In an effort to raise awareness among teens, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently launched a statewide media campaign to emphasize the health and personal consequences of drug use.
To best reach teenagers with this message, the media campaign is running on television, online, and is being highlighted in movie theatres throughout the summer. The spot is available for viewing
on the MDHHS YouTube channel.
“We know that using drugs in adolescence has very real impacts on a young adult’s physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing,” said Dr. Eden Wells, chief medical executive with the MDHHS. “The purpose of this campaign is to illustrate the harmful effects of drug use so teens better understand the seriousness of what may seem like a momentary decision. This campaign carries an important message: don’t let drugs be your future.”
Last year, 15.8 percent of Michigan youth reported taking prescription drugs without a doctor’s prescription at least once, a number down slightly from 2013, yet nearly double the 2011 rate. Additionally, almost one in five youth reported using marijuana in the previous 30 days. Research has shown that regular marijuana use by teens can lead to an IQ drop of up to eight points, according to Meier et al in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2012.
In support of the effort to address drug use and abuse in Michigan, Lt. Gov. Brian Calley chaired the Michigan Prescription Drug and Opioid Abuse Task Force. Gov. Rick Snyder created the task force to focus on reducing opioid and prescription drug abuse in the state. View the 2015 Michigan Prescription Drug and Opioid Abuse Task Force report for more on the task force’s findings and recommendations.
If you or someone you know need help finding treatment for substance use, problem gambling, or mental health, visit the Get Help Now page at www.michigan.gov/mentalhealth-addiction-help. Additionally, parents, teachers, professionals and more can help protect and educate teens about not using drugs. To learn how you can help be part of the solution, visit www.michigan.gov/doyourpart.
For more information or to view the message, visit www.michigan.gov/drugfree.
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