Missouri prevention groups are relaunching a campaign that emphasizes the majority of young people who do not use drugs or alcohol, aiming to counter the perception that substance use is normal among students.
The Be Under Your Own Influence campaign encourages young people to make choices based on their goals and values. The latest Missouri Student Survey found about one in nine high school students had vaped in the previous month and roughly one in 10 had used alcohol.
Nearly half of surveyed students said vaping products and alcohol were at least somewhat easy to obtain.
Marietta Hagan, a prevention specialist with CoxHealth, said conversations about drugs and alcohol should begin early and remain age-appropriate. Missouri data place the average age of first use around 11, while treatment facilities in her area have seen children as young as 5.
The campaign also addresses prescription-drug misuse and promotes protective factors including strong family relationships, positive social connections and problem-solving skills.
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