Locations

ASAC Prevention Services

To be effective, substance abuse prevention needs to be proactive and seek to empower individuals, families, and communities. We believe that by using a combination of multiple prevention strategies and approaches, the individual and families in our service area will live healthier, safer lives.

Community Coalitions

ASAC works with a number of coalitions (Benton, Clinton, Jackson, Jones, Linn) to help area communities address substance use and addiction. Visit the Coalition Connection website.  Activities conducted by these community coalitions include:

• Spearheading initiatives to change state and local policies
• Increasing community awareness of substance abuse issues
• Developing positive activities for youth
• Reducing youth access to substances such as tobacco and alcohol

Parent/Family Education

These programs help families prevent substance use by teaching communication skills, stress management, and prevention intervention techniques. Programs can be provided to PTA/PTO groups, neighborhood organizations, faith institutions, childcare/after school centers, family resource centers, and community groups. Examples include:

• Parent Sunday School classes that receive a one-time informational presentation on youth substance abuse and how to keep your kids substance free.
• ACT – Alternative Choices for Teens – is a program for parents and youth after a youth substance abuse incident. Parents and the youth learn ways to protect their values and make low risk substance abuse choices in their future.
• The Strengthening Families Program is for middle school students and their families. Families eat a meal together and learn ways to work through problems and be a stronger family.

Post Secondary Services

Our programs can be targeted to athletes, residence life, student health services, or other specific groups.

Informational topics may include (but are not limited to):

• Specific substances of abuse
• Signs of developing substance abuse problems
• Tools to help in making low-risk decisions
• Special campus concerns related to substance abuse
• Tobacco cessation

Consultation to administration or staff may include:

• Reviewing or updating student or staff substance abuse policies to support existing substance abuse prevention efforts
• Assistance in conducting social marketing campaigns

Internship opportunities are available for students wanting to gain hands-on experience and knowledge of current substance abuse issues and practices.

School-Based Services

Programs offered for students can be held in the classroom, as small groups, and as before/after school groups.

Programs for students are designed to teach the skills needed to:

• Make good decisions
• Develop positive friendships
• Avoid substances
• Demonstrate essential life skills, such as communication

Programs for faculty, staff and administration are available on topics related to the abuse of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Examples of potential programs include:

• Presentations on the signs and symptoms of student substance abuse
• Planning for school response to substance use
• State or local data on trends in youth substance use
• Development of effective substance abuse and good conduct policies for students and/or staff

Speakers Bureau

Prevention Specialists can speak with any age group or population on a variety of topics. These prevention presentations are designed specifically for each individual audience based on needs and interests. Examples of popular topics include:

• Current substance abuse trends
• Signs and symptoms of substance abuse
• Children of Addiction / Adult Children of Addiction Issues
• Stress Management
• Specific drugs of abuse

Workplace Services

ASAC staff can help businesses keep their employees and businesses safe and healthy. Educational programs are available to both employees and supervisors.

Educational topics may include:

• Identifying signs and symptoms of substance abuse in the workplace
• How to address a substance abuse problem with a co-worker or employee
• Where to go for help with substance abuse

Consultation services often include:

• Development of tobacco-free campus policies
• Development of drug-free workplace policies
• Referral information on drug-testing

For more information see our Workplace Prevention Services brochure

ASAC's prevention programs are funded by the Iowa Division of Health Promotion, Prevention and Addictive Behaviors, the United Way, State and local grants, and individual and corporate donations.