Youth Activism Against Substance Misuse

Description

In this episode of Awkward Conversations, Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy explore the powerful role of youth activism in substance misuse prevention. Joined by Sean Fearns from the DEA, Dr. Shannon Moody, Bill Bryan, and youth advocate Bella Cornett, they discuss how young people are leading efforts to prevent drug use in their communities.

Key Takeaways:

Open conversations with kids about drugs are vital for prevention.
Programs like the DEA’s outreach and the Elks Drug Awareness Program offer key resources for substance misuse prevention.
Youth advocacy and peer support play a significant role in creating substance-free environments.
Initiatives like Friday Night Done Right help young people stay engaged in safe, drug-free activities.

Youth activism is a powerful force in shaping healthier communities, and this episode showcases how young leaders are making a real impact in the fight against substance misuse.

BIOS:

Jodie Sweetin is an actress, author, and advocate, best known for her role as Stephanie Tanner on the iconic sitcom "Full House" and its sequel "Fuller House". In 2009 she penned her memoir, "unSweetined", which chronicles her journey through addiction and into recovery. With her frank and open approach, Jodie has emerged as a compelling speaker and advocate who now seeks to use her platform and experiences to educate others and reduce the stigma associated with addiction and recovery.

@jodiesweetin

Amy McCarthy, LICSW, is a Director of Clinical Social Work at Boston Children's Hospital’s Division of Addiction Medicine. She has been working in the Adolescent Substance Use and Addiction Program since 2019

@amymccarthylicsw

Shannon Moody, PhD, MSSW, CSW Chief Policy and Strategy Officer at Kentucky Youth Advocates, Shannon has over a decade of experience in child policy, working with advocates, lawmakers, and professionals to support kids and families, particularly in the child welfare system. She engages kinship caregivers, youth in foster care, and professionals to create equitable policy solutions. @kentuckyyouthadvocates

Sean Fearns Chief of Community Outreach and Prevention Support at the DEA since 2015, Sean leads national drug education efforts, collaborates with federal and local organizations, and supports the DEA's Operation Engage, promoting prevention and reducing drug demand. He has been with the DEA since 1998, previously directing the DEA Museum. @deaHQ

Issabella Cornett A senior at Graves County High School in Kentucky, Issabella draws from her personal experiences with substance misuse and mental health to advocate for change. She uses her voice to amplify youth voices, striving to break stigmas and empower others to grow.

Bill Bryan Director of the Elks DAP

Elks: As a 150-year-old organization, they are 100% inclusive with a membership of close to 1 million diverse men and women in over 2,000 Lodges nationally, and while they consider themselves faith based, they are nondenominational and open to all creeds. The Elks have always prided themselves on civic duty, and the Elks Drug and Alcohol Prevention (DAP) program is the nation's largest all volunteer Kids Drug & Alcohol Use Prevention program. The Elks are also strong supporters of our brave men and women in the military, having built and donated the nation's first VA Hospital to the U.S. government. The Elks have donated more than $3.6 billion in cash, goods, and services to enrich the lives of millions of people!

DEA: The United States Drug Enforcement Administration was created in 1973 by President Nixon after the government noticed an alarming rise in recreational drug use and drug-related crime. A division of the Department of Justice, DEA enforces controlled substances laws by apprehending offenders to be prosecuted for criminal and civil crimes. DEA is the largest and most effective antidrug organization in the world, with 241 domestic locations in 23 field divisions and 93 international field divisions in 69 countries.