If the thought of talking to your teen about drugs makes you uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Many parents worry they’ll say the wrong thing, or that if they bring up the topic of drugs, it will only encourage curiosity. The good news? Honest, age-appropriate conversations are actually one of the most effective ways to help youth make healthy decisions. Here are some tips to get the conversation started: Start the conversation early and have it often. There doesn’t need to b

YES! Addiction is a chronic and relapsing brain disease rather than a simple moral failing or lack of willpower. Here are some key components of the disease model of addiction: 1. Biological Basis: Addiction has a biological basis. Repeated use of certain substances can lead to changes in the brain's structure and function, particularly in areas related to reward, motivation, and decision-making. These changes can make it difficult for individuals to control their drug use. 2

Underage cannabis use can pose several risks to adolescents and young adults, primarily because the brain is still developing during this period. Here are some of the key risks associated with underage cannabis use: 1. Impaired Brain Development: The brain undergoes significant development during adolescence, including the formation of crucial neural pathways and structures. Cannabis use during this period can interfere with normal brain development, potentially leading to lo

It can be difficult to tell if your child is using drugs, but there are some signs that you can look out for: Changes in behavior: Your...

It's true that there tends to be an increase in drug use among youth during the summer months. There are a few reasons for this trend: 1....

Stigma refers to negative attitudes, beliefs, and stereotypes that lead to discrimination and marginalization of individuals or groups...

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is much more potent than heroin, meaning that a much smaller amount can produce the same effects....

Social media can influence substance use in various ways, although it's important to note that the relationship between social media and...

Combining cannabis and nicotine can indeed lead to increased effects and potentially pose additional risks. Here's why: 1. Synergistic...

Here are some drug trends among teens that have been observed in recent years: Vaping and e-cigarettes: Vaping and e-cigarettes have...

Here are some tips that can help your kids stay away from drugs: Build a strong relationship with your kids: Establishing trust and open...

The truth is, we won't know for sure for probably a few decades. Here are just a few ingredients found in vapes: Nicotine- a highly...

If parents suspect that their teenager is using drugs or alcohol, it's essential to address the situation with care and concern. Here are...

Yes, mental health and addiction are often related. Many people who struggle with addiction also have co-occurring mental health...

Benzodiazepines are a class of prescription medications commonly used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and certain other medical conditions....

Drug prevention is important to kids because it helps them to develop healthy habits and make informed decisions about substance use....

When discussing people with a substance use disorder, it's important to approach the conversation with empathy, understanding, and...

Teens may start to experiment with drugs at different ages, but many begin in their early to mid-adolescent years. According to the...

Supporting a person recovering from substance use can be challenging but vital. Recovery is a journey, and having a solid support system...

Preventing youth from using drugs involves a multifaceted approach that includes education, prevention programs, and supportive...