Substance Abuse Prevention Month

October 3, 2024 — Human Resources

October was first declared as National Substance Abuse Prevention Month in 2011. Since then, October has been a time to highlight the vital role that substance abuse prevention has on both individual and community health.

National Substance Abuse Prevention Month aims to remember those who have lost their lives to substance abuse, to identify risk factors, to learn how to help those that are impacted and assist the children, parents, family and friends supporting them.

Studies show that the earlier an individual starts smoking, drinking or using other drugs, the greater the likelihood of developing an addiction. Nine out of 10 people who abuse or are addicted to nicotine, alcohol or other drugs began using these substances before they were 18. People who began using addictive substances before age 15 are nearly 7 times more likely to develop a substance problem than those who delay first use until age 21 or older. Every year that substance use is delayed during the period of adolescent brain development, the risk of addiction and substance abuse decreases.

WellTip for the month:

Treat yourself with the same love you give others.

Be kind to yourself by being mindful of your internal dialogue. For most of us, it’s easier to be kind to others, even strangers, than it is to be kind to ourselves. We hold ourselves to mercilessly high standards and feel undeserving of a kind word or basic self-care.

Try treating yourself like a valued friend and notice when you’re being cruel or withholding comfort from yourself. Give yourself what you’d give a friend such as a hug, validation, encouragement or a treat. What we say to ourselves sets our day, our week and our lives.

Attend an upcoming WellPanel covering an array of topics:

• Oct. 1: Noon to 1 p.m. - Early Signs of Addiction: How to End it Before it Starts
• Oct. 10: Noon to 1 p.m. - Building Assertive Communication Skills
• Oct. 17: Noon to 1 p.m. - How to Talk to Your Children About Substance Use
• Oct. 24: Noon to 1 p.m. - How to Identify and Set Healthy Boundaries

Also, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., every Monday Mindfulness Mondays are dedicated to supporting you with stress management techniques and mental health tips.

If you, a family member or a team member are struggling with feelings or emotions that interfere with your or their ability to engage in daily life, please feel free to reach out to our team at Miami-Dade EAP. Our EAP counselors focus on supporting employees with internal and external resources that assist in setting the foundation for restoration or enhancement of emotional and mental wellness. The EAP is providing virtual and on-site assessments for all employees that are in need of assistance.

To set up an assessment with an EAP counselor, contact 305-375-3293 or email Jessica.Hughes-Fillette@miamidade.gov. The hours of operation are Mon. to Fri. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.