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Get the Facts #unfiltered
FACT:
We know 1 pill can kill. 94% of Douglas County teens have never misused prescription pain medicine.
We know that medication that didn't come straight from a doctor or pharmacist may not be safe. Fake pills with fatal doses of fentanyl may be shared by people who might think they're real.
FACT:
Not only are teens making healthy choices for themselves, but 87% of Colorado teens say they would protect a friend from taking a pill that might be laced with fentanyl.
When we help each other make healthy choices, we demonstrate the power of connection and community.
FACT:
Most Douglas County teens don’t drink, use marijuana or use any other drugs.
So, if you hear someone say “everyone does it,” you can correct them with the facts.
Watch our #Unfiltered Stories
Real substance-free stories from real Douglas County teens.
How to Act to Help a Friend
Hover over the image to see the back of the card
Sometimes We Need Extra Support
Anonymously report anything that concerns or threatens you, your friends, your family, or your community. (But call 911 if there is an emergency in progress.)
This can connect you with a therapist for up to six free virtual counseling sessions (some in-person appointments available, too) that are completely confidential.
The 988 Colorado Mental Health Line is available for free, immediate, human support 24/7.
Parents & Trusted Adults
FACT:
Most Colorado teens say they trust their parents to protect their health
Teens are healthier and happier when they feel connected to a parent or other trusted adult. Connecting with teens supports them and helps them make healthy choices.
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Fact: 92.8% of high school students in Douglas County say their family rules are clear.
Just like connection with a parent, clear family rules are a “protective factor” that helps teens thrive.
Fact: When teens learn most of their peers aren’t using drugs or drinking, they are more likely to make healthy choices.
This is what’s known as positive social norm. But teens typically overestimate how many of their peers are using substances. Correcting these misperceptions is a research-based strategy. Let your kids know that, despite what they may think, most Douglas County teens aren’t using substances.
When talking about substances, discuss the dangers of fentanyl in fake pills and party drugs – and what teens can do if they’re offered these drugs. You might be surprised how easy it is for teens to find these drugs on social media so they need to understand the risks.
Teens who use drugs often say they first experimented with medications they found at home. Lock up or properly dispose of prescriptions and talk with other parents and relatives about why this is important. Medications that treat anxiety, ADHD, and pain can be misused.
Source: Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, 2023
RE: Life
Re: Life shares local stories of recovery, resilience and community to help reduce substance misuse in Douglas County.Douglas County Mental Health resources provide local behavioral health and substance misuse treatment/recovery information.
Take Meds Seriously shows you where you can safely dispose of old medications in Colorado.