Substance Misuse Prevention
CATO Work Team (Cannabis, Alcohol, Tobacco, Other Drugs)
Welcome to our Montcalm County CATO Work Team! Our work team was formed to educate the public on the dangers of drug misuse, perform vendor compliance checks, and host medication takeback days. If you would like to become involved with this team, please contact our Coalition Coordinators at coordinator@montcalmprevention.org.
Substance Misuse: A Growing Concern
Substance misuse is a critical issue affecting individuals and communities worldwide, encompassing the improper use of various substances including prescription medications, cannabis, alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs. Prescription drugs such as opioids (e.g., Oxycontin, Vicodin), central nervous system depressants (e.g., Xanax, Valium), and stimulants (e.g., Concerta, Aderall) can be highly addictive and are often misused. Cannabis, while used recreationally and medicinally, can lead to dependency and mental health issues, particularly among adolescents. Tobacco products are notorious for their addictive properties and are a leading cause of preventable diseases. Alcohol, although socially accepted, can be misused, resulting in addiction and numerous health complications. Illicit drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin present significant risks of addiction and overdose. Overall, substance misuse remains a significant challenge that necessitates awareness, education, and support, highlighting the importance of understanding the risks and promoting healthy lifestyles.
How Can Parents Protect Their Children?
- Talk to your kids about the dangers of abusing drugs. Let them know that experimenting with drugs can lead to addiction, overdose or even death.
- Make sure teens understand abusing drugs is illegal, including sharing them with friends.
- Be a positive role model when using prescription drugs.
- Educate teens about following medication instructions and dosages.
- Supervise your child’s activities, know who their friends are, and monitor their surroundings.

 Properly Dispose of Medication
It is very important that you safeguard your medicine cabinets throughout your home. Know what medications you have and how much, so you will know if anything is missing. When medicine is no longer needed, it is important to dispose of expired, unwanted, or unused medicines from your home as quickly as possible to help reduce the chance that others may accidentally take or intentionally misuse the unneeded medicine.
Visit one of Montcalm County's 5 approved medication disposal location centers to properly dispose of your unwanted medication. *Disposing of medication in the trash or flushing it down the toilet is unsafe.Â