Salmon Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition

 Back-to-school is about more than supplies, schedules, and class lists. It’s also about setting the tone for the year ahead — not only for academic success, but for health, safety, and strong decision-making. At SSAPCO, we see each new school year as a chance to refresh our community’s commitment to prevention and to build on the momentum we’ve already created together. Our prevention roadmap for this year is designed to reach students, parents, and community partners in ways that strengthen protective factors and reduce risk. By planning campaigns, empowering youth leaders, engaging parents, and strengthening partnerships across Salmon, we are laying the groundwork for a culture where healthy choices are expected and celebrated. Campaigns That Connect Throughout the year, SSAPCO will launch a series of prevention campaigns focused on issues most relevant to our youth: underage drinking, vaping, marijuana use, counterfeit pills, and fentanyl awareness. These campaigns use newsl...

 Schools are a central hub for youth, which makes them a natural place for prevention to take root. Teachers, administrators, and counselors interact with students daily, providing countless opportunities to reinforce healthy norms. Families, meanwhile, provide the foundation — setting rules, modeling behavior, and creating accountability at home. When schools and families work in alignment, youth hear a consistent message: “Your health, safety, and future matter.” That consistency is key. A teen who hears “no underage drinking” from their teacher, their coach, their parent, and their faith leader is far less likely to see drinking as normal or inevitable. Recent partnerships in Salmon reflect this principle. Our new superintendent, Jill Patton , has prioritized prevention by attending SSAPCO meetings and encouraging collaboration between schools and community partners. Her leadership has strengthened our ability to share prevention resources with families through newsletters, pr...

 Too often, conversations about drug and alcohol prevention focus only on what not to do. While it’s essential to highlight the risks of substances like alcohol, marijuana, and fentanyl, prevention also thrives when we lift up the positive choices teens are already making . Celebrating those decisions — and the youth, parents, and community members who make them — is one of the most powerful tools in building a culture of prevention. At SSAPCO, we believe that recognition fuels resilience. When young people see that their substance-free choices are noticed and valued, they are more likely to keep making those choices. Parents feel encouraged to stay engaged, and community members recognize that prevention is working here in Lemhi County. The Power of Positive Reinforcement The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA, 2022) reminds us that positive reinforcement strengthens behavior. Just as athletes work harder when praised for their effort, teens are...

  When people think of drug and alcohol prevention, they often imagine big campaigns, public service announcements, or large community events. While these efforts matter, prevention can also begin with something much simpler: sitting down for a family meal. Research has consistently shown that regular family meals reduce the likelihood of teen substance use . According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA, 2020) , teens who have frequent family dinners are less likely to drink alcohol, use marijuana, or smoke compared to peers who rarely eat with their families. Even just three to four shared meals per week can make a measurable difference. Why Family Meals Work Family meals provide much more than food — they create a natural space for communication, connection, and accountability . Sitting down together allows parents to check in on their teen’s life, listen to what’s happening at school, and model healthy habits. Communication : Regular conversation...

 For many parents, the image of a “drug dealer” might still look like someone on a street corner or outside a party. But for today’s teens, drugs don’t require a street corner anymore. They’re often just a click or swipe away. Social media platforms — Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, and others — have become the new marketplace for counterfeit pills, THC vapes, and dangerous substances that can be delivered right to a teen’s hands. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA, 2023) warns that the majority of counterfeit pills being sold online are not only fake but also often laced with fentanyl, a synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin. These pills are made to look like real medications — Xanax, Adderall, Percocet — but six out of ten tested by the DEA contain a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl. What makes this problem especially concerning is the way dealers disguise their sales. Instead of open advertisements, they use emojis and code language that appear harmless ...

