Goals:

• “Road test” a partnership between CBHDA and county public information officers to work together to roll out a coordinated set of messages and social media content. Identify what works well and what can be improved
• Spotlight county programs and resources focused on youth and substance use
• Deploy messaging that supports CBHDA’s statewide advocacy agenda

Core Content: 4 Myths Shattered
1) Myth: Cannabis is legal in California, so I shouldn’t worry if my teen is experimenting with cannabis use
Fact: Cannabis can be addictive and can have long-term effects on teens’ brains, which are still developing. Studies have shown links between cannabis use and psychosis, anxiety and depression. These are important reasons why recreational use of cannabis is only legal for adults age 21 and over in California.
Resource: Here are some facts teens should know about cannabis: https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/marijuana-facts-teens/some-things-to-think-about

2) Myth: Youth of color are more likely to drink alcohol than their white peers
FACT: A greater proportion of California students who are white report having consumed alcohol at least four times.
While substance use disorders are not more common in communities of color, people of color are less likely to access treatment. That’s because communities of color have faced longstanding discrimination, institutional racism and barriers to insurance coverage.
Resource: Underage drinking fact sheet: https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/underage-drinking.

3) Myth: Using tobacco is a normal part of growing up
Fact: Fewer than one in eight California students report using tobacco, so NOT smoking actually is far more popular!
Resource: CA Youth Advocacy Network social media graphics & digital “quit kit”
https://www.cyanonline.org
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5914b24d1b631bf77cd25ed5/t/5fb295a6442fdf7b30008474/1605539247657/Digital+Quit+Kit.pdf

4) Myth: Fentanyl is so potent that a person can overdose just from touching it
Fact: While this misinformation has spread widely in news and social media, the real danger is that fentanyl is commonly being used as an additive in street drugs like heroin as well as counterfeit opioids sold illegally and made to look like prescription pills. We are seeing an alarming rise in fentanyl overdoses all over California. In some parts of the state, more people died from fentanyl overdoses than died from COVID-19 last year.
Parents: Learn about fentanyl and other opioids here: https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/opioids-facts-parents-need-to-know/letter-to-parents

National Alcohol and Drug Facts Week Resources:

• Online Quiz
• Quiz en español
• Hashtag #NADFW