are translated in both English and Spanish on the website listed above.
Tobacco / Vaping
- IDOE and ISDH Vape Presentation
- Vape Free Indiana
- Vaping in Indiana Schools
- Be Vape Free
- Vaping among Indiana Youth
Alcohol
- Talking to Kids About Alcohol and Other Drugs: 5 Conversation Goals
- Family Agreement Form: Avoiding Alcohol
- Family Agreement Form: Avoiding Alcohol - Spanish