The Make or Break

As a parent, it is sometimes tough to have important conversations with our children. But you play a powerful role in supporting the behavioral health of your kids. By providing a safe and supportive environment that promotes health and well-being, your kids can be led down a path where they can grow, learn, and thrive.

In the past, substance abuse prevention was seen as distinct from the prevention of other behavioral health problems (serious psychological distress, suicide and mental illness). But increasing evidence has shown that individuals with a mental health issue are more likely to use alcohol or drugs than those not affected by a mental illness. Also, existing research and data suggest that there are number of common or shared risk and protective factors throughout life that impact both substance abuse and mental health outcomes. Recognizing these linkages can help us identify opportunities to address health in a more comprehensive way.

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