Verbalize Your Expectations Often

Get in the Way Quick Tip #1 So who has the most influence on a teen’s choice to use drugs or alcohol? The answer: parents and peers. I mention peers just momentarily, as we’ll talk about the “peer factor” in an upcoming segment. But for now, who your kids hang with or associate with should…

Spread the Word, Not the Virus

Americans have faced many crises such as wars, disasters and 9/11 to name a few.  One of the hallmarks of the American spirit is the generosity and caring for others that comes to the forefront during times of national need.  Americans are resilient and we mobilize to solve problems.  It’s who we are and it’s…

How Risky is Marijuana?

People today have the perception that Marijuana is not harmful, and this has led to its legalization for medical and recreational purposes in many states. Most people think that it’s no worse than alcohol and tobacco in general. But the facts are now showing the real risk of regular marijuana use; especially for youth, who…

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Categorized as Marijuana

Resilience Trumps ACEs

Do you know what may be the most catastrophic public health situation of all time? Adverse Childhood Experiences, referred to as ACEs, have preventable factors that have been found to have a high correlation with risk for cancer, heart disease, diabetes, substance abuse, suicide, obesity, COPD, and premature death. There is a powerful movement sweeping the…

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Categorized as ACEs

Testing Hot

When a Loved One is Addicted I just got off the phone with a mother whose twenty-five-year-old son has relapsed; he just tested “hot” for opioids. The more I listened the more my heart grew heavy for her and her situation. She is beside herself to say the least. He is being admitted into drug…

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Categorized as Opioids

“Get in the Way” — Discover the Meaning

Say Something, Do Something Have you seen the hand? Many have and now they want to know what does Get in the Way actually mean? Here’s one valuable insight: The teen brain focuses on risk and excitement. Our job as parents, grandparents, and caring adults is to Get in the Way or foil a teen’s…

Opioid Crisis Update

Facts You Need to Know Physical pain has a tremendous impact on the lives of millions of Americans, many of whom have been prescribed opioids to relieve their suffering. However, we now know these pain relievers are highly addictive; so much so that we now find ourselves in an “opioid crisis.” Reducing youth access to…

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Categorized as Opioids