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The highly important decline in overdose deaths and potency of fentanyl-laced pills, revealing major signs of progress, anchored the third annual National Family Summit on Fentanyl hosted by the DEA.
Read articleAwkward Conversations, is hosted by Full House and Fuller House star, Jodie Sweetin, and joined by Amy McCarthy, a Senior Clinical Social Worker at Boston Children's Hospital.The two will be chatting with celebrity parents and guest experts on how to prepare for the awkward conversations with their kids and furthering the discussion on how to give parents the tools to empower their kids to stay safe, substance free and make smart decisions!
Read articleAs the colder months approach, it's crucial for teens to stay connected with their community and support systems. This article explores the importance of maintaining social bonds and mental well-being during winter, offering practical tips on how to stay engaged and avoid the pitfalls of isolation, which can lead to unhealthy habits like drug use. Discover ways to stay active, connected, and positive even when the temperatures drop.
Read articleDiscover empowering strategies to overcome winter blues without turning to substances. This article explores various healthy coping mechanisms that can uplift teens during the colder, darker months, promoting mental and emotional well-being.
Read articleDiscover how to identify and manage Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) during the colder months. Learn about its symptoms, healthy coping strategies, and the significance of staying connected to combat winter blues without resorting to substance use.
Read articleDiscover how teens can celebrate a joyful and memorable Christmas while staying drug-free, focusing on healthy festivities and meaningful connections.
Read articleEmbark on a journey of self-improvement and healthy living in 2024 by setting achievable goals and committing to a drug-free lifestyle.
Read articleLearn how to set meaningful goals for the new year, focusing on personal development and maintaining a drug-free lifestyle for a brighter 2024.
Read articleKickstart 2024 with positive goal setting, reflecting on the past year, and embracing substance-free living for a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Read articleLearn how teens can successfully navigate holiday temptations, foster healthy relationships, and embrace the joy of a substance-free holiday season.
Read articleExplore effective strategies for teens to resist peer pressure, engage in wholesome festivities, and manage holiday stress, ensuring a drug-free and joyful holiday season.
Read articleDiscover valuable insights on staying healthy and drug-free during the holiday season, providing practical tips on managing peer pressure, engaging in drug-free celebrations, and handling family stresses. A must-read for teens seeking a safe and enjoyable holiday experience.
Read articleThe 20 episode, unscripted video podcast, Awkward Conversations, is hosted by Full House and Fuller House star, Jodie Sweetin, and joined by Amy McCarthy, a Senior Clinical Social Worker at Boston Children's Hospital.The two will be chatting with celebrity parents and guest experts on how to prepare for the awkward conversations with their kids and furthering the discussion on how to give parents the tools to empower their kids to stay safe, substance free and make smart decisions!
Read articleWe have published the latest copy of the TeenZone Implementation Guide
Read articleBullying is unfortunately a common threat to LGBTQ students. The statistics report higher levels of bullying with these students. While it is okay to have a different opinion, the essential goal is to love and accept someone either way.
Read articleKindness is the best act you can do to prevent bullying. As bullies often target minorities, come alongside those who need help. Stand up for both yourself and others to stop the spread of bullying.
Read articleVaping has become increasingly popular, but has many downsides - nicotine reliance, addiction, poisoning, and heart problems.
Read articleAlthough marijuana is labeled as a recreational drug, the dangers of weed are numerous.
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Conflicts are a normal part of life. People disagree on things everyday. The trick is to learn how to deal with conflicts through communication and creating solutions.
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Self-esteem is especially hard in school, but there are sure fire ways to develop a healthy sense of confidence in one’s self. Through mantras, trust, hobbies, and values, you can become your best self.
Read articleEveryone needs the proper nutrients, but sometimes the time escapes us and it’s hard to find something healthy to eat. Try these quick and delicious homemade snacks to satisfy your hunger!
Read articleExercising does so much for the body; it even increases happiness. If you’re stuck in a routine with physical education or sports, try some out-of-the-box exercises like dancing or yoga.
Read article“Taking a trip” is a commonly known phrase linked to hallucinogens. Sounds fun? Think twice. Side effects of using these dangerous drugs are quite the opposite.
Read articleHallucinogens are known to create hallucinations, or images and feelings that are not real. There are two types of these drugs: classic and dissociative. Although they might sound like a “trip,” the side effects are surely not.
Read articleHighly addictive and illegal, heroin is a danger to the body and mind. It is a depressant drug that causes an immediate “rush” but has far worse symptoms that can lead to death.
Read articleTrouble sleeping, otherwise known as insomnia, is a common problems among people of all ages. Sleepings pills are often used to combat the problem, but there are better, healthy ways to encourage sleeping habits.
Read articleADHD is a common disorder that affects many children, causing a lack of attention and concentration. Ritalin and Adderall are used to treat the symptoms, but with any medication, it’s important to be aware of the harmful nature of drugs.
Read articleDrugs are often used to combat negative feelings that people don’t want to experience. They are used for fake happiness and small bursts of dopamine. Instead of drugs, choose healthy ways to cope with life.
Read articleCaffeine is a stimulant that increases activity in the brain and leads to higher levels of concentration and alertness. Although it is commonly seen as a positive substance, caffeine can lead to negative side effects and behaviors.
Read articleThere are drugs of all sorts: meth, cocaine, Ritalin, and many others. It’s important to learn about the deadly side effects of drugs.
Read articleDrugs and alcohol might seem like quick ways to achieve happiness, but they just lead to sadness and depression. When you learn to love yourself as you are, happiness is easy to find.
Read articleThe negative effects of drugs and alcohol are extensive. It is far more worth it to stay healthy for your mental and physical health. Make good decisions for your future.
