Submitted article

Members of the Crawford County Opiate Task Force – Drug Free Community Coalition invite you to Start Talking on Thursday, March 20th from 6:30 to 8 pm at the Galion Free Methodist Church in Galion-683 Portland Way North.

This is a dialogue night aimed at increasing communication between adults and young people around the issue of alcohol and drugs. Dialogue Nights give people the opportunity to hear and to be heard, to learn from other people and to make valuable contribution. The process of sharing also gives participants a sense of support, belonging, and being cared for. Dialogue Night participants experience a sense of extended family and community. Both teens and adults feel a deeper sense of connectedness with their peers and with another generation.

The topic for this Dialogue Night is: Start Talking. The goal is to increase conversations about alcohol and drug abuse between youth and adults – all adults (parents, guidance counselors, guardians, educators, pastors and community leaders). We know that the majority of adolescents who are substance free credit their parents and other adults in their life for the decision not to use illegal substances. We want to focus on those important conversations.

Drug abuse is a public health epidemic and Crawford County is not immune. Use of illegal substances and misuse of prescription medications are involved in early death and the loss of potential. It is important to note that the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey for Crawford County youth ages 12 through 18 reported that 70% of youth surveyed said that their parents rarely or never talked to them about drugs.

The National Crime Prevention Council reports that the primary reason young people choose not to use drugs is directly related to their parent’s communication about drugs. Those kids who have had open communication about expectations around drug use are far less likely to use drugs.

Those interested in learning more or in becoming involved with the task force should call the ADAMH Board at 419-562-7288.