Summer “Break”? Working from Home with Teenagers

Summer “Break”? Working from Home with Teenagers

“The days are long, but the years are short”- such a wonderful sentiment when you look back at your kids’ growth and remember, wistfully, of the early days…  Record scratch… but does that sentiment hold true when you are parenting teenagers? In. The. Summer? It’s hard enough just parenting teenagers- it requires a few extra…

Cannabis Drinks vs. Alcohol: A New Social Sip?

Cannabis Drinks vs. Alcohol: A New Social Sip?

The world of beverages is rapidly evolving to address shifting social and cultural norms. As cannabis becomes increasingly mainstream, a new player has entered the beverage scene: cannabis-infused drinks. From sparkling waters to mocktail-inspired elixirs, they promise a new kind of experience. One without the reputation of alcohol. But how do cannabis drinks actually compare…

Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth: Pride, Prevention, and the Power of Community

Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth: Pride, Prevention, and the Power of Community

June is Pride Month: a time to celebrate diversity, promote acceptance, and recognize the resilience of LGBTQ+ youth. At HCDrugFree, we believe that every person deserves to feel seen, supported, and safe. Unfortunately, LGBTQ+ teens often face unique challenges that can increase their risk of substance misuse, making prevention and community support more important than…

“It’s Just Laughing Gas”: What Parents Need to Know About Nitrous Oxide Abuse

“It’s Just Laughing Gas”: What Parents Need to Know About Nitrous Oxide Abuse

Recently, a mom found a dozen small silver canisters hidden in her teenager’s backpack. At first glance, it looked like they were part of a science project. How harmful could that be? It just looked like little batteries. But after a quick online search, she realized these were “whippets,” small cartridges filled with nitrous oxide,…

Spring: New Beginnings and Behavior Change

Spring: New Beginnings and Behavior Change

“Spring: a reminder of how beautiful change can truly be.” – Unknown As the sun rises earlier, and the icy winter thaws into spring, there are signs of new life and new beginnings all around us. The flowers bloom and grass grows green, and as the seasons change, we too can embrace a fresh start.…

Share Your Story: Losing a Loved One to an Accidental Overdose

Share Your Story: Losing a Loved One to an Accidental Overdose

When I read about “Sharing My Story” I thought, “I don’t have a story to tell. I can tell you about a loved one, but is it really my story to tell? After much contemplation, I realized that I did have a story. Although the pain of addiction was not mine, the hollow ache of…

Free Classes for Parents/Guardians & Grandparents Starting Soon!

Free Classes for Parents/Guardians & Grandparents Starting Soon!

Register to attend our Spring 2025 Guiding Good Choices® classes for parents, guardians and grandparents. Series will run (Tuesdays and Fridays): March 18, 21, 25, 28 and April 1 from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Zoom. Raising preteens and teens is tough. Wouldn’t it be great if adults could take a class that taught us how to…

National Caregiving Day

National Caregiving Day

This blog was submitted by an anonymous Howard County community member When we think of February, we think LOVE… …But, love isn’t reserved just for the romantic. The Ancient Greeks had many words for different types of love, and while eros (romantic love) is what we usually associate with February, the words storge (familial love),…

Choose Kindness in February (and always…)

Choose Kindness in February (and always…)

This post was submitted by an anonymous Howard County community member “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others” -Mahatma Gandhi.  Did you make a New Year’s resolution to better yourself, your community and maybe even the world? There is no better time to honor your promise to…

Seeing RED for Heart Health!

Seeing RED for Heart Health!

Submitted by an anonymous Howard County community member It’s time to paint the town red on WEAR RED DAY, February 7, 2025. Wear Red Day (the first Friday in February each year) is the American Heart Association’s campaign to bring awareness that Cardiovascular Disease (heart disease and stroke) is the # 1 killer of women. …