Spencer County, with a population of 18,500+ from to the 2017 United States Census Bureau, continues to recognize the need for aid with substance abuse issues.  According to the KASPER Trend Report in the third quarter of 2019, there were 645,061 controlled substance prescription usages in the Spencer County community (which is down from 2018). The 2018 Kentucky Incentives for Prevention (KIP) data for Kentuckiana region, where Spencer County is located, revealed a decline in tenth grade students using alcohol but an increase in methamphetamines and, ecstasy and inhalants. Although the percentage of student using alcohol has decreased from previous years, there is still a strong need for substance abuse prevention and intervention in Spencer County.

252 freshman students participated in Truth and Consequences: The Choice is Yours for the first time in Spencer County in October of 2019 to learn the physical, legal, financial, and emotional consequences of substance abuse. 37 community partner and adult volunteers participated in this event as well.  The freshman were divided into two groups with half listening to speakers from KSP and Isiah House. While the rest were split to use the night vision/driving impaired goggles and visiting the Truth and Consequences booths working through their specific scenarios.

Pre-test measures revealed that 77% evaluated knew it was illegal for parents to provide alcohol at a party for underage youth. 82% think it is not ok to give your prescriptions to a friend if he/she is having the same symptoms. 86% of the freshmen responded false to sharing or selling your prescription medication is legal because your doctor prescribed it and it’s your property. Post-test measures revealed Truth and Consequences had a positive impact.  As a result of this program, 92% of youth reported it was illegal for parents to provide alcohol at a party for underage youth.  When asked if it is ok to give your prescriptions to a friend if he/she is having the same symptoms, 97% responded false. 93% responded false when asked of sharing or selling your prescription medication is legal. As a result of Truth and Consequences, youth had a more accurate understanding of the consequences of using other substances such as alcohol, marijuana, synthetic drugs, and methamphetamine; which will in turn provide them with the right tools to make informed decisions involving illegal substances.