Preventing Substance Use By Understanding Current Trends & Addiction

Join us for a virtual Red Ribbon Week Presentation on preventing substance use - let's keep our community safe and healthy together! Join us for an informative and practical sixty minute presentation designed for community members who want to learn more about current substance trends and how to support someone who may be struggling. This session provides clear information about commonly used substances, why people use them, how addiction develops, and what early signs to watch for in friends, students, coworkers, or loved ones. We will explore substances that are frequently seen in our region, including vaping products, marijuana items, alcohol, mushrooms, opioids, stimulants, depressants, and certain retail dietary supplements such as kratom and tianeptine. The presentation also explains common reasons for substance use, such as curiosity, stress, social pressure, mental health concerns, or self‑medicating to cope with difficult experiences. We will look at why a person may continue using even after negative outcomes and practical ways to support someone who may be on that path. After the presentation, participants are welcome to stay for optional hands‑on learning and conversation. A drug education kit containing realistic substance replicas will be available for viewing, along with impairment goggles that show the effects of alcohol, marijuana, and hallucinogens. This additional time is also an opportunity to ask questions about trends, concerns in the community, or how to connect someone with professional help or prevention resources. Whether you are a parent, educator, neighbor, coworker, or simply a caring member of the community, this event will help you feel more informed and confident in recognizing concerns and offering support. We look forward to connecting with you and strengthening substance education and prevention efforts across our region.