Kentucky has one of the highest rates of drug abuse in our country; we fall in one of the top ten states in several drug use categories (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2016). According to new KIP data and drugfreenky.org marijuana use among 10th graders is showing an upward trend.   Therefore, there is a strong need for substance abuse prevention and intervention for our youth. 

The Owen County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development partnered with the Youth Services Coordinator at Owen County High School to reach 160 freshman at Owen County High School with the program, Truth & Consequences: The Choice is Yours. Truth and Consequences: The Choice is Yours teaches teens about the physical, legal, financial, and emotional consequences of substance abuse. Over 20 community partners and adult volunteers also participated in and contributed to the success of the program. 

Each student was 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, pharmacist, 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 with their counselors/teachers and also heard the personal testimony from a young man’s life changing consequence because of drugs and alcohol. 

End of program evaluations indicated 85% of youth think the Truth and Consequences program might flash through their mind if they were ever put in a similar situation that would result in serious consequences.  99% further understand the legal consequences of substance abuse.  The top responses when asked to list health risks associated with drug, alcohol, and tobacco use learned through this program were Death, Heart Failure, and Addiction.  100% reported to understanding the health consequences of substance abuse.  

At the end of the program, one community partner that had volunteered called the program “a step in the right direction” and others commented to the coordinators how pleased they were with the program, and their interest in participating again next year.