An Ounce of Prevention
Utah drug rehab is in demand. There are people entering treatment by the dozens, every week. While this is a positive step, one has to consider the old adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” How many of these drug addictions could have been prevented?
With the vast majority of individuals beginning drug and alcohol use in their early teens, one may wonder what is being done to work with teens in this inherently treacherous stage of life. Local authorities in Utah are working to fill this void. Each county is responsible for focusing on prioritized risk factors in their area as well as prioritized protective factors.
When talking about a population at risk, the risk factors are those factors that can contribute to a person’s risk of getting into drugs, early pregnancy, gang violence, etc. Some of these risk factors would include poor parental monitoring, family conflict, and struggling neighborhoods.
Protective factors are those factors that may help a person avoid such trouble, and enjoy a better outcome. Some of these factors include greater parental involvement, drug and alcohol education, learning new skills, etc.
In Davis County, Utah, for example, some of the identified risk factors are family conflict, poor family management, and low commitment to school. Davis County works to stem the tide by increasing protective factors including community and parent involvement.
Bountiful and Layton cities have joined together to form the Communities that Care prevention-planning system. They work with schools and neighborhoods to create better opportunities for youth in Davis County. Another part of the prevention goal is to remove some of the accessible drugs.
In September of 2010, Davis County residents brought in an amazing 654 pounds of unused prescription drugs to be properly disposed of in the Prescription Drug Take Back event. With results like these, it is clear that local authorities, involved in state and county-run programs, are positioned to make an impact on substance abuse in Utah.
Utah Drug Rehab centers are great at answering questions and helping those who might be struggling with any form of drug abuse.
2 Comments
Beverley Khalifah / 12 Apr 2011 / 5:49 pm
Arnulfo Mondelli / 10 May 2011 / 5:00 pm