Research suggests that the most effective factor in preventing youth substance abuse is the involvement and awareness of a parent/guardian and members of the larger community. The Valley Substance Abuse Action Council (VSAAC) has always understood this and has designed programs to work WITH parents, community members, and young people to educate them about alcohol, tobacco, and substance abuse issues and teach effective strategies for prevention.

Turning twenty-one is a major milestone for young people entering adulthood. The VSAAC Turning 21 Birthday Project is designed to educate young adults and their parents about the responsible use of alcohol, the effects of alcohol, and the consequences of alcohol poisoning. Through the Turning 21 Birthday, VSAAC hopes to reduce the incidence of drinking and driving, as well as other ill effects of misuse of alcohol by young adults, in the Valley community.

How it works: Parents or loved ones of a young adult celebrating his/her 21st birthday can send a special pre-printed birthday day card created by the Turning 21 Birthday Project that both expresses a loving sentiment and advocates responsible birthday celebrations. The card will also include an aside explaining responsible use, effects of alcohol on the body, and/or how to determine when medical attention is necessary. Click here to see sample of card . How can I participate?: The Turning 21 Birthday Card is provided free of charge by VSAAC. Parents/loved ones who wish to send a Turning 21 Birthday Card, can e-mail VSAAC at: turning21@bghealth.org with their contact information. VSAAC will mail a Turning 21 Birthday Card, free of charge, to the parent (anywhere in the continental United States). Once the card has been received, the parent/loved one need only sign it and pass it on to the birthday boy/girl.

Research suggests that an alarming number of teenagers are experimenting with, or abusing prescription and over-the-counter medications to get high. For teens, prescription and over-the-counter medications may have appeal for a number of reasons…

-They are easily accessible

-They are perceived as safe when compared to street drugs

-They are legal, doctor-prescribed medications

Commonly used medications that teens are using to get high include: Prescription painkillers – Oxycontin, Percocet, Vicodin Prescription stimulants – Ritalin, Adderall Cold and cough medications – Robitussin, Coricidin Cough & Cold

Medication Drop-Off Sites
Dispose of unwanted or unused over the counter and prescription medications at the following drop box locations:
Ansonia Police Department, 2 Elm Street, Ansonia CT 06401
Seymour Police Department, 11 Franklin Street, Seymour CT 06483
Shelton Police Department, 1 Wheeler Street, Shelton CT 06484

The 40 Developmental Assets are building blocks for raising healthy children and youth. Since its creation in 1990, Search Institute’s framework of Developmental Assets has become the most widely used approach to positive youth development in the United States.

Background —Grounded in extensive research in youth development, resiliency, and prevention, the Developmental Assets represent the relationships, opportunities, and personal qualities that young people need to avoid risks and to thrive.

The Power of Assets —Studies of more than 2.2 million young people in the United States consistently show that the more assets young people have, the less likely they are to engage in a wide range of high-risk behaviors (see table below) and the more likely they are to thrive. Assets have power for all young people, regardless of their gender, economic status, family, or race/ethnicity. Furthermore, levels of assets are better predictors of high-risk involvement and thriving than poverty or being from a single-parent family. (read more)

Too Smart to Start helps youth, families, educators, and communities prevent underage alcohol use and its related problems. It provides useful programs and strategies, downloadable materials, interactive games and exercises, and other resources to support you in responding to The Surgeon General’s Call to Action To Prevent and Reduce Underage Drinking.

It is illegal in Connecticut to serve alcohol to minors – even in your own home. Learn about Connecticut’s Social Host Law