2023 CLOSE Community Parent/Guardian Survey

Substance Use Concerns

CLOSE Community is a coalition effort to reduce youth substance use in our community. CLOSE Community works collaboratively with community stakeholders to identify, initiate, and sustain efforts promoting prevention, treatment and recovery. CLOSE Community has just received a federal grant which will help to fund prevention efforts in Longmeadow for the next 5 years, focusing on alcohol, cannabis, nicotine and opioids.

This survey will help us to better understand where to focus our efforts in order to best address these issues as a community. All of your responses are completely ANONYMOUS.

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* 1. What are you most concerned about in relation to the potential consequences of teen use of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and prescription drugs? Please select up to 5 responses.

Physical health problems

Difficulty remembering things

Feeling tired, groggy, or unmotivated

Doing poorly on a test or schoolwork

Doing poorly in sports/extracurriculars

The disciplinary ramifications regarding school/sports

Procrastinating or not getting things done

Problems at school or work

Problems with family

Problems with friends

Problems with law enforcement

Sexual assault

Turning into addiction / substance use disorder

Their own physical safety (i.e. driving themselves in a vehicle under the influence)

The physical safety of their peers/family members (i.e. driving in a vehicle under the influence with others)

Other (please specify)

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* 2. LHS student use of all substances declined in 2020-21, as they did across the nation during quarantines and social distancing. However, our 2022 data shows an increase in all substances, the largest increase being cannabis use.

Click LHS Survey results for more information regarding mental health and substance use trends since 2018.

Please rank order the following strategies for preventing or addressing youth substance use that you would like to see in Longmeadow.

Parent education about the risks of youth substance use and how to set appropriate limits.

Implement universal Social Emotional Learning curriculum in K-5 classes to enhance social-emotional skills.

Implement universal Social Emotional Learning curriculum in 6-8 classes to enhance social-emotional skills.

Implement universal Social Emotional Learning curriculum in 9-12 classes to enhance social-emotional skills.

Implement universal Health curriculum at the elementary level.

Include Health curriculum in Wellness classes in grades 10 and 12 (already a component in Grades 9 and 11).

Increase LPD patrols and presence at hot spots.

Social Norms Campaigns (highlighting the healthy choices being made by the majority).

Increase enforcement of laws prohibiting underage drinking and drug use.

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* 3. Please describe any other suggestions you have for reducing youth substance use in Longmeadow.

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* 4. Fentanyl poisoning is now the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 18-24 (facingfentanylnow.org). Please rank the following strategies for preventing accidental overdoses or fentanyl poisoning in Longmeadow.

Expand access to naloxone training in the community.

Expand access to naloxone training for students at school.

Expand access to naloxone.

Drug Take Back Events/Safe Disposal of unwanted prescription pills.

Education for students about fentanyl risk, including through the use of counterfeit pills.

Education in the community about fentanyl risk.

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* 5. In 2022, 11% of LHS seniors reported having been the passenger in a car with an alcohol impaired driver within the past 12 months. 17% had been the passenger in a car with a cannabis impaired driver.

If you have suggestions for how to reduce this risky behavior among our teens, please describe them below.

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* 6. How much do you agree with the following statements?

	Strongly Agree	Agree	Neutral	Disagree	Strongly Disagree
I believe that adults who provide alcohol to teens should face legal consequences.	I believe that adults who provide alcohol to teens should face legal consequences. Strongly Agree	I believe that adults who provide alcohol to teens should face legal consequences. Agree	I believe that adults who provide alcohol to teens should face legal consequences. Neutral	I believe that adults who provide alcohol to teens should face legal consequences. Disagree	I believe that adults who provide alcohol to teens should face legal consequences. Strongly Disagree
I support the Longmeadow Police in enforcing underage marijuana use laws.	I support the Longmeadow Police in enforcing underage marijuana use laws. Strongly Agree	I support the Longmeadow Police in enforcing underage marijuana use laws. Agree	I support the Longmeadow Police in enforcing underage marijuana use laws. Neutral	I support the Longmeadow Police in enforcing underage marijuana use laws. Disagree	I support the Longmeadow Police in enforcing underage marijuana use laws. Strongly Disagree
I support the Longmeadow Police in enforcing underage drinking laws.	I support the Longmeadow Police in enforcing underage drinking laws. Strongly Agree	I support the Longmeadow Police in enforcing underage drinking laws. Agree	I support the Longmeadow Police in enforcing underage drinking laws. Neutral	I support the Longmeadow Police in enforcing underage drinking laws. Disagree	I support the Longmeadow Police in enforcing underage drinking laws. Strongly Disagree

