In Douglas County, a noteworthy majority of teens are charting a path away from the perils of opioid misuse. The Douglas County Opioid Council, attuned to the influence of peer behavior, has rolled out a new campaign yesterday to bolster the choices of those youths abstaining from prescription pain medicine misuse—a figure that stands at a substantial 94 percent. The recent effort seeks to reinforce the positive social norms and the ripple effect they have among teenagers in the county. Douglas County officials say the initiative can help perpetuate this trend.
Leveraging personal stories, the campaign gives the microphone to Douglas County teens themselves, who relay their 'why' for steering clear of substance use. Celebrating these stories puts a spotlight on the seemingly quiet majority making these sound choices. However, the campaign also carries a stark message that "one pill can kill," which keeps the gravity of opioid dangers in the conversation, as reported by Douglas County's own publication.
During the announcement of the campaign, Douglas County Commissioner and Cochair of the Douglas County Opioid Council, Abe Laydon, expressed his esteem for the teens' decisions to live without substances. "Our youth are showing incredible leadership by choosing to live substance-free," Laydon said in a statement obtained by the Douglas County. He adds that the campaign is about lifting up the good that's already happening in our community.
The Council's dual approach addresses recognition and prevention. Castle Pines City Councilman and Council Cochair Roger Hudson commented on the broader community impacts of such initiatives. "Investing vital resources in our communities not only strengthens our programs but also saves lives," according to Douglas County, Hudson remarked, stressing the empowerment and resilience that come from focusing on local solutions. The overarching goal is to forge a healthier community that spans from youth to seniors through these informed and conscious choices.
