As students return to classrooms, practices, and sports, the PASS Coalition reminds parents, coaches, educators and students that substance-use prevention should be part of every back-to-school safety conversation.
The teenage years are an important time for prevention. Substance use such as alcohol, marijuana or other drugs among youth can have serious consequences for physical and mental health, academic performance and long-term well-being. Early prevention and strong connections between youth, families, schools and their communities can help reduce risk.
For student-athletes, there is another concern: injury and pain management can create an opportunity for prescription medication misuse. Sports injuries are common among young athletes, and an injury may result in a prescription for pain medication.
Federal health resources note that young athletes may have increased exposure to prescription opioids because of sports-related injuries.
“Parents don’t need to have all the answers, but being observant and starting conversations early can make a big difference.” said Chelsey Stevenson with the PASS Coalition. “We also want our youth to understand that asking for help, following medical instructions, and taking time to properly recover are signs of strength, not weakness.”
Don't Let the Pressure to Play Through Pain Become a Risk Student-athletes may feel pressure to return to competition quickly after an injury. Parents, coaches, athletic trainers, and healthcare providers can help by reinforcing that recovery comes before fall/spring sports.
When a young athlete is prescribed medication, families should:
•Make sure the medication is taken exactly as directed.
•Talk with the prescribing health-care professional about the medication, including potential risks.
•Never share prescription medication with teammates or friends.
•Secure medications at home and dispose of unused medication appropriately.
•Encourage athletes to speak up when they are experiencing pain rather than attempting to “play through” an injury.
•Watch for changes in behavior or other signs that a youth may need additional support.
The message is not that sports cause substance misuse. In fact, positive participation in sports and other activities can be an important protective factor for our youth. The goal is to recognize situations such as injury, pain, stress, peer pressure or access to medications or where additional support may be needed.
As a new school year begins, PASS encourages families to make substanceuse prevention part of their back-to-school routine: Talk early. Listen without judgment. Take injuries seriously. Use medications safely. And make sure every student knows that asking for help is always an option.
For more resources or support, visit facebook. com/passdrugfree.
The PASS Prevention Coalition is a local coalition of individuals and organizations collaborating to prevent substance misuse and provide assistance to families grappling with drug addictions. The PASS Coalition convenes at noon on the first Monday of each month at the First United Bank in Pauls Valley and on Google Meet. For further information, please Like and Follow them on Facebook and Instagram @PASSdrugfree or reach out to them via email at passdrugfree@gmail.com to stay informed about upcoming meetings and events.
