As the new year unfolds, we find ourselves immersed in the timeless tradition of seeking a fresh start—a cultural practice that has spanned over 200 years in our Western society. Many Americans embrace the spirit of self-improvement, often manifested in the form of New Year’s Resolutions. As the calendar pages turn, we must introspectively inquire: Is this a refined and enhanced version of ourselves, or are we simply adhering to the status quo of yesteryear? Do our aspirations mirror those familiar hopes from the past – the desire to shed weight, contribute more to our communities, adopt healthier eating habits, quit smoking, consume less alcohol, escape the clutches of debt, and amass savings?

If your answer aligns with maintaining multiple unfulfilled resolutions, welcome to the Procrastinators Club, the world’s largest organization, boasting a membership of 98% of the population. The comfort lies in the fact that you’re not alone. 

Perhaps it’s time to reconsider the frequency of fresh starts. Beyond the grandeur of a new year, opportunities abound every month, every week, and even every day. The dawn of each morning and the commencement of each hour provide us with a chance for renewal. The abundance of opportunities invites us to break free from the Procrastinators Club’s grip. 

So, let’s entertain a revolutionary concept to kickstart the new year – craft a “Do Not Do List.” Constrain this list to 10 items, contemplating habits and behaviors that hinder personal growth. Are you spending excessive hours in front of the television? Indulging in post-dinner snacking on sweets? Overcommitting by perpetually saying yes to others? Hitting the snooze button habitually? Drowning in social media or texting? Succumbing to impulsive purchases? Oversleeping or battling sleep deprivation? Chronically tardy? Lacking a consistent exercise routine? 

Recognize that these habits bear consequences, hindering the pursuit of life’s dreams and goals. It’s time to break free from the allure of the Procrastinators Club. Begin with the first resolution on your “Do Not Do List”: DO NOT renew my membership in the Procrastinators Club. Elevate yourself beyond procrastination, embrace positive change, and let this be the year you stride confidently toward success. 

Author Larry Tracey is the Executive Director of Youth4Youth, author, speaker, and member of the WOW Coalition, a prevention association that promotes safe and healthy choices and responds to problems caused by alcohol, marijuana, and Rx abuse by implementing strategies to prevent and reduce youth substance use.

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Did you know? Youth use social media apps like Snapchat and Instagram to buy and sell drugs.

Popular Drugs Among Teens

Teens’ most commonly used drugs include marijuana, prescription drugs, and e-cigarettes or vaping devices. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), nearly 30% of high school seniors have used marijuana in the past year, making it the most widely used illicit drug among teens. Prescription drugs, such as opioids and stimulants, are also commonly abused by teenagers, often obtained from friends or family members with legitimate prescriptions. E-cigarettes have gained popularity in recent years, with the NIDA reporting that over 20% of high school seniors have used them in the past month.

Consequences of Drug Abuse

Drug abuse among teenagers can lead to a range of negative consequences, including addiction, impaired judgment and decision-making, and increased risk of accidents and violence. Additionally, drug abuse can cause physical harm, such as damage to the brain, heart, and other vital organs. Furthermore, using drugs can also lead to legal problems, including arrest and imprisonment.

Prevention Strategies

Preventing teen drug abuse requires a multi-faceted approach, including education and parental and community involvement. Parents play a crucial role in preventing drug abuse by talking to their children about the dangers of drugs, monitoring their behavior, and setting clear boundaries. Educating teenagers about the risks of drug abuse and its effects on their health, relationships, and future prospects are also essential. Community organizations such as the Way Out West (WOW) Coalition and schools can also provide educational programs and resources to help prevent drug abuse among teens.

Finally, addressing the root causes of drug abuse among teenagers, such as stress, peer pressure, and underlying mental health issues, is essential. By addressing these underlying issues, providing support, and educating young people, we can help teens make healthy choices and live drug-free lives.

Author Larry Tracey is the founder of Youth4Youth. Y4Y develops success and leadership skills in youth and promotes school safety by treating everyone with respect. He serves as WOW Coalition Program Director, a prevention association that promotes safe and healthy choices and responds to problems caused by alcohol, marijuana, and Rx abuse by implementing strategies to prevent and reduce youth substance use. For additional information, visit Youth4Youth.org or wayoutwestcoalition.org/resources

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ONE pill can kill. And—it is not just pills like Percocet, Adderall, and Xanax—it is being found in other street drugs such as marijuana, heroin and cocaine.

Parents like Rebecca Kiessling did not realize the threat our nation is truly facing until her two boys died of fentanyl poisoning. She expressed in an interview with Tucker Carlson, “People didn’t used to die from experimenting with drugs.” Before Congress, she stated, “…law enforcement made it clear to me that this fentanyl came from Mexico. It came from our southern border. I didn’t know what fentanyl was. I didn’t know what Narcan was. …I didn’t know people were dying.”

Parents, they need you. Your son or daughter is not immune—talk to your children. It is not your father’s Percocet or your grandmother’s weed. Prevention starts at home; keep communication open and build those relationships. Kids often do not want to disappoint mom and dad; this can lead to hiding from you or running toward you in times of trouble. Which will it be?

Ms. Kiessling mentioned Narcan earlier; this is a vital tool in saving lives from opioid overdose deaths. Narcan is a nasal spray version of naloxone, an opioid antagonist; used to temporarily push opioids off opioid receptors in the brain, blocking their effects. Without a prescription, you can get Narcan from a pharmacy or find a local distributor on NaloxoneAZ.com, free-of-charge! Having Narcan on hand is vital in today’s world, and you can find out how to use it among many other free resources at wayoutwestcoalition.org/resources.

We exist to serve you, our community. Please spread this information to everyone; we want to see more lives saved from fentanyl poisoning and accidental overdose.

The WOW Coalition is a prevention association that promotes safe and healthy choices and responds to problems caused by marijuana, nicotine, and opioid use by implementing strategies to prevent and reduce youth substance use. For additional information, visit wowcoalition.org, call us at (623) 208-3230 or email: info@wowcoalition.org.

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