OCTOBER 2024 NEWSLETTER

Connecticut Clearinghouse is a library and resource center for information on substance use and mental health disorders, prevention, health promotion and wellness, treatment and recovery, and other related topics.

UPCOMING EVENTS

OBSERVANCES

YOUTH SUBSTANCE USE PREVENTION MONTH

As children approach their teen years, they begin to experience developmental, emotional, and physical changes that can be difficult at times. Some of them may think about experimenting with alcohol or drugs.

For many youth, a combination of factors influence their decision to drink or use drugs. These include stress, peer pressure, family history, environment and transitions, or just boredom and thrill-seeking.

Parents and caring adults can use everyday opportunities to talk about the risks and dangers of underage drinking and other drug use - in the car, on the bus or subway, during dinner, or while watching TV or playing video games. This takes the pressure off trying to get all the information out in one lengthy discussion, and kids will be less likely to tune out.

Getting kids involved in extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, art, or volunteering can provide healthier ways to cope with problems. Visit Talk. They Hear You for tips and information.

New Resources Available at Connecticut Clearinghouse

Coalitions Work: Elevating Youth Voices

Join CADCA for a “Youth Telling the Prevention Story” event on Thursday, Oct. 24th, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Substance Use Prevention Month: States Telling Their Prevention Story

Join SAMHSA’s Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) on October 30 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM to learn about how states are advancing prevention (and telling the prevention story)—as well as recent data, trends, and CSAP’s prevention resources.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

CT Safe Connect is a free, confidential information and resource line for anyone impacted by domestic violence. Chat online or call/text (888) 774-2900

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 1 in 6 women who experience abuse first encounter it during pregnancy.

Experiencing violence before, during, or after pregnancy can have long-term effects on the health and well-being of the pregnant person and their baby.

Because pregnancy is often a time of frequent health visits for prenatal and postpartum care, it is a perfect opportunity to screen and connect individuals with assistance and services to prevent or reduce violence exposure.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Select Resources Available at Connecticut Clearinghouse

TEEN DRIVER SAFETY WEEK - OCTOBER 20-26

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While teens are too young to legally buy, possess, or consume alcohol, nationally, approximately 1 in 5 teen passenger vehicle drivers involved in fatal crashes have alcohol in their system. Alcohol isn’t the only substance that can keep teens from driving safely: marijuana affects a driver’s ability to react to their surroundings. Remind teens that driving under the influence of any impairing substance — including illicit or prescription drugs, or over-the-counter medication — can have deadly consequences. Let teens know that safe driving behaviors are rewarded with the continued privilege to drive.

Select Resources Available at Connecticut Clearinghouse

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DEA Take-Back Day is October 26

Expired or unused prescription medications pose a public safety risk. Safeguard lives and protect the environment by participating in Take Back Day on October 26th. Visit www.DEATakeBack.com for more details.

NEW RESOURCES - AVAILABLE SOON

FIND BOOKS AND MORE!

NEW POSTER

The new Language Matters poster is available at no cost from Connecticut Clearinghouse. The poster was developed by the Recovery Subcommittee of the Connecticut Alcohol and Drug Policy Council. Click here to find helpful guidance for healthcare professionals, journalists, storytellers, and the general public on recover-friendly language.

ORDER HERE

New Pamphlets and Updated Fact Sheets

DOWNLOAD FACT SHEETS

CHANGE THE SCRIPT RESOURCE VAN

The Change the Script Resource Van meets people where they are to provide them with:

Medication lock boxes and Deterra pouches to support the safe storage and disposal of medications.
Harm reduction materials such as naloxone and test strips for fentanyl and xylazine.
Educational materials on substance use and mental health disorders, prevention, health promotion and wellness, treatment and recovery, and other related topics.

BOOK THE VAN

Contact Connecticut Clearinghouse to order pamphlets & posters, borrow books, ebooks, curricula or DVDs.

We offer mail or pick up. Interlibrary loan is now available. Check with your public library to see if they participate.

Note for libraries: our deliverIT Route is D-152, c/o Plainville Public Library. Please write "Connecticut Clearinghouse at Wheeler" in the Remarks on the slip.

Call 800.232.4424 or 860.793.9791.

Click here to order online.

Click here to download Fact Sheets.

Browse our Library Materials here

View our Recorded Webinars here

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Connecticut Clearinghouse | 860-793-9791 | info@ctclearinghouse.org | ctclearinghouse.org

STAY CONNECTED

sConnecticut Clearinghouse is funded by the Connecticut Department

of Mental Health and Addiction Services.