Courtesy of Horizon Health Services

Horizon Health Services’ Substance Abuse Free Education/Intervention and Referral Program (SAFER) is saving and changing lives. A recent grant titled Screening Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT), enables Horizon to offer early intervention treatment and referral services for youth with substance use disorders or at risk for substance disorders, such as nicotine and cannabis vaping. Early intervention and referral to the SAFER reduces high risk substance use behaviors that impact community safety, such as youth overdose, impaired driving, and drug-related psychiatric crises.

Why Screening is Important.

While youth substance use experimentation is common, the adolescent brain is highly sensitive to such substances, making early exposure a significant risk for dependency and addiction. In short, early intervention helps foster healthier choices, optimal brain development, and the achievement of meaningful life goals. Creating a comfortable and nonjudgemental environment where youth can share their experiences, ask questions, and receive personalized support helps prevent these risky behaviors and ultimately saves lives.

Educating Loved Ones.

Parents and loved ones are often the first to notice changes in mood and behavior, making early conversations and intervention vital. Open dialogue helps reduce stigma and increase an adolescent’s receptivity to support. SAFER helps normalize and support such conversations, while eliminating blame, shame, and scare tactics. Additionally, youth attitudes regarding the perceived safety of cannabis have changed significantly due to its legalization for adult recreational use. Many young people have developed a low-risk perception of cannabis by grade 12, increasing their likelihood for future experimentation. However, high potency cannabis products now available are considered toxic and disruptive to the developing brain. Regular exposure to cannabis during adolescence can have negative and lifelong effects on learning, memory, problem-solving, IQ scores, and emotional coping. Parents must also be encouraged to safely store adult use cannabis products to prevent their unintended ingestion by children and pets.

Substance Use Impact on Mental Health.

Many individuals who use substances also experience mental health issues. While they may provide a desired effect in the short term, alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine can alter brain chemistry, ultimately triggering or worsening anxiety and depression. Early and regular use of cannabis specifically can put youth at significantly greater risk of developing psychosis, depression, and suicide ideation in early adulthood. Early support and education on the relationship between substance use and mental illness helps youth make informed choices that support their overall physical and emotional wellness.

Think You Might Need Our Help?

If you are concerned about a loved one, reach out to SAFERReferrals@horizon-health.org to receive answers to your questions and guidance. Responding to you within two business days is a promise and a priority. You are not alone. Horizon is here to help you and your family.

Do Schools Offer the SAFER Program?

SAFER specifically targets at-risk youth ages 10-25. Horizon has strong partnerships with many local middle schools, high schools, and colleges/universities to provide onsite services. SAFER program staff are also available at any of Horizon’s 16 outpatient clinics throughout Erie, Niagara, and Genesee Counties.