This post is part of a series that provides the perspective of the panelists participating in the 2nd Annual Town Hall Meeting to Prevent Teen Substance Abuse, which takes place Monday, April 8th from 5:30-8:30 at the West Hartford Town Hall. Interviews with each panelist were conducted by community members who are part of LEAD BY EXAMPLE, a substance abuse prevention campaign developed by youth, parents, school officials, researchers, and community members in West Hartford, Connecticut. Check out the campaign at https://www.facebook.com/westhartfordleadsbyexample
Libby Nuñez is a student at Conard High School and one of the panelists at the Town Hall Meeting.
Based on your experience, why is substance abuse prevention important in our community? I believe that substance abuse prevention is important to our community because substance abuse is becoming a trend now and many kids are doing it. Our community needs to be able to get together, have open communication, and educate each other about the risks and dangers of alcohol and drug abuse.
What is the most important thing parents should do to keep their children substance free? I honestly believe that the most important thing parents should do to keep their children substance free is to not abuse drugs themselves and be open with their kids and show them that they care and really support them because most kids abuse drugs because they aren't getting the love and support they need at home.
What can an event like the THM accomplish? An event like the THM can really educate adults and children about the dangers and the consequences of substance abuse.
Why are you participating in this event? I'm participating in this event because I come from a background of addiction and drug abuse and I know how much of a toll it can have on your life and the people in it. I believe that spreading knowledge about substance abuse and sharing my experience is a way to prevent people from going through what I've been though and it can help people who are going through it.
What is the biggest gap between perception and reality around substance abuse in the community? The biggest misperception about substance abuse in the community is that many parents think that this is a perfect community and their children wouldn't abuse any substances but the reality is any kid can do drugs and they can get them anywhere. It doesn't matter if the kid has good grades, does sports, or is a good person. All kids can do drugs or drink.
What other important information would you like to add to this discussion? It's better to stop kids from ever using drugs and alcohol now before they have a chance to ruin their future by getting addicted. But if your kid is already addicted there is still help available.
OUR NEXT EVENT: This year’s annual Town Hall Meeting “Choices & Consequences” will be on Monday, April 8th, 2013 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm at the West Hartford Town Hall Auditorium. This free event is for teens and adults and will focus on prescription drug misuse and underage drinking. This year’s event includes a mini-expo of local resources, two research-based videos produced by Hall and Conard students about peer pressure related to substance abuse and a panel discussion with experts and students. We’ll also have free food, a raffle with prizes for teens and music by Hall and Conard students. More info on the event and the West Hartford Substance Abuse Prevention Commission is available here.
