The Prevention of youth access and use of opioids, kratom, methamphetamines, fake pills and other synthetic substances. - Background – Available data for kratom use and other analogs is limited to rates but not context. There is a widespread community belief that kratom is a safe and legal alternative to opioids. Many community members are also unaware that some cannabis products and synthetic drugs may be contaminated with fentanyl. Survey data suggest that kratom use is higher than the national average among youth and young adults. Based on the 2023-24 North Carolina Youth and Young Adult Substance Use Prevention Survey conducted by Wake Forest School of Medicine: 7.2% of North Carolina youth age 12-20 used kratom and 15.1% of North Carolina young adults age 21-25 used kratom; 4.3% of youth age 12-20 misused prescription medication and 20.4% of individuals age 21-25 misused prescription medication; 0.9% of youth age 12-20 used heroin or fentanyl, 3.3% of individuals 21-25 used heroin or fentanyl; and 0.5% of youth age 12-20 used methamphetamines and 2.7% of individuals 21-25 used methamphetamines. Approach - This project aims to raise awareness of the growing problem of opioids, methamphetamines, and other synthetic substances, including kratom, counterfeit pills, and cannabis analogs. In addition to raising awareness, this project will educate parents and other adults about the harmful effects these substances can have on the developing adolescent brain. Local data on youth misuse of kratom, methamphetamines, cannabis analogs, and counterfeit pills is limited. Youth leadership training will empower youth involvement in the project. Evaluation - During the first year of funding, the project will focus on collecting data related to: perceptions of harm associated with youth misuse of these substances and perceptions of disapproval regarding youth misuse of these substances, outlet density and access. The data collected through environmental scans, community listening sessions and community surveys will be used to support podcasts designed to educate parents and other adults and educational materials for merchant information packets. The project will also share findings with key decision-makers to help inform discussions about retail restrictions on the sale of kratom, cannabis analogs, methamphetamines and fake pills to youth. Capacity - Coastal Horizons will act as the fiscal agent for the Cape Fear Coalition. Coastal Horizons is a 501(c)(3) private non-profit multicounty NC organization with over 55 years in operation, who has acted as a fiscal agent for current and previously funded grants received by the Cape Fear Coalition. The Cape Fear Coalition has 18 years of bringing together local organizations, businesses, schools, youth-serving agencies, law enforcement, healthcare partners, parents, and community members whose missions align around responsible drinking and substance misuse prevention. The Coalition serves as a coordinating body that helps identify emerging substance use concerns, review community data, and guide various prevention priorities specific to New Hanover County.