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* 7. Currently, is any alcohol kept in your home stored securely to prevent youth access?

I do not have any alcohol in my home.

Yes

Partially

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* 8. Currently, are any cannabis products in your home stored securely to prevent youth access?

I do not have any cannabis products in my home.

Yes

Partially

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* 9. In the past year, have you disposed of unused or expired medications in any of the following methods: (check all that apply)

I have NOT needed to dispose of medications

I have brought medications to a Prescription Medication Drop Box (LPD)

I have brough medications to a RX Drug Take Back Event

I have properly disposed of medications at home (following Mass Department of Environmental Protection guidelines)

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* 10. How confident are you in…

	Very Confident	Confident	Somewhat Confident	Not Confident
Knowing where to go to get information in order to educate yourself on issues related to substance use disorders	Knowing where to go to get information in order to educate yourself on issues related to substance use disorders Very Confident	Knowing where to go to get information in order to educate yourself on issues related to substance use disorders Confident	Knowing where to go to get information in order to educate yourself on issues related to substance use disorders Somewhat Confident	Knowing where to go to get information in order to educate yourself on issues related to substance use disorders Not Confident
Your ability to recognize the signs and symptoms of a family member experiencing a substance use disorder	Your ability to recognize the signs and symptoms of a family member experiencing a substance use disorder Very Confident	Your ability to recognize the signs and symptoms of a family member experiencing a substance use disorder Confident	Your ability to recognize the signs and symptoms of a family member experiencing a substance use disorder Somewhat Confident	Your ability to recognize the signs and symptoms of a family member experiencing a substance use disorder Not Confident
Your ability to access professional help in the community if a family member was experiencing a substance use disorder	Your ability to access professional help in the community if a family member was experiencing a substance use disorder Very Confident	Your ability to access professional help in the community if a family member was experiencing a substance use disorder Confident	Your ability to access professional help in the community if a family member was experiencing a substance use disorder Somewhat Confident	Your ability to access professional help in the community if a family member was experiencing a substance use disorder Not Confident
Your knowledge of resources available to support you if a family member was experiencing a substance use disorder	Your knowledge of resources available to support you if a family member was experiencing a substance use disorder Very Confident	Your knowledge of resources available to support you if a family member was experiencing a substance use disorder Confident	Your knowledge of resources available to support you if a family member was experiencing a substance use disorder Somewhat Confident	Your knowledge of resources available to support you if a family member was experiencing a substance use disorder Not Confident

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* 11. Which of the following applies to you? (Select all that apply)

My child(ren) is/are in elementary school.

My child(ren) is/are in middle school.

My child(ren) is/are in high school.

My child(ren) is/are no longer in school.

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* 12. Please indicate how frequently you do each of the following:

