Red Ribbon Week article

Red Ribbon Week was October 23-October 31. Red Ribbon Week, sponsored by the DEA, is when young people pledge to live drug-free lives and show their commitment by wearing a red ribbon.

Alcohol and the Holidays

Questions to consider when drinking with your family:

1. What message am I sending if I drink in excess around my underage child?

2. Have I had conversations about responsible drinking with them?

3. Are the conversations I have about alcohol realistic?

4. Do my conversations with others reinforce alcohol use as a coping skill during stressful times?

5. What messages am I sending my underage child if I allow them to drink with me or another adult in the house?

New Year's Resolutions

When thinking of your goals consider making them SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time bound), this method breaks your goals down into specific objectives and makes it easier for you to track your progress.

Alcohol Safety NYC

It’s never too early to have age-appropriate conversations with your child about alcohol. About 10% of children say they have tried alcohol and that number increases to 50% by the time they are 15 (SAMHSA).

Trauma & Coping

There is an intersection between trauma, coping, and substance misuse. Studies show that about 61% of adults have had at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE) according to the CDC. Childhood trauma manifests in many ways and when carried into adulthood, it can create a cycle of adverse experiences that affect future generations.

Natural High

9 out of 10 addictions start in the teen years. 90% of Americans with a substance use disorder began using substances before the age of 18. Natural High is “a drug prevention nonprofit that inspires and empowers youth to find their natural high and develop the skills and courage to live life well.” The Natural High campaign highlights helping children and teens find healthy thrilling activities to fulfill the dopamine (feel good) levels in the brain.

Binge Drinking

Teenagers who binge-drink even once are at higher risk of getting alcohol poisoning, not being able to look after themselves while drunk, taking dangerous risks and having accidents.

Drug & Alcohol Facts Week

Quick Facts and Reframing Our Thinking