Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention
Raising awareness about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse among underage teens and young adults in Southwest Florida is an important focus for Lee County Injury Prevention Coalition member organizations. According to national statistics, more than 70 percent of students in the U.S. have consumed alcohol by the end of high school, while more than 37 percent have indulged by eighth grade. Education can help change these statistics.

The growing problem of prescription drug abuse is also a concern among teens, adults and seniors. Many people assume prescription drugs are safe, but their misuse can have severe side effects. The Coalition for a Drug-Free Southwest Florida hosts a number of community events to inform and educate the public about prescription drug abuse, including Drug House Odyssey and Operation Medicine Cabinet, a program that invites individuals to safely disposed of unused or expired medications.

For more information or to arrange a speaker on this topic, please call the Lee County Injury Prevention Coalition speaker’s bureau at 239-330-2250. Speakers are provided free of charge to community groups and schools.