	Always	Usually	Sometimes	Rarely	Never	N/A
I make sure to meet the parents of my teenager's closest friends.	I make sure to meet the parents of my teenager's closest friends. Always	I make sure to meet the parents of my teenager's closest friends. Usually	I make sure to meet the parents of my teenager's closest friends. Sometimes	I make sure to meet the parents of my teenager's closest friends. Rarely	I make sure to meet the parents of my teenager's closest friends. Never	I make sure to meet the parents of my teenager's closest friends. N/A
I do not allow my teenager to attend a party if parents will not be home to supervise.	I do not allow my teenager to attend a party if parents will not be home to supervise. Always	I do not allow my teenager to attend a party if parents will not be home to supervise. Usually	I do not allow my teenager to attend a party if parents will not be home to supervise. Sometimes	I do not allow my teenager to attend a party if parents will not be home to supervise. Rarely	I do not allow my teenager to attend a party if parents will not be home to supervise. Never	I do not allow my teenager to attend a party if parents will not be home to supervise. N/A
When my child is planning to attend a party or social gathering with peers, I will contact parents to make sure there is adult supervision.	When my child is planning to attend a party or social gathering with peers, I will contact parents to make sure there is adult supervision. Always	When my child is planning to attend a party or social gathering with peers, I will contact parents to make sure there is adult supervision. Usually	When my child is planning to attend a party or social gathering with peers, I will contact parents to make sure there is adult supervision. Sometimes	When my child is planning to attend a party or social gathering with peers, I will contact parents to make sure there is adult supervision. Rarely	When my child is planning to attend a party or social gathering with peers, I will contact parents to make sure there is adult supervision. Never	When my child is planning to attend a party or social gathering with peers, I will contact parents to make sure there is adult supervision. N/A
When my child is hosting a social gathering at my house, parents contact me to make sure that an adult will be home to supervise.	When my child is hosting a social gathering at my house, parents contact me to make sure that an adult will be home to supervise. Always	When my child is hosting a social gathering at my house, parents contact me to make sure that an adult will be home to supervise. Usually	When my child is hosting a social gathering at my house, parents contact me to make sure that an adult will be home to supervise. Sometimes	When my child is hosting a social gathering at my house, parents contact me to make sure that an adult will be home to supervise. Rarely	When my child is hosting a social gathering at my house, parents contact me to make sure that an adult will be home to supervise. Never	When my child is hosting a social gathering at my house, parents contact me to make sure that an adult will be home to supervise. N/A

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* 13. Please indicate to what degree you agree/disagree with the following statements:

	Strongly Agree	Agree	Neutral	Disagree	Strongly Disagree	N/A
There are clear rules in my house about underage drinking.	There are clear rules in my house about underage drinking. Strongly Agree	There are clear rules in my house about underage drinking. Agree	There are clear rules in my house about underage drinking. Neutral	There are clear rules in my house about underage drinking. Disagree	There are clear rules in my house about underage drinking. Strongly Disagree	There are clear rules in my house about underage drinking. N/A
I would be upset if another parent gave my teen alcohol.	I would be upset if another parent gave my teen alcohol. Strongly Agree	I would be upset if another parent gave my teen alcohol. Agree	I would be upset if another parent gave my teen alcohol. Neutral	I would be upset if another parent gave my teen alcohol. Disagree	I would be upset if another parent gave my teen alcohol. Strongly Disagree	I would be upset if another parent gave my teen alcohol. N/A
If an adult in the community saw my teen at a party where alcohol was served, I would want that adult to call me to let me know.	If an adult in the community saw my teen at a party where alcohol was served, I would want that adult to call me to let me know. Strongly Agree	If an adult in the community saw my teen at a party where alcohol was served, I would want that adult to call me to let me know. Agree	If an adult in the community saw my teen at a party where alcohol was served, I would want that adult to call me to let me know. Neutral	If an adult in the community saw my teen at a party where alcohol was served, I would want that adult to call me to let me know. Disagree	If an adult in the community saw my teen at a party where alcohol was served, I would want that adult to call me to let me know. Strongly Disagree	If an adult in the community saw my teen at a party where alcohol was served, I would want that adult to call me to let me know. N/A
I would like other parents to call me to be sure I will be home to supervise if their child is coming to my home for a party or social gathering.	I would like other parents to call me to be sure I will be home to supervise if their child is coming to my home for a party or social gathering. Strongly Agree	I would like other parents to call me to be sure I will be home to supervise if their child is coming to my home for a party or social gathering. Agree	I would like other parents to call me to be sure I will be home to supervise if their child is coming to my home for a party or social gathering. Neutral	I would like other parents to call me to be sure I will be home to supervise if their child is coming to my home for a party or social gathering. Disagree	I would like other parents to call me to be sure I will be home to supervise if their child is coming to my home for a party or social gathering. Strongly Disagree	I would like other parents to call me to be sure I will be home to supervise if their child is coming to my home for a party or social gathering. N/A
In our household, we have family dinners with our teen(s) most nights of the week.	In our household, we have family dinners with our teen(s) most nights of the week. Strongly Agree	In our household, we have family dinners with our teen(s) most nights of the week. Agree	In our household, we have family dinners with our teen(s) most nights of the week. Neutral	In our household, we have family dinners with our teen(s) most nights of the week. Disagree	In our household, we have family dinners with our teen(s) most nights of the week. Strongly Disagree	In our household, we have family dinners with our teen(s) most nights of the week. N/A

