High-School Transition: The Importance of Talking to Your Kids About Substance Use 

When kids enter high school they have more freedom coupled with increased academic demands and social stress. This can lead to an increased risk of unhealthy behaviors. Plus, they often have the false perception that “everyone is doing it” – particularly around substance use. However, studies show that when youth have regular conversations about substance use with a trusted parent, caregiver, coach, or other adults they are less likely to drink alcohol and use drugs compared to other students. In fact, these conversations are one of the most effective prevention methods against the use of alcohol and other substances.

The “F” Word Everyone Is Talking About

By Janet Dosseva, MPH, PS-C A few years ago, our coalition was doing outreach and educating folks to keep their prescription medications up and away to reduce the risk of medications, particularly opioids, from being diverted into the community. However, nowadays, raising awareness to prevent opioid misuse has shifted. The US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) […]

The Prevention Puzzle

There are a number of ways parents and caregivers can help their child make healthy choices and stay substance-free. Being informed about the data is one piece of the prevention puzzle. Survey data of Westbrook parents compared with Westbrook youth responses compiled in the Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey (MIYHS) help us understand the differences […]

If you or someone you know is in immediate crisis, connect with Maine specialists at 211 Maine via phone, text, or email.