 Imagine this: your teen is at a party, feeling uncomfortable because alcohol is being served. They don’t want to drink, but their ride home is not safe. Do they pick up the phone and call you — or do they stay quiet out of fear of punishment? Unfortunately, for too many families, the answer is silence. A national survey found that over 85% of teens say they would avoid calling their parents for help in an unsafe situation because they fear discipline (Powered by Partners, 2024). That hesitation can be deadly when impaired driving, alcohol, or drugs are involved. The good news is that parents can change this dynamic — by putting a family safe ride policy in place. Teens avoid calling home for help not because they don’t care about their safety, but because they are afraid of the immediate fallout. They worry about being yelled at, grounded, or losing privileges like their phone or car keys. For some, it feels safer to risk riding with an impaired driver than to face punishment....

 Peer pressure is one of the most powerful forces in adolescence. During middle and high school, teens are navigating identity, independence, and friendships — and many will be confronted with direct or indirect pressure to experiment with alcohol, marijuana, or vaping. The desire to “fit in” can be overwhelming. But the good news is that refusal skills can be taught, practiced, and strengthened , just like any other skill. When teens are equipped with tools and confidence, they are much more likely to make safe choices in high-pressure moments. Understanding Peer Pressure Peer pressure doesn’t always look like an obvious dare or challenge. It can be subtle: Watching friends drink at a party. Hearing classmates joke about vaping. Feeling left out if they don’t “go along.” For some students, the pressure is internal. They may fear losing friendships or being judged as “uncool.” Others may rationalize that “everyone is doing it,” when in reality, research shows most te...

 As summer winds down and backpacks come out, families across Salmon are preparing for a new school year. The transition back to school is about more than supplies and schedules — it’s also a powerful opportunity to talk with your teen about expectations, rules, and values. Many parents underestimate their influence on these conversations. Yet time and again, research shows that parents are the number one influence on teen decisions about alcohol, marijuana, and other substances . According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA, 2022), teens consistently rank their parents higher than peers, teachers, or social media when it comes to guidance on substance use. That means your voice matters more than you think. Why Rules Matter Clear family rules provide a strong foundation for healthy choices. They remove ambiguity, set standards, and help teens navigate peer pressure. Rules like: No underage drinking No vaping or marijuana use No rid...

 August is more than just the start of a new school year; it’s the start of new routines, new opportunities, and new chances for students to succeed. For families and communities, this makes back-to-school the perfect time to reinforce prevention messages and strengthen a culture that supports healthy choices. Research consistently shows that environments matter. When students feel supported by parents, teachers, and peers, they are less likely to engage in underage drinking or experiment with substances like marijuana or vaping products (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2023). That means the school environment, the family environment, and the broader community all play a role in shaping teen decisions. This is why SSAPCO works with every sector, from schools to law enforcement, healthcare to parents, to build prevention into everyday life. Back-to-school season is when we see this effort come alive. Teachers are setting classroom expectations, ...

 As students return to school this August, many parents are focused on supplies, schedules, and grades. But one of the biggest factors affecting academic performance isn’t found in a classroom — it’s whether or not teens drink alcohol. Underage drinking remains one of the most widespread risks facing high school students in Idaho and across the country. While some view it as a “rite of passage,” research shows otherwise. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA, 2023) reports that alcohol is the leading factor in teen deaths from car crashes, while the CDC notes that alcohol use during adolescence can lead to poor school performance, missed classes, and higher dropout rates (CDC, 2023). Why does drinking affect school success so strongly? One reason is biology. Teen brains are still developing until around age 25, particularly in areas responsible for judgment, decision-making, and memory. Alcohol disrupts this development, impairing concentration, learning, and ...

 For many teens, the start of a new school year brings excitement: new classes, new opportunities, and fresh goals. But for students who use marijuana, these opportunities can slip away before they even realize it. Contrary to popular myths, marijuana is not harmless for young people. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA, 2024) notes that THC directly impacts brain areas tied to learning, memory, and attention. Since adolescent brains are still developing until about age 25, the consequences of marijuana use are particularly severe. Research shows that teens who use marijuana regularly are more likely to have lower grades, reduced motivation, and difficulty with problem-solving (National Academies of Sciences, 2017). Over time, this can translate into missed academic opportunities, lower test scores, and even higher dropout rates. A 2022 CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that marijuana-using students were more likely to report poor grades and absenteeism compared to thei...

