our minds matter

be for real about teen substance use

The only truly legal and safe thing to do is to not use drugs or alcohol at all…But let’s be real — that’s not always the reality. Some teens may choose to drink or use substances. So, then what? 

Although youth substance use remains at historic lows, the number of fatal drug overdoses has risen in recent years. The Fairfax County Opioid Overdose dashboard indicates that since 2020, there has been an increase in the number and proportion of non-fatal opioid overdoses among youth aged 0-17. 

The Fairfax County Youth Survey also provides data related to protective factors (strong social supports, help-seeking behavior, self-care and healthy habits, etc.), and recent data show that the number of youth reporting three or more protective factors in their lives has declined since 2018. In addition to this decline, Youth Survey data also reflect an increase in the percentage of youth reporting experiencing feelings of sadness and hopelessness for two weeks or more. 

Research shows that people with a mental health disorder are more likely to experience a substance use disorder than those not affected by mental illness. Additionally, mental health disorders can contribute to substance use and substance use disorders. 

Fairfax County Youth Survey data clearly show that youth with more protective factors are significantly less likely to experience sadness and hopelessness. 

To address these intertwined issues, a comprehensive approach to substance abuse prevention must focus on building protective factors, promoting positive mental health, and reducing mental health challenges. That’s why Our Minds Matter and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) teamed up to launch the “Be for Real” campaign.

The campaign has three main goals:

  • Increase the percentage of youth reporting three or more protective factors.
  • Reduce the percentage of students who report using/misusing substances, including opioids.
  • Decrease the percentage of students reporting feelings of sadness or hopelessness.

Recognizing that adolescence is a time of curiosity, peer pressure, and experimentation, the “Be for Real” campaign aims to create a safe and shame-free culture where teens can seek or offer support when it comes to substance use. Through a week of meaningful conversations and activities, the campaign encourages openness and safety.

Here’s what the campaign offers:

  • A school-wide kit to spark real conversations, raise awareness, and share life-saving resources. The kit includes  “Be for Real” Week supplies, including access to Narcan and Fentanyl test strips that will stored with Substance Abuse Prevention Specialists (SAPS) for student access. 
  • Four interactive and educational activities for middle and high school students
  • A social media toolkit for sharing resources and educating about harm reduction 

The Be for Real campaign kits will be provided to all 51 FCPS High, Secondary, and Middle Schools during the 2024-2025 school year. 

This is more than just another campaign — it’s a chance to have REAL conversations and save lives. 

Lastly, thank you to The Chris Atwood Foundation for generously donating the  Naloxone/Narcan and Fentanyl test strips for the kits. Please see their website for other help and life-saving resources they provide to the community. 

Not in Fairfax County Public Schools but want to use these activities? You can find them in the activity section on the club portal. 

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