Pillar 4: Drugs, Alcohol & Vaping
Our goal:
Reduce substance abuse among Georgia’s youth by 50%, ensuring that every teen understands the risks and has access to support.
Substance abuse is a growing concern among teens, with 8.3% of Georgians aged 12 or older classified as having a substance use disorder in the past year. The pressure to fit in and the desire to experiment can lead many teens down a dangerous path, with consequences that can last a lifetime. Our mission is to inform and educate youth about the severe risks associated with drugs, alcohol, and vaping, and to provide them with the support they need to make healthier choices.
Schools are in a unique position to address this issue head-on by hosting educational programs and support groups that emphasize the dangers of substance abuse. By creating a culture of openness and support, we can help teens feel comfortable seeking help before it's too late. Our goal is to reduce the number of teens struggling with substance abuse by half, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow up healthy and substance-free.
Stay Above the Influence
Here is an infographic made by Health Horizons about the topic substance abuse. In the infographic to the left, information on what substance abuse is and what the health side effects are are explained. There is also information about the different types of substance abuse and how it has affected people in the United Stares and Georgia.