Read articleDepressant drugs slow down the central nervous system, and are used to reduce anxiety, stress, and sleep disorders. “Downer” drugs can be highly addictive, like the illegal drug heroin. It is essential to learn about the dangers of drugs.
Read articleStimulant drugs, “uppers,” are known to heighten energy and attention. Both prescription and illegal drugs are dangerous because of the craving of euphoria and inability to cope on one’s own.
Read articleGrief is the pain that comes along with loss. It is completely normal to experience feelings of guilt, anger, and anxiety. Instead of leaning towards drugs and alcohol to cope, choose healthy options like, writing a letter, talking with a friend, or meditating.
Read articleTobacco leaves are used in cigarettes, pipes, and chewing tobacco. Nicotine within the leaves can cause dependence in the form of addiction. Because of this, it is important to be wary of the harmful nature of smoking.
Read articleThere are two kinds of drugs: uppers and downers. Even though prescription medication is helpful, drug use is always something to be wary about.
Read articlePrescription drugs are prescribed by a doctor for treating a variety of health conditions. These medicines are safe and legal to use, but with many substances, be aware that you can become addicted.
Read articleThe coronavirus pandemic has changed people’s lives everywhere. Our daily routines, including our school and work situations, are a lot different than they were a short time ago.
Read articleA serious health crisis is threatening the United States. Over the past 10 years, the number of overdose deaths has increased dramatically. When someone overdoses, they take too much of a drug. Most of these deaths are linked to opioids.
Read articleVaping has become a trend not only among teenagers but also among some adults. Initially created to help cigarette smokers quit their habit, vaping has become a dangerous gateway for those who never smoked in the first place. There is evidence that smoking is more harmful than vaping, however, vaping can do substantial damage to your heart and lungs. Vaping is when nicotine along with other chemicals and flavoring is heated to create an inhalable aerosol. Performed with different mediums and mixed with different substances, differentiating vaping and smoking can be difficult.
Read articleThe new trend of vaping has taken over traditional means of smoking both cigarettes and marijuana. While some believe it’s “healthier” or “safer”, using a vape to smoke weed is just as, if not more dangerous than traditional methods. Here’s why.
Read articleGym class isn’t just a break from a hard days work of school, it’s the beginning of a fun-filled fitness lifestyle. Even if it’s not your favorite class, it’s just as important as learning to read!
Read articleSocial media might be a strange world for our parents but it’s a part of our everyday lives. While you just want to share pictures, play games and chat with your friends, there are dangerous people using the same sites. Here are some tips on how to stay safe.
Read articleMom and dad take medicine all the time and they give it to you too when you’re feeling sick. Medicine can be the best solution when you’re feeling down, but did you know that not all medicine is safe?
Read articleDrinking has become a dangerous right of passage of sorts for many teens. High school parties are the talk of the halls on Fridays and stay in the spotlight for the lucky attenders the following Monday; who brought the beer, who got “totally wasted”, and whose parents found out, but at the cost of what? The down right truth is that drinking can be the equivalent of having the worst seasickness of your life. But no one talks about that.
Read articleMany times those who fall victim to substance abuse look back and try to figure out where they went wrong. No one sets out to become addicted to drug or alcohol, yet it happens. 90% of abusers show signs as early as their teens and some are much more susceptible than others.
Read articleThe term peer pressure is exactly what it sounds like. It’s when someone around your own age attempts to influence you to do something. Most people think that peer pressure is always a bad thing, when in fact positive results can come from the encounter (depending on the situation). So, what makes it positive or negative, and what are some steps you can take to make good decisions when the pressure is on?
Read articleWhen you’re dealing with a problem that prompts you to make a decision, what do you do? Sometimes having to choose one thing over another can be very overwhelming and stressful. Working through your options with the 3 D’s of decision making can help you organize your thoughts and come to the best conclusion.
Read articleWe know that some drugs are good for you while others are very harmful. We also know that even the drugs that are meant to help cure illness can cause even more distress on the user’s body if the prescription is misused or meant for someone else. So why is one drug helpful to one person and harmful to another? There are a bunch of physical and mental factors that play a role in how a drug can affect you.
Read articleWhen someone is talking about taking drugs, it can sometimes be confusing as to weather they’re using medication for the right or wrong reasons. Most drugs you will see in your lifetime are made by scientists to help people that are sick feel better. However, there are drugs out there that aren’t designed with the purpose of curing the ill
Read articleThe dangers of consuming alcohol are both short and long term, ranging from stomach problems to cancer.
Read articleA bully can be anyone: a classmate, neighbor, even a best friend. Any kind of unwanted negative behavior towards you or someone else is classified as bullying.
Read articleOdds are you’re going to face an awkward moment of choosing between right and wrong sometime in your life. When it comes to alcohol, that choice can get pretty blurry. Take a step back and take a look at the bigger picture with these easy steps.
Read articleSaying no to alcohol isn’t always an easy decision to make. Verbalizing that decision however, can be an even tougher mountain to climb.
Read articleWhat exactly are the “healthy” alternatives to smoking cigarettes? Most people seem to think the Juul is the answer. Turns out they’re extremely dangerous.
Read articleWhat if you saw a kid like yourself being bullied by other kids. You are an innocent bystander, what would you do?
Read articleMarijuana is not only illegal for minors, but also dangerous to your health, in school and daily activities.
Read articleStressors come in many forms from school deadlines to family drama and emotional problems. It is important to find healthy ways to deal with stress like exercise, meditation, journaling, and sleep.
Read articleSuccess is something we all strive for; it is attainable with the right amount of work and dedication with 5 simple steps.
Read articleWe make thousands of decisions each day; the important thing is to work out how to make good decisions that will benefit you for your future.
Read articleMental health is just as important as physical health; expressing your emotions is a big part of keeping yourself healthy. Sharing your emotions not only protects you, but also helps you understand others.
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