Whether you’re a parent or an ally of a young person, if you’re in search of reliable information, support and connection to local resources, you’ve found a home here.
Prevention takes all of us.
While they might not always admit it to you, kids depend greatly on parents and other close, influential adults for information and guidance as they navigate the world. They tell us this in every survey!
In rural areas and smaller towns, where the challenge of substance use and abuse is compounded, preventing this is even more important. Consider these facts:
- The majority of adults seeking treatment for addiction to alcohol, marijuana and prescription drugs in rural areas report they started using the substance in their teens.
- Surveys of youth in rural areas and small towns reveal higher use of alcohol, tobacco, vaping and marijuana than their peers in urban areas.
- Adult drug users in rural areas report significantly younger ages at which the abuse of oxycodone, hydrocodone, benzodiazepines and other substances started.
- People in rural areas who abuse drugs also show significantly higher odds of lifetime and recent use of methadone, OxyContin and oxycodone than those in urban areas.
- Youth in rural areas and small towns are less likely to admit to a substance use problem and seek help. They report both community stigma and lack of privacy in the community as factors.
- Nearly half of youth from 8th to 12th grades do not believe most substance use puts people at great risk, including abuse of prescription drugs.
- Limited access to substance abuse programs nearby and a lack of mental health providers means getting support to overcome addiction is harder in rural areas and small towns.
We’re focused on supporting YOU.
This site and all of our resources are here to support you, those very important parents and adults. Here you’ll find reliable information on substances and their risks, and experts to provide free one-on-one phone guidance in parenting, especially when difficult issues may arise.
As you explore, you’ll also find links to sites and organizations that have even more information on drug and alcohol prevention and a wide variety of tips and tools for adults to use to help kids live happy, healthy lives. You can also easily find local support, national resources and learn more about the Region 4 Prevention Network.*
We’re so glad you’re here. Welcome!
If you have a crisis, there is help. Find immediate resources here.
Local Resources
These resources are available in our local area.*
They offer information, programs and support for substance use prevention, treatment and mental health concerns.
Region 4 behavioral health system
Region 4 connects people in the 22 counties (see list) they cover to services for substance abuse prevention, mental health care and suicide prevention.
northeast Nebraska Public Health department
The health department provides public health services to four Nebraska counties: Cedar, Dixon, Thurston and Wayne. The site contains information on local prevention programs.
North Central Health Department
This health department site, which serves Antelope, Boyd, Brown, Cherry, Holt, Keya Paha, Knox, Pierce and Rock counties, provides information on local prevention programs aimed at young people.
Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department
This site provides information from the public health department about their local substance use prevention programs.
Nebraska DHHS
Nebraska prevention efforts focus on maintaining safe and drug-free communities. The Division works through regions and community coalitions to plan and carry out activities that result in positive change.
Nebraska Mental Health
This organization helps people navigate mental health needs in one easy-to-use location. They provide a wide assortment of information, resources and help to find appropriate answers and care.
Tobacco-Free Nebraska Quit Line
Quitting any tobacco or nicotine habit is hard to do! Since 2010, this quit line has helped more than 16,000 users quit tobacco. They have tools to help you.
Nebraska Family Helpline
Raising kids is hard, but the counselors at the Nebraska Family Helpline are here to help. It’s okay to ask for advice, and this resource is available for you 24/7.
Tobacco Free Nebraska
This is the state’s comprehensive tobacco prevention program. It aims to help people quit tobacco, eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke and prevent youth from using tobacco.
Nebraska Youth Suicide Prevention
Mental health resources specific to your needs provided in a clear, organized way. They share credible links to publications and other internet resources to steer their prevention efforts and provide the best of what’s out there.
Local Crisis Response Numbers
These local crisis response hotlines are open to anyone who needs assistance with life challenges. Professionals trained in crisis intervention will help you in a crisis, and if needed, will connect you to the ongoing support and resources you need.
(888) 370-7003
Serving the following counties: Madison, Stanton, Pierce, Antelope, Cuming, Cedar, Knox
National Resources
These national resources provide well-respected, researched information on substance use prevention and treatment, as well as tips for both parents, youth allies and young people.
Partnership for
Drug-Free Kids
This national organization is a go-to for information on all aspects of substance use and addiction, from prevention to recovery. Research on the site or text, email or schedule a call with their specialists.
Be Tobacco
Free
Quitting is never easy, but with the right tools it is possible. This federal government website offers the tools and advice needed to quit a tobacco or vaping habit. It also provides information on prevention and how to live a longer, healthier, and smoke-free life.
Truth
Initiative
A leader in reducing youth smoking over 20 years, this initiative “seeks, speaks and spreads the truth” about tobacco and vaping. They provide resources for those who want to quit or help a loved one quit.
smokefree.gov
This federal program provides information about the health dangers of smoking. It also features different tools to help people quit and explains their use. There are many special resources for teens as well (in English and Spanish).
the facts about opiods
Created just for teens by the National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens, this site has comprehensive information written and presented just for teens.
the medicine abuse project
You’ll find a variety of information and facts on this resource page from this special program of the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids.
Drug Enforcement Administration
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is an organization that enforces controlled substances laws and regulations in the United States. This site provides important information about drugs, drug policies, and statistics.
Crisis Resources
You DO NOT have to go it alone. If you or the young person you love are struggling with substance use or mental health concerns, there are compassionate, knowledgeable people waiting to help you 24/7.
There is always a solution.
Poison Control
If you suspect poisoning or drug overdose, call 1-800-222-1222. You’ll be routed to the Poison Center in your local area. Your call will be managed by a Poison Specialist (registered nurse or pharmacist).
Suicide Prevention
Lifeline
We can all help prevent suicide. This lifeline provides 24/7, free, confidential support for people in distress or their loved ones who wish to help them. You’ll also find prevention and crisis resources.
Boys Town
Hotline
This hotline is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for youth, parents or youth advocates. It’s staffed by specially trained Boys Town counselors who can help in crisis or provide resources.
Crisis
Text Line
For any kind of crisis, text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the U.S. You’ll be connected with a live, trained Crisis Counselor who receives the text and responds from a secure online platform. They will support you through the crisis.
Nebraska Family
Helpline
Raising kids is hard, but the counselors at the Nebraska Family Helpline are here to help. It’s okay to ask for advice, and this resource is available for you 24/7. Don’t go it alone—we can help.
* The Region 4 Prevention Network serves the following Nebraska counties:
Antelope, Boone, Boyd, Brown, Burt, Cedar, Cherry, Colfax, Cuming, Dakota, Dixon, Holt, Keya Paha, Knox, Madison, Nance, Pierce, Platte, Rock, Stanton, Thurston and Wayne.
