May I ask you a question?  Do you know a story of someone caught in the depths of addiction??

Recently, I had a young relative die from his opioid addiction. He came from a loving home, was a good student, and a great guitar player. He also had some issues with depression. In the end, he used drugs to deal with his inner turmoil.  All of us have stories about close friends and relatives whose lives have been affected by drugs and alcohol. According to the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 1 in 10 people (almost 28 million) meet the criteria of having an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).  That is a concern. As we wrap up September and Recovery Month, we celebrate that Recovery is Possible and ‘Recovery is Prevention for the Next Generation’. October is Substance use and misuse Prevention Month.  We can make a positive impact on our community. 

Based on the 2022 Minnesota Student Survey, MOST 9th graders in Cook County don’t drink alcohol or use drugs. 

In my youth, I remember a couple of drinking-induced parental arguments and a few parties. BUT there was never an ongoing need for a nightly happy hour to “take the edge off.” Alcohol was usually reserved for the monthly dinner/dance club. That was not true for one of my best friends, Danny. BOTH of his parents died of alcohol poisoning before he was 30 years old. 

I must admit that during my teenage years, I dabbled in the party scene. Two negative things happened that shortened my youthful party days. First, I hated throwing up after a night of partying and hated the bed spinning around as my brain recovered from the self-induced poison. Second, a single businessman whom I greatly admired knew I had been drinking and told me how disappointed he was. He told me that he wanted to keep watching my wrestling matches, so I did not need to get kicked off the team. I DID NOT want to disappoint the caring neighborhood mentor. This mentor wrote letters to me throughout my graduate school years. Ultimately, I chose to focus on achieving good grades, participating in athletics, and receiving the support of a youth group with fantastic and caring leaders. 

Danny also survived his teen years. The same neighbor who loved me was also the caring connection for him. The neighbor attended every one of his sporting events, taught us how to drive, and showed us how to catch trout. Dan had teachers and coaches who affirmed his gifts. He was in the top ten in his class. He also went on to place in three different events at the State track meet. He married a woman from a close-knit family and FINALLY got the family he never had. 

As a parent, teacher, or community member, I encourage you to look up THE SEARCH INSTITUTE and the 40 Developmental Assets for youth. They provide significant insights into how ALL adults can be a deliberate part of the village that raises our young people. We are ALL in this together!

A little over a year ago, the Public Health of Cook County initiated a coalition called the Substance Misuse and Suicide Prevention Coalition. That is a big title, but the focus is to provide Healthy Opportunities, Prevention resources, and Empowerment Skills to youth and adults by creating strong relationships in supportive (non-judgmental) environments.  If you are interested in learning more or joining our coalition, please feel free to contact Public Health Educators: Andrea Orest at [email protected]. Or youth-related topics, Rocio Rivas at [email protected]. 

The coalition has partnered with the local library and soon will provide a series of Books About Substance Use Disorder (Each perspective is a bit different but provides great insights). 

The following are examples of what you can find:

• Healing the Addicted Brain, by Harold C. Urschel, III, MD
• Wasted, by Michael Pond
• Drinking, A Love Story, by Carolyn Knapp
• Sober Lush: A Hedonist’s Guide to Living a Decadent, Adventurous, Soulful Life, Alcohol Free, by Amanda Eyre Ward
• The Naked Mind: Control Alcohol, by Annie Grace
• Tweak: Growing Up on Methamphetamines, by Nic Sheff
• Sober Curious: The Blissful Sleep, Greater Focus, Limitless Presence, and Deep Connection Awaiting Us All on the Other Side of Alcohol, by Ruby Warrington  
• We Are the Luckiest: The Surprising Magic of a Sober Life, by Laura McKowen