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* 14. During the past 12 months, have you or another parent/caregiver talked to your child(ren) about the dangers of:

	NO!	no	yes	YES!	N/A
a. underage drinking?	a. underage drinking? NO!	a. underage drinking? no	a. underage drinking? yes	a. underage drinking? YES!	a. underage drinking? N/A
b. tobacco use?	b. tobacco use? NO!	b. tobacco use? no	b. tobacco use? yes	b. tobacco use? YES!	b. tobacco use? N/A
c. using an electronic vapor product?	c. using an electronic vapor product? NO!	c. using an electronic vapor product? no	c. using an electronic vapor product? yes	c. using an electronic vapor product? YES!	c. using an electronic vapor product? N/A
d. marijuana use?	d. marijuana use? NO!	d. marijuana use? no	d. marijuana use? yes	d. marijuana use? YES!	d. marijuana use? N/A
e. using prescription drugs not prescribed to them?	e. using prescription drugs not prescribed to them? NO!	e. using prescription drugs not prescribed to them? no	e. using prescription drugs not prescribed to them? yes	e. using prescription drugs not prescribed to them? YES!	e. using prescription drugs not prescribed to them? N/A

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* 15. Do you allow your teen to drink in your home with you or other adults, even if it is a small glass of wine or beer with dinner (not including for religious purposes)?

Never or almost never

Sometimes

Often

All the time

N/A

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* 16. Do you allow your teen to stay home alone without adult supervision when you and/or other guardians are away, out of town for more than one day?

Never or almost never

Sometimes

Often

All the time

N/A

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* 17. How familiar are you with...

	Very familiar	Somewhat familiar	Unfamiliar
the work CLOSE Community is involved with in the Town of Longmeadow?	the work CLOSE Community is involved with in the Town of Longmeadow? Very familiar	the work CLOSE Community is involved with in the Town of Longmeadow? Somewhat familiar	the work CLOSE Community is involved with in the Town of Longmeadow? Unfamiliar
the Massachusetts Social Host Law (house party law) that makes it illegal for any adult to provide a place for minors to drink?	the Massachusetts Social Host Law (house party law) that makes it illegal for any adult to provide a place for minors to drink? Very familiar	the Massachusetts Social Host Law (house party law) that makes it illegal for any adult to provide a place for minors to drink? Somewhat familiar	the Massachusetts Social Host Law (house party law) that makes it illegal for any adult to provide a place for minors to drink? Unfamiliar

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* 18. Where do you access information for community events? Check all that apply.

The Reminder

LCTV

School Communications (email, website or school facebook)

Masslive

Western Mass News

WWLP 22News

WGBY

Friends Facebook Pages

Facebook Events Pages/Community Facebook Groups

Other

Other (please specify)

Thank you for completing our survey!

Please contact us if you would like more information on CLOSE Community and our work or if you would like to get involved. Visit our website at CLOSEcommunity.org, email us at info@closecommunity.org or call us at (413) 318-4773.