Local Groups Join State Initiative for Drug Abuse Prevention

A Program to help prevent Teen Substance Use in Missouri encourages youth to “Be Under Your Own Influence.”

The full release from the Taney County ADAPT Coalition is below:

Local prevention coalitions, including the Southwest Missouri Drug Poisoning Coalition, the Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention Team, and the Stone County Community Health Coalition, will join prevention coalitions across Missouri in supporting a statewide media campaign during the last two weeks of August.

Led by the Missouri Prevention Coalitions Network (MPCN), the campaign, Be Under Your Own Influence, focuses on preventing substance use among youth, including the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, as well as the misuse of prescription medications.

Be Under Your Own Influence uses a positive youth development framework based on principles identified by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) as important components of effective drug prevention. Rather than focusing solely on the dangers of substance use, the campaign emphasizes the strengths, skills, relationships, and community connections that can help young people make healthy decisions and avoid substance use.

The campaign highlights several protective factors that can help reduce the likelihood of youth substance use, including strong family and community support, problem-solving and decision-making skills, self-management, positive social connections, and community and cultural norms that support healthy behaviors.

At the same time, the campaign recognizes that certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of substance use and other negative outcomes. These may include feelings of hopelessness, impulsive or aggressive tendencies, and a lack of social connectedness. By addressing risk and protective factors at the individual, family, and community levels, the campaign seeks to strengthen the conditions that help young people thrive.

Missouri residents may see posters, billboards, and social media posts promoting the campaign throughout the final two weeks of August. Campaign advertisements will also highlight the positive things youth are doing in their schools and communities, reinforcing the message that young people have the ability to make choices that reflect their goals, interests, and values.

Local prevention coalitions will help amplify these messages through their own social media platforms and community networks. Their participation provides an opportunity to connect a statewide prevention initiative with local families, schools, organizations, and community members.

“Prevention is about more than telling young people what not to do,” said Marietta Hagan, a local coalition member. “It is about helping young people develop the skills, relationships, confidence, and support they need to make healthy choices. When communities invest in those protective factors, we create stronger environments where youth can succeed.”

Parents, caregivers, educators, and other adults can play an important role in supporting the goals of the campaign. Positive communication, meaningful relationships, clear expectations, and opportunities for young people to participate in healthy activities can all contribute to a supportive environment.

Community members are encouraged to watch for campaign materials and share the messages with others. By recognizing and celebrating the positive contributions of young people, communities can reinforce healthy choices and help youth understand that they—not alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs—can be in control of their own future.