 When e-cigarettes first appeared, they were marketed as a safer alternative to cigarettes. Unfortunately, this message has been twisted into a belief among teens that vaping is harmless. As students in Lemhi County return to school, it is critical to set the record straight. According to the CDC (2023), more than 2.5 million U.S. middle and high school students reported current e-cigarette use. Among them, many used flavored vapes designed to appeal to youth — from cotton candy to fruit punch. But behind the attractive packaging is a dangerous reality: most vaping devices deliver nicotine, THC, or both in concentrations far higher than traditional cigarettes or joints. Nicotine, when inhaled through vapes, is highly addictive and interferes with brain development. Teens exposed to nicotine are more likely to develop long-term addiction and may also be at higher risk for mood disorders and attention problems (NIDA, 2024). The Surgeon General has warned that nicotine exposure in a...

 The reality of today’s drug market is chilling: counterfeit prescription pills are flooding communities, and many contain fentanyl — a synthetic opioid 50 times stronger than heroin. According to the DEA (2023), more than 6 out of 10 fake pills tested contain a potentially deadly dose. These pills are designed to look like Xanax, Percocet, or Adderall, making it nearly impossible to tell the difference. For teens, the risks are higher than ever. Social media platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram have become virtual drug markets. Dealers use coded emojis, disappearing messages, and home delivery methods to reach young people who may not realize the danger. One direct message can result in a delivery that proves fatal. The CDC reports that fentanyl is now the leading cause of overdose deaths for Americans ages 18–45 (CDC, 2022). Tragically, many of these victims thought they were taking a legitimate prescription pill. In Idaho and across the U.S., families are facing t...

 For many high school students, sports are more than a pastime — they’re a passion. But what many teens don’t realize is that even “casual” substance use can undermine athletic performance in ways that matter on the field, court, or track. Alcohol slows reaction time, disrupts sleep, and dehydrates the body. A 2019 report by the American College of Sports Medicine found that athletes who consumed alcohol regularly had reduced endurance and slower recovery after workouts. For teens, whose bodies are still developing, these effects are magnified. Marijuana also interferes with athletic performance. THC reduces coordination, slows reflexes, and affects motivation. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (2024) notes that marijuana use is linked to reduced lung capacity and stamina — two factors critical for athletes. Nicotine and vaping pose another challenge. Nicotine restricts blood flow, making it harder for muscles to get oxygen during exertion. The CDC (2023) highlights how vapin...

When it comes to shaping teen decisions about drugs and alcohol, peers often have more influence than parents, teachers, or even national campaigns. Teens pay close attention to what their friends think, say, and do. That’s why peer-led prevention is such a critical part of SSAPCO’s work — and why our Drug Free Youth (DFY) program has become a cornerstone of youth prevention in Salmon. Why Peer Leadership Works The science is clear: peer-to-peer influence drives behavior. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA, 2023) emphasizes that peer-led prevention programs reduce the likelihood of substance use initiation and increase protective factors such as resilience, self-esteem, and school connectedness. Teens who see classmates standing up for healthy choices are far more likely to follow suit than if they only hear it from adults. This matters deeply in Lemhi County, where alcohol and marijuana cultures remain strong. When DFY leaders step up to model preven...

 When people think about preventing youth substance misuse, they often imagine classroom lessons, parent talks, or community events. What many don’t realize is that one of the most powerful protective factors against risky behavior is something far simpler: sleep. Why Sleep Matters for Teens The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2022) recommends that teenagers get 8–10 hours of sleep each night . Yet surveys consistently show that most teens average far less, often only 6–7 hours. Busy school schedules, extracurricular activities, late-night screen use, and stress all cut into rest. The consequences go well beyond tiredness. Lack of sleep has been linked to impaired judgment, poor academic performance, and an increased likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors, including substance use. The CDC reports that sleep-deprived students are more likely to report drinking alcohol, using marijuana, and experiencing depressive symptoms. The Connection Between Sleep and Sub...