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

"A couple of weeks ago I hit one year nicotine free. This is something, honestly, I thought never possible. The addiction to it had me in a choke hold. I had to always have it on me. I had to completely rewire how I did things. And I worked hard to get one year free. I started smoking cigarettes at 13. I started smoking cigarettes and vaping at 19 and finally quit at 25. I took my vape most places with me, always had to have at least one in my possession. There had been conve

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

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

Social media can be a powerful tool for communication, self-expression, and connection , but it also comes with several dangers for kids...

Genetics and Addiction: How Your DNA Can Influence Substance Use Addiction is a complicated condition that doesn’t have a single cause....

Stress is a normal part of life, but when it becomes chronic or overwhelming, it can significantly affect our mental and physical health....

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...

A Call to Action October marks Youth Substance Use Prevention Month, a crucial time for communities, families, and educators to come...

Eliminating the stigma around substance use is a complex task that requires a multi-faceted approach involving individuals, communities,...

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...

It can be difficult to determine if your child is an alcoholic, as there is no one-size-fits-all definition for alcoholism. However,...

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

Parenting teenagers can be challenging, but with the right approach, parents can help their teens navigate this stage of development with...

"Take it to the Box" programs are initiatives that provide safe and convenient methods for individuals to dispose of unused or expired...

Resiliency skills are essential for individuals to navigate various challenges and pressures, including peer pressure. Peer pressure can...

Social media has many positive attributes, but when it comes to drugs on social media, parents should be aware of the following: 1....

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