DrugFreeAzKids News

How You Can Help Your Teen Manage Stress

It’s that time of the year again, where parents and youth alike are gearing up for the new school year.  This is an exciting time for youth whether it be starting high school, entering middle school, or starting somewhere new altogether.  While this is an exciting time, it is also a stressful time, especially for our youth.  They are going through a lot socially and emotionally.  Our youth are making new friends, creating new routines, getting back into the groove of extracurricular activities and homework, and above all learning about themselves and where they fit in, w

What You Need to Know About the LGBTQ Community and Substance Abuse

The Problem:

The teen years are a time when our youth discover who they are, try new things, and form strong relationships with their peers.  This can be an especially risky time for members of the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning) community.  Studies show that members of this community experience higher rates of substance use and abuse when compared to youth that are not LGBTQ.  According to DrugFree.org, these higher rates of substance use and abuse can be attributed to the following factors:

Four Holiday Follies & How to Avoid Them

Holiday parties and school events and family get togethers—oh, my! As we move full-speed ahead into the holiday season, it’s an important time to remember that our kids need extra help during the celebration season to make healthy choices regarding drugs and alcohol. The reality: Teen brains aren’t fully developed until around age 25. The problem: Healthy choices can take a backseat to having fun.

Thanksgiving – Giving Thanks and Spending Quality Time Around the Table

Parents Are Key to Keeping Teens Locked in On Being Drug and Alcohol Free

For teens, drugs and alcohol can be extremely easy to access. Parents must be aware that preventing substance use and abuse starts at home. Parents are the number one influence in a teen’s life. Therefore, it is important to guide your child by establishing clear rules about not using drugs, spending quality time with your teen, and not using tobacco or other drugs yourself.

9 Facts About Addiction People Usually Get Wrong

35% of Canadian Teens Admit to Riding with Driver Who Had Been Drinking

A new study finds that more than 35% of Canadian high school students admit to having been in a car with a driver who had been drinking, while 20% reported ever riding with a driver who had been using marijuana.  “These numbers are concerning,” said study author Leia Minaker of the University of Waterloo. “A significant proportion of car-crash deaths are related to alcohol and drug impairment.”

Highly addictive drugs: Heroin, Cocaine and...Prescription Drugs?

When we think about the drugs our youth are exposed to, addictive drugs like heroin and cocaine often come to mind. However, the prescription drugs stored in our medicine cabinets, night stands, and kitchen counters are as addictive, dangerous, and deadly as these street drugs.

Prescription painkillers are as addictive as heroin because they are opioids, just like heroin. To help prevent abuse and misuse, it’s advisable to keep all medicines stored in a safe and locked compartment and out of the reach of children, youth and pets.

From One Parent to Another—by Aidee Covarrubias

I'm probably one of those mothers who thinks about the dangers of drinking alcohol at an early age more than the average person. I think this is because my work has allowed me to learn about the impact alcohol can have on teenagers' brains. It also gives me the access to hear directly from many parents and guardians how difficult it can be when they face the decision on how to guide their children who are wanting to drink alcohol.

Preparing for a Safe and Fun Spring Break!

For most teens, spring break is simply a time to relax, have fun, and be adventurous. Whether on vacation, just hanging out in the neighborhood, or having fun with friends, it’s important teens remain safe during spring break.

While this time will be incident free for most, for some youth time off from school poses a risk of temptation by alcohol and drugs. It is up to parents and other caring adults to discuss and guide their teens in how to stay safe when faced with hard choices about risky situations and behaviors.