According to recent findings by VCU’s Center on Society and Health, Breathitt County Kentucky has one of the worst mortality rates in the state in part, due to counts of substance abuse and overdose death.  There is a strong need for continued substance abuse prevention and intervention in Breathitt County. The number of diverted prescriptions and illegal drugs, overdoses, thefts, arrests, court cases, and medical/financial consequences of drug abuse continue to negatively impact a large number of families in the community. 

The Breathitt County Cooperative Extension Service implemented Truth & Consequences: The Choice is Yours, a scenario based role-play activity designed to help students learn more about the physical, legal, financial, and emotional consequences of substance abuse, for approximately 170 high school students. Over 100 community partners and adult volunteers participated in the event as well. Community partner evaluation data indicates that 100 percent strongly agreed that substance abuse by youth is a problem in the community; over half indicated that it is easy for youth to get drugs in the community.  

According to student, survey results, student’s perception of drug and alcohol abuse among their peers was very high.  Survey results also indicated that several students had already tried drugs/alcohol, being only Freshman age. Positive survey results revealed that over 90 percent of student, participants, gained a better understanding of the consequences to choosing drugs and alcohol based on their participation in the Truth and Consequences program.  Also, approximately 85 percent indicated that they had developed a better understanding of the emotional and financial consequences of substance abuse by participating in the Truth and Consequences program.

The Truth and Consequences:  The Choice is Yours event continues to make an impact on students each year by providing them with a first-hand look at the realities and consequences of getting involved with substance abuse. Over time, the Truth and Consequences program will benefit Breathitt County residents and will positively impact substance abuse rates in our community.