DrugFreeAzKids News

Love Drug Breaking Hearts

This Valentine’s Day, be an advocate against the “love drug.” The myth surrounding ecstasy is that it is all about love, hugs and feeling good, when in fact, it is a very dangerous and addictive drug. While teens may think ecstasy is going to make them feel good and keep them going for days without rest, they are painfully mistaken. The after-effects of ecstasy and Molly/MDMA bring major mental and emotional pain, not to mention damaging physical effects.

Societal Shifts in Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment

There have been many societal shifts in recent years that have necessitated changes in the ways we approach the problem of drug abuse, especially among kids. Changes in marijuana policy have influenced many young people to believe that the substance is safe, and popular culture leads them to think of its use as something to emulate. Trends in medicine and pharmaceuticals over the past two decades have led to an epidemic of prescription opioid dependence that can lead to heroin addiction.

Building Healthy Habits with Preschool Aged Kids

The preschool years are an important time for parents to lay the foundation for all healthy habits. From nutrition to brushing teeth, these years can set the stage for a lifetime. And although it may seem too early to worry about drug use, you can work with your preschooler so that he or she will grow up knowing how to make healthy choices.  As one of the most powerful tools parents can use to connect with their children, conversations with your children can help guide them on the right path.

Teen Drug Use Declining, Except for Marijuana

The rate of prescription painkillers, cigarettes, alcohol and synthetic marijuana among teens is declining while teen marijuana use remains stable, according to the 2015 Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey.  MTF is an annual survey that measures drug use and attitudes among 8th, 10th and 12th graders.  The New York Times reports that for the first ti

Where Do Kids Get Drugs? - Webinar

Active Parenting Workshops

Have you attended one of our free Active Parenting Workshops yet? If you’re looking for new ways to protect and prepare your kids to survive and thrive in this fast-paced, high-tech, diverse, democratic society, then we have the program for you! We discuss non-violent discipline techniques that teach responsibility and strategies to improve communication, cooperation and raise healthy drug-free kids.

What's Up With That?: The Teen Brain

Teenage behavior, although typical, can still leave a parent mystified and concerned. Parents often wonder why their child starts to react in intensely emotional ways; may make poor decisions without a thought; may engage in dangerous stunts for fun; and sometimes seems to lack the gumption to accomplish daily tasks, like chores and homework.

Talk With Your College-Aged Kids

Ideally, you’ve already been talking to your kids about drugs and alcohol during middle school and high school. Research shows students who drank in high school are three times more likely to begin heavy episodic drinking in college [Weitzman, Nelson & Wechsler (2003)].

"Intelligence is Not Enough..." -Martin Luther King Jr.

While Dr. King is typically associated with civil rights, his actions and words can guide us in many areas, including parenting and raising healthy, drug-free kids.

Encourage Your Kids Using BANK

We parents all want our kids to be successful, but it is important not to deny them the learning opportunities that mistakes and struggle can offer. We can support them by motivating them to keep at it without shielding them from their problems. Children internalize the encouragement they receive from their parents which allows them to have the courage to believe in their own abilities enough to persevere even when things are difficult.