Tackling Substance Abuse in Dutchess County: The Role of the Council on Addiction Prevention and Education

In Dutchess County, the Council on Addiction Prevention and Education (CAPE) stands as a beacon of support and education in the fight against substance abuse. CAPE is vital in offering addiction prevention, recovery services, and educational programs to individuals, families, and community groups—all at no cost.



Dora Celestino, a pivotal figure at CAPE, emphasizes the significance of community-centric prevention strategies. As she highlights, CAPE's mission is to "offer a wide variety of programs and services through a team of highly skilled staff to prevent and reduce youth substance use."

One of CAPE's key initiatives includes dedicating efforts toward youth education. The organization operates programs like Teen Intervene, which Celestino describes as "an evidence-based program for teenagers ages 12 to 19 who exhibit mild to moderate problems associated with any substance." This initiative seeks to keep substance use from escalating among teens.

In addition to their educational outreach, CAPE hosts events to engage the community actively. On March 19th, CAPE celebrated National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week with a Free Family Fun Night at Spins in Wappinger Falls, offering activities like free bowling and ice cream while encouraging honest conversations about drugs and alcohol.

Another innovative program is the Youth Club, Generation Hope. Designed as a safe and welcoming space for Dutchess County youth aged 12 to 18, Generation Hope provides a sanctuary where young individuals can engage in recreational activities, educational programs, and health and wellness resources. This program epitomizes CAPE's commitment to providing environments where youth can thrive away from the temptations of substance misuse.

Beyond programs and events, CAPE also offers support for families and individuals facing substance-related challenges. Their willingness to meet individuals wherever needed—whether at a Dunkin Donuts or within their own homes—demonstrates their dedication to reducing barriers to access.

For parents and guardians, CAPE addresses important aspects of youth substance use, highlighting the need for education and early intervention. Celestino stresses the importance of being informed: "We meet you where you're at... All of our services are free, and we want to educate individuals, families, businesses, and schools."

Looking ahead, CAPE has planned a "Blind Spots" event for April 24th, where adults can explore a mock teenage bedroom to recognize hidden paraphernalia—often missed indications of potential substance use. This event will be held at CAPE’s office in Wappinger Falls and aims to raise awareness about the signs of substance misuse among teens.

CAPE continues to be a steadfast ally for anyone in Dutchess County needing support, education, and resources related to substance abuse prevention. More details about CAPE's programs and events can be found on their website at capedc.org.

Listen to the full interview: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/vg6mfGAxBTb