A recent virtual town hall hosted by suburban Chicago area coalitions provided tips and resources for substance use prevention. The presenters encouraged caregivers to talk early and often with their teens about alcohol use. For example, 60, one-minute conversations will be much more successful than one 60-minute discussion. Check out the recording of the town hall at this link.
One of the best ways to prevent substance use is for adults to educate themselves to have an informed talk with their teen. Substance use is significantly lower among teens who believe their parents strongly disapprove. Adults can find more tips and tools from the DuPage County Prevention Leadership Team.
The event was presented in partnership with Reality Illinois, the Teen Advisory Board to the DuPage County Health Department. The group, which is open to all DuPage teens, advocates, participates in service projects and assists with awareness campaigns. For more information on the Reality Teen Advisory Board, click here. The group meets weekly during the summer and monthly during the school year. For more information, or to join, contact Gilda Ross, Glenbard student and community projects coordinator, at this email or 630-942-7668.
