Prescription Drug Abuse Epidemic; Painkillers Driving Addiction, Overdose
Every day, 60 people die from opioid pain medications. That’s 22,000 people every year. Opioids are being overprescribed. And it is not children reaching in medicine cabinets who have made drug poisoning the #1 cause of unintentional death in the United States. Adults have been prescribed opioids by doctors and subsequently become addicted or move from pills […]
Mixed Messages on Marijuana
Confusing messages being presented by popular culture, media, proponents of “medical” marijuana, and political campaigns to legalize all marijuana use, perpetuate the FALSE notion that marijuana is harmless. Marijuana and other illicit drugs are addictive and unsafe – especially for use by young people. Marijuana contains chemicals that change how the brain works. The science, […]
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION – NOSTALGIA, EXCITEMENT, POSSIBILITY AND TEMPTATION!
High school graduation is an important milestone in a young person’s life, and the season is often marked with parties, outings, and other celebrations. During this time there are plenty of opportunities where teens may contemplate taking risks, especially drinking and drug use. At graduation time, teens may feel more pressure to celebrate by partying […]
6 Tips to Create a Safe Prom and High-School Graduation
6 Tips to Create a Safe Prom and High-School Graduation Season for Your Teen Here are 6 tips for parents to help keep their teen safe and make this season one to remember for all the right reasons. Set curfews: Teen car crashes and deaths increase exponentially late at night. Know where your teen is, […]
How Does Alcohol Affect the Teen Brain?
When teens drink, alcohol affects their brains in the short-term – but repeated drinking can also impact it down the road, especially as their brains grow and develop. Short-Term Consequences of Intoxication (being “drunk”): An intoxicated youth has a harder time making good decisions. A youth is less aware that his/her behavior may be inappropriate […]
The Adolescent Brain
The Adolescent Brain “Don’t you trust me?” your child asks. When it comes to decision making about the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, it’s not just about trust. It’s about understanding adolescent brain development. There is a reason so many of our teens and preteens behave as if they are immortal and […]
Protect Children from Prescription Stimulant Abuse
Protect Children from Prescription Stimulant Abuse: Stimulant medications including amphetamines (e.g., Adderall) and methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin and Concerta) are often prescribed to treat children, adolescents, or adults diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Prescription stimulants have a calming and “focusing” effect on individuals with ADHD. They are prescribed to patients for daily use, and come […]
Parenting Styles and Underage Drinking
Drinking alcohol undoubtedly is a part of American culture, as are conversations between parents and children about its risks and potential benefits. However, information about alcohol can seem contradictory. Alcohol affects people differently at different stages of life—small amounts may have health benefits for certain adults, but for children and adolescents, alcohol can interfere with […]
Creating Safe and Joyful Holiday Celebrations
The winter holidays are a time to enjoy the company of family, friends and co-workers. Where does substance use fit into this picture? The widespread availability of alcohol at holiday parties gives our youth many opportunities to sneak alcohol when no one is looking, or convince a relative to let them enjoy “just one” alcoholic […]
E-Cigarettes – Serious Health Consequences
E-Cigarettes – Serious Health Consequences Electronic cigarettes (also called e-cigarettes or electronic nicotine delivery systems) are battery-operated devices designed to deliver nicotine with flavorings and other chemicals to users in vapor instead of smoke. They can be manufactured to resemble traditional tobacco cigarettes, cigars or pipes, or even everyday items like pens or USB memory […]