Drug Awareness, Prevention & Education
As a parent/educator/coach for the past 30+ years Jim Marshall has impacted more lives than he can count. He speaks to not only students but to parents and other adults about the death of his son, Cody and how they too can help others seek help with drug addiction. His presentation gives up to date statistics on the drug use in Missouri as well as the signs to recognize when a person is becoming dependent on drugs. Jim believes that lack of knowledge and information on the prevalence of drug abuse amongst our youth has contributed to the poor choices made by our youth. Every adult needs to be informed and Jim can deliver the truth very profoundly.
Jim’s presentation strives to meet the following goals:
• increase student and parents knowledge on depression, stress, anxiety, substance use dangers and coping skills to address life challenges
• create continuing dialogue between student, parent, counselor, and teacher
• help students understand addiction issues and recovery for an accurate view of the disease
• destigmatize mental health issues and addiction so our youth are confident to ask for help for themselves or see others who need help in a more positive light.
Did you know?
- • 2.5 million grandparent run families, 1 million due to opioid epidemic
- 4 million kids 6-12 are taking psychiatric drugs
- One in five college students use prescription pills not prescribed to them
- 30% of all teens suffer from depression episode before adult hood
- 1 in five adolescents have severe mental health issue
- 70% of adolescents never receive help for, mental health issues
Warning Signs of mental health issues:
- Feeling very sad or withdrawn for more than 2 weeks (e.g., crying regularly, feeling fatigued, feeling unmotivated).
- Trying to harm or kill oneself or making plans to do so.
- Out-of-control, risk-taking behaviors that can cause harm to self or others.
- Sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart, physical discomfort or fast breathing.
- Not eating, throwing up or using laxatives to lose weight; significant weight loss or gain.
- Severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships. Repeated use of drugs or alcohol.
- Drastic changes in behavior, personality or sleeping habits (e.g., waking up early and acting agitated).
- Extreme difficulty in concentrating or staying still that can lead to failure in school.
- Intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities like hanging out with friends or going to classes.