Substance Abuse Prevention

Substance Abuse Prevention is really Behavioral Health Promotion. And it occurs across the lifespan, not just in childhood, and not just in schools.

Waterbury’s comprehensive prevention efforts address multiple substances (such as alcohol, nicotine, and illicit drugs) that can impact health and development. We examine root causes of problem use (such as stress or anxiety), and environmental factors that affect behaviors and attitudes (such as easy retail access, or parental norms about use).

Learn more about the regional priority setting process that guides our local-level prevention efforts.

Waterbury also follows the guidelines of the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF)

and the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA)

7 Strategies for Community Level Change

Both guidelines help in developing the infrastructure needed for community‐based, public health approaches that can lead to effective and sustainable reductions in alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD) use and abuse.

Providing Information

To schedule a community presentation or an informational table and resources on any of the following topics, please contact us today!

Updates on the Opioid Crisis *presentation can be tailored to audience
Naloxone Training & Skills Practice *training can be tailored to audience
Cannabis & Consequences for Youth: Vaping, Edibles, and Other Things Adults Don’t Know Enough About *presentation is for parents and other adult caregivers/concerned citizens only

Enhancing Skills (fee based training)

We offer skills training opportunities at minimum cost to participants. Cost typically includes fees only for mandatory workbooks/participant materials. Call today to inquire about hosting or to RSVP for the following skills training sessions:

Speaking of Developmental Assets This brief introduction into the 40 Developmental Assets Framework© is for audiences of all ages and will introduce new participants through an interactive presentation to the concepts of building protective factors, and using intentional relationship development to connect with young people in supportive and empowering ways (25, 45, or 90 minute training session for groups of 15-50 persons) $5 per person
Everyone’s An Asset Builder This training is designed for participants who care about and are concerned for young people today. This training takes participants on a deeper dive into the 40 Developmental Assets Framework©, to understand and apply the principles of asset building in their personal lives. (4 hour training for groups of 15-50 persons) Training is coordinated through www.waterburybridgetosuccess.org
Sharing the Asset Message This workshop is for participants who are familiar and already working with the 40 Developmental Assets Framework©. This skills session will help Asset Builders to ramp up efforts to share the asset message through committed action plans. (4 hour training for groups of 15-35 persons) Training is coordinated through www.waterburybridgetosuccess.org
QPR: Question. Persuade. Refer. Three steps anyone can take to prevent suicide. Clear. Concise. Efficient. QPR is the most widely taught Gatekeeper training in the world. It is an evidence-based skills training that can save lives and reduce suicidal behavior. (1-2 hour training for groups of 5-25 persons) $5 per person
Mental Health First Aid is and internationally recognized, evidenced-based skills course. MHFA is the help offered to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. This course teaches laypersons how to recognize signs and symptoms of an emerging mental health conduction or crisis, and teaches a 5-step action plan to provide support until professional help is received, or until the crisis resolves. (Course and certification is a MINIMUM 8 hours of instruction NOT INCLUDING any breaks or lunch. Course is typically conducted over a 2-4 day/evening timeframe for 12 hours total content, for groups of 5-30 persons) $50 per person

Helpful Links and Family Resources:

Partnership for Drug Free Kids – Where families Find Answers
All parent resources: E-books, Guides, How-tos, Fact Sheets, etc
Mindfulness as a Healthy Coping Strategy
Alcohol and Drug Rehab Centers in Waterbury, CT

Alcohol and Drug Rehab Centers in Waterbury, CT: Find All Rehab Centers in Waterbury, Connecticut (rehabs.org)

Alcohol

Talk. They hear you. SAMHSA's underage drinking prevention campaign helps parents and caregivers start talking to their children early about the dangers of alcohol.

https://www.samhsa.gov/underage-drinking