Alexandria Williams, Ba, CPRS
Alex Williams is a graduate of the University of Memphis, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. She is also a certified Peer Recovery Specialist. Alex has spent the past two years working
at the Memphis Area Prevention Coalition as a Community Organizer, serving as a liaison between the coalition and the community to coordinate and organize events. In addition, Alex is the HIV and Hep C Coordinator at the coalition, where she plays a key role in HIV prevention efforts. As an HIV Prevention Coordinator, she works to raise awareness, provide education, and implement programs aimed at reducing the spread of HIV through outreach, testing, and support services for individuals at risk. Understanding Youth Substance Use: Prevention Through Education & Community This session provides a comprehensive overview of youth substance use in Tennessee, focusing on current trends, specific substances, their short- and long-term impacts, and the unique risks youth face due to ongoing brain development. The presentation highlights data from the Tennessee Together Survey, details various substances including prescription drugs, illicit drugs, alcohol, nicotine, and cannabinoids, and examines the reasons behind youth substance use, such as trauma, stress, and lack of support.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe current trends in youth substance use in Tennessee, including the most commonly used substances and accessibility factors.
- Explain how substance use impacts adolescent brain development and contributes to both short-term and long-term health consequences.
- Identify the warning signs of substance use and co-occurring issues such as mental health challenges, academic decline, and behavioral changes.
