Taking Action Handbook

Like you, ACT Missouri cares about Missouri’s children! ACT Missouri is a non-profit organization, funded by the Missouri Department of Mental Health, Division of Behavioral Health, dedicated to promoting healthy and drug-free communities. We are committed to providing information to assist you as you take ACTION to help children reach their full
potential as healthy, drug-free citizens.
We know how difficult it can be to communicate with youth, especially about drugs and alcohol. We also know that getting the conversation started can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. “What if he asks a question I can’t answer?”, or “What if she shares information I’m not prepared to handle?”, or “What if they know more about drugs and alcohol than I do?” We hope this
handbook gives you a starting point, something to help educate you and your child and initiate conversation about the dangers of alcohol and drug use.
According to the 2016 Missouri Student Survey, the average age of first use was 10.85 for inhalants, 12.71 for cigarettes, 13.43 for alcohol, and 14.11 for marijuana. Thus, we know that it’s important to talk to your kids about drugs at an early age. The handbook provides age appropriate information to share with children and offers discussion tips for you as your child transitions from elementary to middle school, to high school and beyond.
Please take ACTION by sharing this handbook with friends, other parents, caregivers, teachers, and community leaders.