Develop a proposal for your advocacy and goals for change regarding the social problem you selected (SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN ADOLECENT) . You will use the policy you selected (Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) of 2016). as a foundation on which you can build your own plan for advocacy. You will also incorporate sources to support your initial plan and rationale for change.
As you conduct your search for sources and begin to consider specific actions you can take as a policy advocate to enact change, use this Discussion area to share your findings, pose questions to your Instructor and colleagues, and provide supportive responses to questions shared by others. If you all share your process and results via this Discussion, you will have a richer context from which you can build your Social Advocacy Proposal Assignment this week.
Full Answer Section
legislation and implement additional strategies to effectively address the problem of adolescent substance abuse.
Proposed Advocacy Goals:
- Increase access to prevention and treatment programs: Advocate for increased funding for evidence-based prevention and treatment programs specifically designed for adolescents.
- Reduce stigma associated with substance abuse: Promote public awareness campaigns to challenge negative stereotypes and stigma surrounding substance abuse.
- Strengthen school-based prevention programs: Support the implementation of comprehensive school-based prevention programs that address risk factors for substance abuse and promote healthy behaviors.
- Improve access to mental health services: Ensure that adolescents struggling with substance abuse have access to mental health services to address underlying issues that may contribute to addiction.
- Enhance community-based support systems: Foster the development of community-based support groups and resources for adolescents and their families.
Supporting Sources:
Call to Action:
I encourage my colleagues to join me in advocating for these policy changes. We can work together to raise awareness about the issue of adolescent substance abuse, lobby for increased funding, and support the implementation of effective prevention and treatment programs.
Questions for Discussion:
- What are some of the most effective strategies for preventing substance abuse among adolescents?
- How can we address the stigma associated with substance abuse and encourage individuals to seek help?
- What role can schools play in preventing and addressing substance abuse among adolescents?
- How can we ensure that adolescents have access to affordable and effective treatment programs?
By working together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of adolescents struggling with substance abuse and create a healthier future for our communities.
Sample Answer
Problem Statement: Substance abuse among adolescents is a significant public health issue with devastating consequences for individuals, families, and communities. Factors contributing to adolescent substance abuse include peer pressure, easy access to substances, mental health problems, and lack of support systems.
Policy Foundation: Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) of 2016
The CARA provides a valuable framework for addressing substance abuse by increasing access to treatment, improving prevention efforts, and reducing the stigma associated with addiction. However, it is essential to build upon this