DrugFreeAzKids News

Tackling an Epidemic

by Dale Guthrie, M.D., President of The American Academy of Pediatrics, Arizona Chapter

The abuse of prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines is one of the biggest problems in Arizona today. Severe consequences of medicine abuse, such as trips to the emergency room, treatment admissions and overdoses resulting in death, have increased dramatically, and it is a behavior that is starting in the teen years.

Medical Marijuana – Time for Parents to Step In

A good article written By TRI Ken Winters PhD and Amelia Arria PhD

To paraphrase a former First Lady, “What goes on in the White House is never as important as what goes on in your house.” 

As the evidence mounts of the negative effects of medical marijuana laws in various states, it’s even more important for parents to recognize that marijuana needs to be on their parenting radar screen. 

Becoming a Parent to a Grandchild

This past Saturday, September 9, was Grandparents Day, a special day for kids to spend quality time getting spoiled by their good ole Grams and Gramps.

But for more than 100,000 children in Arizona, their grandparents or other adult relatives are more than extended family, but legal guardians and primary caregivers. Sometimes the mother and father are completely out of the child’s life. Other times a parent is still in the picture, but unable to provide the proper support a child needs.

Back-to-School Checklist - new backpack, new shoes & new family policy

Now that the new school year has begun, parents have had the chance to talk to their kids about new friends, teachers, and exciting new lessons. It’s also a good time to have conversation about making smart, healthy choices.  A lot of changes happen in the beginning of a new school year, making it a perfect time to review your family policy. It is important to go over your expectations as a parent and establish rules every few months as your children become older. The rules you had for your 8-year-old are going to be different when he is 13 and again different by age 16.

New Study Finds Teen Pot Use Leads to Long-Term Decline in IQ

While many people shrug off marijuana as a harmless drug, it is much more serious than that. Heavy marijuana use, those who use marijuana 20 times or more per month, has increased 80 percent  since 2008.

Tips for Parents of Tweens

Here is a great read about Back to School Tips for Parents of Tweens by Marcy Winograd, Huffinton Post.

Survey Finds 17% of High School Students Abuse Substances During School Day

Please read this very important information regarding the findings of a new survey just released.  Our kids are being affected by substance abuse everyday.

6 Steps to Reduce the Chances Your Child Will Use Drugs or Drink This School Year

When it comes to getting our kids ready for school, we know the drill: running errands to pick up new clothes, food for lunches and, perhaps most importantly, school supplies. As parents, we are accustomed to preparing our kids for the coming school year, yet rarely take time to get ourselves prepared for the possible challenges ahead. Here are six steps that you can take to reduce the chances your child will drink or use drugs.

Schedule a Speaker for Your Parent Group

In case you missed our latest eNews, meet our presenters and schedule a presentation today. Your mom's group or dad's club will benefit greatly from our workshops and or presentations.   

Breaking News: County Attorney and Attorney General Seek Summary Judgment in Medical Marijuana Lawsuit

New developments today from the Maricopa County Attorney and Arizona Attorney General. Here's information from a joint press release.