|  | Public Health Safety | Community

Ways to Address Drug & Alcohol Abuse in Our Community

Drug and alcohol abuse constitutes a significant problem in most communities. Large cities and poorer towns generally have a higher number of substance abusers than suburban or rural areas, but the problem stems from more than just economic circumstances. Communities can adopt approaches at a local level to curb problem drinking and drug abuse.

  1. Education

    • Make sure that your local schools have programs in place to educate children about the risks posed by drugs and alcohol. You need to arm young people in your community with knowledge about the consequences of abusing drink and drugs. Talk to school staff about how they tackle the issue with students or perhaps set up a support group for parents to teach them how best to educate their children about the effects of substance abuse.

    Community Projects

    • Talk to local government and churches about funding for youth clubs, art facilities and other activities to give local young people something to do in place of spending time on the streets drinking and taking drugs. In areas that suffer poor socio-economic conditions, young people often face a lack of stimulation as well as a lack of money which fosters a malaise and a lack of self respect.

    Support Groups

    • Lobby for improved counseling services and treatment programs for those with substance abuse problems in your community. Talk to schools, colleges, local employers, government and policy makers to see if they have any facilities in place to identify and help those struggling with drink or drugs. Work with community leaders to improve these services and to make sure people know about them.

    Policing

    • Liaise with the police and local authorities to look at drug- and drink-related crime and ensure that they have a coherent policy in place to tackle black spots. If your town has particular area where drinkers and drug users congregate publicly or which involves underage substance use, a zero-tolerance approach or a police crack down can have an impact in dispersing the problem.

Community - Related Articles