Drug Use
12.13.23 News Release from the NIDA
Reported drug use among adolescents continued to hold below pre-pandemic levels in 2023… yet overdose death rates among teens have risen in recent years.
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Cannabis/ Marijuana
I spy with my little eye… a teen on marijuana?
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Recognizing the signs of drug use can be hard, especially in your own kids. But knowing what to look for could be the thing that protects them from a future of addiction.
Physical signs
The most obvious place to start if you’re suspicious of teen marijuana use is with the physical signs they’d display. There are well-known indicators, like bloodshot eyes or getting the “munchies,” an intense hunger that many people feel while under the influence of marijuana. But there are many more signs you might not be aware of. According to American Addiction Centers and Wellness Resource Center, some of these include:
- Smelling like marijuana
- Delayed reaction times
- Mood swings
- Laziness and tiredness
- The presence of marijuana related paraphernalia
- Paranoia or anxiousness
- Dry mouth
- Poor coordination
- Weight gain
Behavioral Signs
Okay, maybe you’re not seeing any physical signs. Your kid is clean cut – they don’t look any different than before. But are there changes in their behavior that you haven’t stopped to notice? Exis Recovery explains some of the tell-tale behaviors:
- Rise in agitation, irritation, disorganization
- Lowered grades
- Decreased interest in favorite activities
- Disappearing into bedroom for long stretches of time
- Becoming more secretive with their phone
- An irrepressible urge to sleep
- Trouble remembering things, keeping track of time, and staying focused
- Onset of depression or anxiety
It can be difficult to tell what’s just normal teen behavior, and what’s a sign of marijuana use. If you suspect your teen is using a cannabis product, the best thing to do is talk to them about it.
Unsure of where to start? Check out our guide on marijuana discussions here.
View more resources like this.
Drug Use
Impaired Driving
Safe and Sober Parents: National Teen Driver Safety Week
This week - and every week, parents should have conversations with their teens about the important rules they need to follow to stay safe behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.
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Drug Use
Substance Misuse Prevention Month
During October, we celebrate all the possibilities that prevention brings! Together, we’re partners in prevention.
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Drug Use
Youth Substance Misuse - The Stakes Are Higher Than Ever Before
Our youth are uniquely vulnerable to potent marijuana and the risks associated with current-day substance misuse. Check out this article from Safe and Sober Founder, Kurt Larson.
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Drug Use
Overdose Prevention Awareness Week August 27-September 2, 2023
August 31st marks International Overdose Awareness Day – the world’s largest campaign to end overdose.
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Drug Use
DEA Reports Widespread Threat of Fentanyl Mixed with Xylazine
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is warning the American public of a sharp increase in the trafficking of fentanyl mixed with xylazine.
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Underage Drinking
TikTok's New Binge Drinking Trend
Binge drinking is all the rage with BORGs, a new alcohol concoction.
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From Opioids to Heroin - Samantha's Story
An all-too-familiar story of prescribed medications leading to deadly addiction.
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Underage Drinking
Prom Night Perils
How can you help teens stay safe on prom night? Keep reading to find out.
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Prescriptions/ Opioids
Fentanyl and its Deadly Dangers
There is an opioid crisis sweeping the nation, and fentanyl is at the center of it.
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Vaping/ Nicotine
Vaping for Stress Relief
Why do teens vape? Mental health plays a big part in their reasoning.
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Vaping/ Nicotine
THE DANGERS OF TEEN VAPING: THIS FREE GUIDE EXPLAINS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
A new generation of nicotine addicts have easy access to vaping, and they don't know the risks.
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Underage Drinking
Parents are Letting their Kids Drink Now More than Ever
Learn why parents have been easing up on alcohol rules, and the consequences they don't know they're bringing on.
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Cannabis/ Marijuana
How-to: Cannabis Dialogue with Teens
Approaching your teen about serious topics can be hard. This gives you a good place to start.
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Cannabis/ Marijuana
Cannabis/ Marijuana
Cannabis: More Accessible and More Dangerous
Learn about the dangers of the wide-spread drug, cannabis
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Prescriptions/ Opioids
Teens are getting more than “Likes” from social media
The drug market might be following your teen home.
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Vaping/ Nicotine
Vaping: The Most Popular Gateway Activity
Vaping paves the pathway to other addictions for young nicotine users.
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Prescriptions/ Opioids
Underage Drinking
"We Turned Out Okay": That Doesn't Mean Your Kids Will
How a WWII study proves this parenting theory wrong
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Drug Use
The Consequences of Laughing Gas Aren't so Funny
Learn about nitrous oxide and its popularity with teens.
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Underage Drinking
What teens think they know about substances (and what they don’t)
Substance misuse is growing among teens. Learn some of the factors, and what you can do about them.
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Impaired Driving
The impact of impaired driving: Why substances make for unsafe roads
Learn about the various types of impaired driving and the dangers they create.
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Drug Use
Changing the terms of addiction medicine: What you say counts
Read about the ways language around addiction is changing.
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Underage Drinking
How to spot the signs of teen substance misuse
All teens are at risk of falling into substance misuse. Learn how to spot the signs and what to do about them.
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Impaired Driving
The Pandemic Behind the Pandemic: How COVID-19 Has Impacted Roadway Safety
Learn why alcohol impaired driving has been on the rise, and what you can do to stop it.
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Be Careful Out There, Teens!
A look at how alcohol affects the developing brains of teenagers.
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Vaping/ Nicotine
Greene County Tobacco/Vaping :30 - #1
This product was supported by SAMHSA grant funding.
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Teen Perspectives on Alcohol
Real talk from real teens on avoiding alcohol in high school.
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Safe & Sober Vaping Education - 2021
We break down the science and social factors of nicotine addiction.
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Underage Drinking - A Police Perspective
Law enforcement officers talk about their experiences with underage drinkers.
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Underage Drinking
30 FACTS ABOUT ALCOHOL
Healthline's Carly Vandergriendt shares the good, the bad, and the ugly about alcohol.
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Toni Anderson's Story
The story of one young life cut short by a dangerous decision and tragic circumstances.
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Underage Drinking
Think boys drink more? Think again.
Bro! For the first time ever, teenage girls now consume more alcohol than their male peers. Read why this flip of the alcohol gender gap has serious implications.
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Underage Drinking
Underage Drinking
When teens drink, they drink a lot
Why binge drinking is a prevalent issue among teens, and how you can prevent it
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Mental Health
Mental Health
Helping Students Navigate the New Normal
Pandemic Disruptions Continue for Students and Families
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Prescriptions/ Opioids
Impaired Driving
Don't Throw it Away
The decision to drink and drive can impact your future and put lives in danger. Choose to say no.
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Choose to be Safe and Sober
For your family. For your friends. For your future. For you.
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Mental Health
WOULD YOU RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS OF DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY?
Many teens are still struggling with emotional challenges as the world moves on from COVID-19. Our featured guest contributor breaks down some of the warning signs.
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Prescriptions/ Opioids
OPIOIDS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Opioid prescriptions are often misused. Safety is a top priority.
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Mental Health
COVID-19 AND THE YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS: WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW
Middle and high school students have been in the center of a mental health crisis for years, but the COVID-19 pandemic brought the situation into sharp focus.
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Underage Drinking
Mental Health
A PARENT’S GUIDE TO DEPRESSION IN TEENAGERS
Start the conversation about mental health with your teen.
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Underage Drinking
HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG TO TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT ALCOHOL?
The earlier you can start the conversation, the better.
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