Substance Use Disorder Prevention
Substance Use Disorder Prevention incorporates evidence-based programs which target different populations at risk for Substance Use Disorder (SUD), or a dependence on a substance accompanied by cravings or compulsive behaviors. Prevention programs can focus on helping people directly develop knowledge and skills, or even changing environmental and community factors that can negatively affect people. Our approach to SUD Prevention seeks to leverage community collaboration to implement programs, offer services, and promote resources to help people lead healthy and productive lives, free of addiction and substance dependance.
Our Prevention efforts are divided into three categories:
- Universal preventive interventions reach an entire population to prevent substance use disorders.
- Selective preventive interventions target subgroups of the population that are at risk for substance use disorders.
- Indicated preventive interventions are aimed at individuals who are exhibiting early signs of having a substance use disorder though they have not been diagnosed.
%
of adults are binge drinkers, meaning they have consumed at least 4 (if female) or 5 (if male) drinks on at least one occasion in the past month.
Source: Ottawa County BRFS
%
of area adults report using marijuana or cannabis
Ottawa County BRFS
%
of youth have used an electronic vapor product
Source: Ottawa County YAS
%
of area youth believe there is no or slight risk to having five or more alcoholic drinks once or twice a week
Source: Ottawa County YAS
Featured Resources
Medication Disposal
Free* Lock It Up Medication Bag
A home is full of both safe and unsafe items for children. Learn more about how to make your home safer, have conversations with your family, find tools for locking up potentially dangerous or deadly items, and information about where to throw away unused over-the-counter and prescription medication for free.
Talk Sooner
Ottawa County Youth are using more than just alcohol at the age of 14. Find out how to talk to your kids about drugs and help prevent youth substance abuse. The Talk Sooner campaign now has an app for iPhone and Android! This app will give you tips and tricks for how to talk to your kids about not using alcohol and other drugs.
Prime for Life (PFL)
Prime for Life (PFL) is a motivational evidence-based program that is informative and doable. PFL is a class available for youth who may be making high risk drug or alcohol choices. PFL shifts a student’s attitude and risk perception in a comprehensible format. PFL provides research-based information that teaches students how to apply this material in their own lives. PFL also creates a unique self-assessment opportunity to enhance awareness of student’s values and what they might be risking with these high-risk behaviors. Contact Rajvir Kaur, Health Educator, at (616) 393-5733 or rkaur@miottawa.org.
TiPS
Ottawa County offers a free alcohol service training called TiPS (Training for Intervention Procedures). TiPS is nationally recognized and suggested by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. The training prepares retailers and servers to minimize the legal and safety risks associated with alcohol misuse that pose a threat to our community. The course provides information, skills training and practices customized to each establishment. All TiPS services are free and certification is valid for three years. Contact Tim Findlay, Health Educator, at (616)393-5776 or tfindlay@miottawa.org.
Cannabis Reduction And preVention Education (CRAVE)
Cannabis Reduction And preVention Education (CRAVE) is a community subcommittee (a part of the OSAP Coalition), which seeks to reduce Marijuana Abuse among youth and adults in Ottawa County by reducing underage access to marijuana, increasing the perception of the consequences of marijuana use and encouraging responsible marijuana retailer practices. For more information visit arborcircle.org/OSAP or contact Rajvir Kaur, Health Educator, at (616) 393-5733 or rkaur@miottawa.org.
Reducing Ottawa Area Drunk Driving (ROADD) Coalition
ROADD is a community coalition (a part of the OSAP Coalition), which seeks to reduce underage drinking and alcohol involved crashes in Ottawa County by reducing underage access to alcohol, increasing the perception of the consequences of drunk driving and encouraging responsible beverage service practices. For more information, contact Tim Findlay, Health Educator, at (616)393-5776 or tfindlay@miottawa.org.
Mobile Eyes – Call 911 on Drunk Drivers
Call 911 when:
- someone is drinking while driving.
- a car is swerving or violating traffic signals.
- someone is visibly intoxicated; walking to their car to drive.
What to do next:
- explain the reason for the call.
- give a vehicle description and the license plate number.
- give a location (e.g. North on US 31).
Related Websites
For Parents
- Mayo Clinic: What are the effects of the use of marijuana during pregnancy?
- National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence, Inc. – Provides straightforward information about how to address alcohol issues with your children.
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism – Provides information, publications, and news on the impacts of alcohol use.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse – Provides the “Science of Drug Abuse & Addiction”.
- The Partnership at Drugfree.org – A nonprofit organization dedicated to solving the problem of teen substance abuse. Their website allows parents to connect with each other, tap into expert advice and find support in their role as heroes to their kids.