What if the Way We Talk About it… is Part of the Problem?
Posted on 9/25/26
When someone is struggling with substance use, the conversation often starts with a label: addict, junkie, a lost cause. Sometimes it starts with a question: “Why don’t they just stop?” Those words may come from fear, anger, or exhaustion. Families living with substance use disorder have often been hurt. Promises may have been broken. Trust...
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Back to School: Helping Teens Stay Focused on What Matters Most
Posted on 7/31/26
As another school year begins, let it begin with the most valuable thing you can give your teen: a belief in their future. Start the school year by having conversations about dreams instead of just grades. Ask your teen what they hope to accomplish this year. What are they excited about? What challenges do they...
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The Opposite of Addiction is Connection
Posted on 6/26/26
Parents spend lots of time talking to their kids about what to avoid—drugs, alcohol, vaping, making poor decisions, etc. While these conversations are necessary, another conversation may be even more important: helping teens discover what matters most. One of the most meaningful concepts in prevention is this: the opposite of addiction is (not simply sobriety)— it is connection. Teens who feel connected to people, goals, hobbies, pets, sports,...
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Mental Health Awareness Month
Posted on 5/21/26
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to slow down, check in, and remind ourselves that mental health is not separate from overall health. It affects how we think, how we feel, how we handle stress, how we build relationships, and how we make decisions. It also plays a powerful role in substance use prevention. For the Way...
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April is Alcohol Awareness Month
Posted on 4/7/26
April is Alcohol Awareness Month—a time dedicated to increasing understanding around alcohol use, its impact on individuals and families, and the role we all play in prevention. While alcohol is often seen as a “normal” part of growing up, the reality is that early use can have lasting consequences. For young people, alcohol affects brain...
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What Is a Substance Use Prevention Coalition?
Posted on 2/3/26
When people hear the word prevention, they often think of assemblies, flyers, or programs aimed at stopping substance use before it starts. While those efforts are important, true prevention goes much deeper. At its core, prevention is about building strong, connected communities where young people are supported, informed, and equipped to make healthy decisions. That’s...
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