There is a strong need for continued substance abuse prevention and intervention in Fulton 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. To address the variety of substance abuse issues impacting our community, the Fulton County Cooperative Extension Service partnered with the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Policy in Fulton County to reach 62 freshmen with the program, Truth & Consequences: The Choice is Yours. The program teaches teens about the physical, legal, financial, and emotional consequences of substance abuse. At the event there were 8 parents, 24 community partners and 15 adult volunteers also participated in and contributed to the success of the program.

Each student is given a scenario involving drugs or alcohol. The scenario guides the students and prompts them to visit particular three to four booths depending on their scenario. A few examples of the booths includes; attorney, health care provider, coroner, police, and department of juvenile justice. Some students were even hand cuffed and walked through the arrest process. The Truth and Consequences program gives a real life simulation of the consequences of drugs and alcohol. Students were debriefed and also heard the personal testimony from a young man whose life was changed because of the consequences of drugs and alcohol.

Program evaluations showed that 84% youth said they realize the effects of drugs and crimes would make in their lives. Evaluation also concluded that not only youth were impacted by Truth and Consequences but also parents of the youth. 91% of parents who participated in the program stated they feel more comfortable and prepared to talk with your child regarding drug and alcohol abuse as a result of Truth and Consequences. All 39 community partners and volunteers said they thought it was a great program and wanted to do it again.