Rehabilitation or Prevention, Choose

There is a Science behind Prevention, Behavioral Health, and Community Wellness. What is being done with this research is what we will learn today. The statistics and how we approach the problem determines our success in resolving issues of substance abuse, suicide and teen death due to DUI. Behavioral health is a state of mental/emotional being and/or choices. Our actions affect wellness. Substance abuse and misuse are one set of behavioral health problems. Others include (but are not limited to) serious psychological distress, suicide, and mental illness (SAMHSA, 2011). Such problems are far-reaching and exact an enormous toll on individuals, their families, communities and a broader effect on society. Let’s consider these statistics:

•By 2020, mental and substance use disorders will surpass all physical diseases as a major cause of disability worldwide. •The annual total estimated societal cost of substance abuse in the United States is $510.8 billion with an estimated 23.5 million Americans age twelve and older needing treatment for substance use.

•Each year, approximately 5,000 youth under the age of twenty-one die as a result of underage drinking.

•More than 34,000 Americans die every year due to suicide resulting in approximately one suicide every fifteen minutes.

•Half of all lifetime cases of mental and substance abuse disorders begin by age fourteen and three-fourths by the age of twenty-four

In 2008, an estimated 9.8 million adults in the U.S. had a serious mental illness. The Science of prevention looks at the above issues empirically and systematically in an attempt to identify root causes while utilizing evidence based practices and principles to address these problems. We as a society must acknowledge we have a problem and begin to address the behavior in its early stages. Are we our brother’s keeper? Yes we are. Join us in today’s thought provoking discussion.

Episode Segments:

A Sharpe Outlook: Frank G. Magourilos We can prevent addiction. One of the keys is implementing effective community prevention programs, policies and practices. We will outline this and other measures with our guest Frank G. Magourilos, who is a certified prevention specialist.
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Guest(s) Appearing on this Episode

Frank G. Magourilos Frank G. Magourilos is a Sr. Certified Prevention Specialist and a (SAMHSA) Strategic Prevention Framework National Trainer. Mr. Magourilos holds a Master’s Degree in Prevention Science from Oklahoma University and Bachelor’s Degrees in Cognitive Behavioral Psychology and Intercultural Communication from the University of New Mexico. He is a Prevention Consultant for several New Mexico Counties DWI Programs, including the Bernalillo County Department of Substance Abuse Programs. Mr. Magourilos is also the Executive Director of the New Mexico Credentialing Board for Behavioral Health Professionals and the founder of the New Mexico Prevention Network. Mr. Magourilos is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Oklahoma where he develops and teaches Prevention Science classes for Oklahoma’s University Master of Prevention Science Program. Mr. Magourilos is also a National Board Director for Mothers against Drunk Driving (MADD). New Mexico Prevention Network