This week, students locally and across the country are participating in efforts to educate others and debunk myths about drugs and alcohol.

“Peer to peer substance abuse prevention is effective,” explained Jodi Salvo with the Tuscarawas County Anti-Drug Coalition. “If students can create a message in their schools that the majority of students do not use substances it makes it easier for others to embrace.”

On Monday students met with Tuscarawas County Commissioners for a proclamation that recognized NDAFW.

Ohio currently leads the nation in the number of overdose deaths and Salvo says mentoring with an anti-drug and alcohol message in mind, is an impactful piece in the fight against the epidemic.

“We work to empower high school students involved in youth-led prevention to mentor down. During this week high school students will mentor middle school students. Middle school students look up to upperclassman and when they hear older students say, we choose not to use drugs or alcohol, it has a powerful effect,” added Salvo.

According to a report published on ttens.drugabuse.gov, teens’ drug use is lower than ever, mostly. However; Salvo says in order to continue this decline they need to continue to be strong in sending the message against drug and alcohol use.

“We want students, parents, and community members to get the “real” facts about substance use such as the effects of alcohol and marijuana use on a youth,” explained Salvo. “The ADC knows that to truly impact the addiction crisis we are facing in our nation, state and communities, prevention is key. We need both students and parents to understand the dangers of substance use and what we all can do to prevent youth substance experimentation and use.”

For more information, you can visit the Tuscarawas County Anti-Drug Coalition online.

Michaela Madison Reporting