Peer pressure can lead to binge drinking on the Fourth of July. How you can get help

It seems as if every community, big or small, has been impacted by problems associated with substance use and drug overdose. Within these communities, problems extend to the family unit, with people becoming addicted and dying due to drugs.

However, community drug education and prevention programs can be a first line of defense. There is hope for younger generations, as they have more access to prevention and education resources to help them make informed decisions. In addition, more information is available for parents to equip them with the tools to help their children understand the dangers and risks associated with drugs and alcohol.

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Project Here: Substance Use Prevention Education, a collaboration between the state Attorney General's Office and the GE Foundation, has made substance use prevention resources available to every public school middle school in Massachusetts. In addition, the state provides substance use prevention resources for the general public, prevention for parents, opioid overdose prevention, and treatment and recovery services.

Moreover, the Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline (800-327-5050) or texting “HOPE” to 800327 are public resources for finding substance use harm reduction, treatment, recovery and other support.

More than 2,100 Mass. residents died last year of opioid overdoses

These resources are critical to prevent overdose and help people find treatment. According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, opioid-related overdose deaths totaled 2,125 last year, down 9.8% from the state's all-time annual high of 2,357 in 2022.

Prevention and education information is valuable, especially during Fourth of July celebrations. Binge drinking is typical around Independence Day, one of the heaviest drinking holidays of the year. In social settings, it becomes easy to consume too much alcohol.

Parents play an essential role in providing drug education. They can take the initiative to create an inclusive and supportive environment with their children. This can equip them with the tools they need to make knowledgeable decisions surrounding alcohol and drug use.

Teens and adults all use drugs and alcohol for different reasons. Much of their use is linked to peer pressure, whether from peers, in a social setting or in the case of someone they look up to who they see drinking or using drugs.

Stress is also a common factor, and alcohol or drugs seem like an easy escape from life's problems.

Additionally, environment and family history are contributing factors. Children, for example, who grow up in households with heavy drinking and recreational drug use are more likely to experiment with drugs themselves.

Parents should consider starting conversations about alcohol and drug use early. It's essential to be calm, loving and supportive. Seek out specialized resources, such as those offered by county or nonprofit organizations providing prevention and education.

Additionally, parents want to focus on making it safe for their children to tell them anything. Never end the conversation — keep it going, regardless of age.

Local drug education resources are here to help with the goal of helping people of all ages make knowledgeable decisions about drugs and alcohol.

Jody Boulay is a mother of two with a passion for helping others. She currently works as a community outreach coordinator for DRS to help spread awareness of the dangers of drugs and alcohol.

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Jody Boulay: Mass. drug education and prevention services save lives