[Vista, CA] For today’s teens, many uncertainties can feel very overwhelming. But one thing remains certain – avoiding alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and other drugs is the best choice to promote healthy physical and mental development. Preventing or delaying all substance use by teens reduces the risk of later addiction as adults.
The good news is that most teens are making that choice. Members of the North Coastal Prevention Coalition (NCPC) are encouraging others to join them.
“Life is the most precious gift, and the teenage years are a deciding factor of how that life will be made,” notes Madison Matella, Vice-President of NCPC’s Youth Coalition. “I like the One Choice message because it’s positive and will help me encourage my peers to make healthy choices.”
The ‘One Choice’ Initiative was developed by the Institute for Behavior and Health to promote zero use of any alcohol, nicotine, marijuana or other drugs for reasons of health for youth under 21. Their research concluded that youth substance use is inter-connected, and that teens who use any substance are more likely to use another.
NCPC is now incorporating the ‘One Choice’ message in the work they do in Vista, Carlsbad and Oceanside.
“The One Choice initiative provides additional data and research for NCPC’s prevention work,” states Aaron Byzak, NCPC President. “Separate efforts to prevent youth vaping, or underage drinking, or marijuana use aren’t always coordinated. According to the research, the youth who are vaping are very likely the same ones who are drinking and using marijuana. One Choice provides a clear and consistent message based on research and health.”
San Diego County has done a great job promoting drug-free lifestyles. In fact, 60% of 11th graders have reported no life-time drug use (CHKS, 2019). This number is higher than the national average, but we can do better!
NCPC is creating a series of short videos targeted towards youth, parents and youth-serving organization to promote the One Choice message. The first video is directed towards youth and features positive activities that don’t involve alcohol or other drugs:
NCPC encourages everyone to join the ‘One Choice’ movement for reasons of health and safety. ‘One Choice’ is for any teen at any time – for those who have never used, those who have experimented, and those who may be in recovery.
NCPC knows that teens need extra support and encouragement from adults during these stressful times. Future videos will be directed toward parents and youth serving organizations to help guide teens in making ‘One Choice.’
You can help NCPC spread this important message by encouraging teens and young adults to follow NCPC on Instagram @whatis_SUPP to stay up-to-date on important prevention messages. Adults and teens can also share the ‘One Choice’ video series on personal social media profiles to inform more people about this movement. NCPC faciliates prevention advocacy clubs at Oceanside, El Camino, and Rancho Buena Vista High Schools, as well as a young adult committee for recent high school graduates for those teens and young adults interested in prevention. Joining these clubs can help encourage others to join the ‘One Choice’ movement and understand the importance of protecting adolescent health and development. For more information about North Coastal Prevention Coalition visit: https://northcoastalpreventioncoalition.org.
About the North Coastal Prevention Coalition
The North Coastal Prevention Coalition aims to reduce the harm of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and other drugs in the cities of Carlsbad, Oceanside and Vista through community action, education, support and collaboration. Funded in part by the County of San Diego, HHSA, Behavioral Health Services, with a contract to Vista Community Clinic. Visit www.northcoastalpreventioncoalition.org
