I didn’t expect to learn so much when I started the Guiding Good Choices parenting classes offered by HC DrugFree several years ago. I wish I had taken these classes sooner. My older children would have benefitted greatly – and so would I. I’m a relatively well-educated person, but I wasn’t prepared for the requirements…
As a parent, you are bursting with pride at the sight of your high schooler walking across the stage at Merriweather Post Pavilion. They are about to embark on an exciting journey towards full fledged adulthood. But they aren’t there yet! Their brain won’t be fully developed until 25 years old (we used to think 21!) They…
Usually, I think of myself as a kind, thoughtful & compassionate person – I probably pride myself on that, or at least carry a sense of “I’m a good and decent person” around in my mind and spirit. But my adult child pointed something out to me recently which I had not realized: I can…
In case you missed it! We have made the Zoom replay available for HC DrugFree’s recent Town Hall, Vaporized Youth: Navigating the Effects of Youth Vaping. DID YOU KNOW…?• Nearly 40% of high school students will try vaping• More 8th-10th graders vape than drink or use cannabis• Despite being promoted as a healthier alternative to…
Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy Urges Action to Ensure Social Media Environments are Healthy and Safe, as Previously-Advised National Youth Mental Health Crisis Continues Today, United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released a new Surgeon General’s Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health – PDF. While social media may offer some benefits, there are ample…
HC DrugFree is proud to partner with the DEA and the Howard County Police Department for our twice a year medication and sharps collection event. On April 22, 2023 we collected 1,234 lbs. of medication at the HC DrugFree site in the Wilde Lake Village Center. Below is an excerpt of the press release from…
According to the CDC, there are many risks to teens who drink and take drugs. Movies and television shows depict parties filled with care-free, beautiful, youthful, smiling faces cavorting and drinking alcohol and taking drugs. So, parents worry their children may be influenced by these messages and get carried away by end of year high school festivities…
When is the “right” time to start talking with kids about vaping? Probably earlier than you think! Results from the 2022 National Youth Tobacco Survey indicated that 380,000 middle school students and 2.14 million high school students reported using e-cigarettes. Not sure how to start the conversation or what to say? Check out the American Lung Association’s Vaping Conversation…
Recent research by the American Heart Association has found that teens and young adults (ages 13-24) who vape nicotine and/or THC are more likely to also report symptoms of anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts than teens who do not vape. Of those who vape, around 20-30% reported that they started vaping to help cope with stress,…
The 2023 HoCo Student Film Festival was held at the Miller Library in Ellicott City at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 5, 2023. Congratulations to Alyssa Collins from Centennial High School for winning the HC DrugFree Category at the HoCo Student Film Festival on Friday, May 6 with her film Don’t Do Drugs, Live for Hugs, featuring the…
