DrugFreeAzKids News
Positive Perceptions of Prom
Prom is a night that many teens in high school look forward to all year. Take this opportunity to make sure your kids understand the dangers of alcohol and drug use. A common perception many people have regarding prom is that teens having a few drinks to celebrate their special night is a Rite of Passage. While most teens are excited to experience this special occasion, prom should not be all about drinking.
What’s Up with Steroids?
Steroids are organic compounds which the body makes naturally to combat disease and illnesses and to help balance the body when needed. The most common form of steroids seen in the body is in the form of a hormone. Two of the most heard about hormones that the body produces are the sex hormones known as estrogen and testosterone, with estrogen being predominate in females and testosterone in males. A problem regarding hormones is the abuse and misuse of anabolic steroids which are man-made versions of the male sex hormone, testosterone.
Some Tips on Internet Safety Using Parental Controls
The internet proves time and time again that it is one of the greatest technologies invented through how much help it provides in everyday life. However, it can also be seen as a potential danger to children due to inappropriate images and videos available online as well as people who may try to harm them. Luckily, with the improvement of technology there are also improvements in protections that are offered to parents, known as parental controls, to help monitor what your kids are seeing on the internet.
Staying Safe this New Year’s Eve
As the holidays come to an end, there is one last celebration of the year. New Year’s Eve is known for spirited festivities and heavy drinking as a way to celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of another. It’s important that we remember the importance of keeping our children safe this New Year’s Eve, so here are a few helpful tips.
AYS: What You Need to Know
A few weeks ago the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission released the results from the 2018 Arizona Youth Survey. The Arizona Youth Survey (AYS) is administered to a sample of 8th, 10th, and 12th graders across Arizona every two years. The survey measures the number of youth that use substances and how often they use. In addition, the survey measures gang involvement and other risky behaviors. Here are a few of the key findings from the 2018 Arizona Youth Survey:
Why You Need a Medicine Lock Box
Have you ever thought about getting a lock box for your medications? Using a lock box for medication in your home can prevent accidental overdoses, theft, and potential misuse. Every year thousands of children and teens are harmed by taking medications without parental consent or by misusing over the counter and prescription medications. If any of the following situations apply to your household, it may be a good idea to consider getting a lock box.
What is Molly?
Molly, the common name for the pure crystalline powder form of MDMA or ecstasy, is considered a club drug. A club drug is a drug that teens and young adults commonly use at social events including parties, concerts, raves, and clubs. MDMA affects our mood and our awareness of surrounding objects and conditions. It also increases energy, pleasure, feelings of emotional warmth, and distorts our perception of time. MDMA is usually taken in a pill form however it can come in a powder or liquid form as well.
What You Need to Know About OTC Drugs
Frequently misused and abused drugs that are often forgotten about are over-the-counter medications. Over-the-counter medications do not require a prescription and include cold, allergy and cough medications that we are able purchase from any pharmacy.** Some over-the-counter medications do have the potential for misuse when taken at a higher than recommended dose, when taken to get high, or when mixed with other medications or drugs.
The Shocking Trend in Alcohol Use
With a heavy focus being placed on the opioid epidemic, it is important that we don’t forget about or disregard the other substances that impact the health and wellbeing of our youth. One such substance is alcohol. The National Institute on Drug Abuse funds an annual Monitoring the Future Survey that measures drug and alcohol use and views in our 8th, 10th, and 12th graders, and last year’s results were shocking.
Does Having Naloxone in My House Enable My Child to Use Opioids?
Used with permission. © Partnership for Drug-Free Kids. Learn more at www.drugfree.org.
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