DrugFreeAzKids News

Busting the Myths!

Everyone knows the truth about drugs and alcohol, right? Even as adults, we often believe what we hear or read about drugs and alcohol without question, especially when it pertains to our youth. However, it’s important we form opinions based on facts and not myths. By being correctly informed, we can assist our youth in living safer and happier lives. 

Here is a list of some common misconceptions about substance abuse and the truths that shatter those myths:

Myth: Prescription medications are safer to abuse than other drugs.

Making Doable New Year’s Resolutions

For many folks, the beginning of a new year is the time for setting new goals and making new commitments, whether is exercising more, losing weight, saving money or changing something they don’t like.  However, come February 1^st many of these New Year’s resolutions are forgotten.

This year, make your New Year’s resolutions a family oriented activity and make them count!

American Academy of Pediatrics Speaks Out on Teen E-Cigarette Use

A new report finds that early nicotine exposure leads to an increased chance of addiction and disease and more difficulty in quitting.  The report by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) concludes the earlier youth start using any product with nicotine, including e-cigarettes, the stronger their addiction will be and the harder it will be for them to quit.

E-Cigarettes: What to Know Before You Talk With Your Kids

According to the National Youth Tobacco Survey, three million middle school and high school students tried e-cigarettes in 2015. Many parents have heard their kids say that e-cigarettes are a safe way to smoke and can help people stop smoking, but there are some things you should know before you talk to your kids.

Know the Tricks Teens Try During Halloween

As teens grow up, Halloween becomes more about the trick than the treat. For a lot of teens, Halloween is a chance to experiment with misbehavior and pranks.  If you are concerned your teen might be planning on participating in Halloween mischief, take time to make sure they are safe.

Here are some common tricks pulled by teens during Halloween:

Teen Marijuana Use vs. Binge Drinking

A recent report finds that high school students are more likely to use marijuana than to binge drink. According to the report by ProjectKnow, the jurisdictions with the highest percentage of high school students who say they smoked marijuana in the past month are Washington, D.C., New Mexico, Washington state, Connecticut and Vermont.  Nearly one-third of students in Washington, D.C. said they smoke marijuana.

The ABCDE’s of Life

As adults, we often hear doctors say that a healthy diet and exercise are the best ways to prevent many of our aches, pains and chronic problems such as hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease.  But the truth of the matter is that good nutrition and getting plenty of exercise are often overlooked as the building blocks for strong growth, healthy development and lifelong wellbeing for children as well.

Binge Drinking and College Students

When discussing binge drinking with your kids, you might think about those in high school first. Make sure to also focus on students that are in transition to college. Even if your child is still not at the legal age to buy alcohol, once they get to college they will have classmates that are legally able to buy it. There is also easier access to fake ID’s. Many students come to college with established drinking lifestyles, and the transition to college might magnify this habit.

Tips for Back to School Success

Getting your kids ready for the new school year should be routine as making breakfast in the morning.  Along with the eggs and toast, don’t forget to prepare them with the skills to make safe, smart, and informed decisions. These skills are essential for them to have a positive and productive school year.    

Mixing Alcohol with Energy Drinks May Lead to Increased Drinking

A new study published in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research found that mixing high-caffeine energy beverages with alcohol may increase a person’s alcohol consumption. The study included 26 adults who drank alcohol and energy drinks alone and in combination over six days. The participants’ desire to drink was rated, along with their breath alcohol concentration.