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.
Tag: substance use prevention
News: Westbrook Distributes ONEboxes™ To Prevent Overdose Deaths
City of Westbrook and Westbrook Partners for Prevention Collaborate to Make Naloxone More Accessible in Schools and Public Spaces Westbrook, ME (January 30, 2024) – If you look in places around Westbrook, you may notice some new purple-labeled boxes around the city. These are ONEboxes™ and they are designed to save lives. ONEbox™ is an […]
Xylazine: What It Is and Why It Is So Dangerous
Last year at this time, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) put out a Public Safety Alert about xylanzine and its widespread use: “Xylazine is making the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced, fentanyl, even deadlier,” said DEA Administrator Milgram. “DEA has seized xylazine and fentanyl mixtures in 48 of 50 States. The DEA […]
From Our Youth Leadership Coalition: A Video About Vaping
The Youth Leadership Coalition has been busy! They’ve created this informative video about vaping and its adverse effects. Check it out!
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) […]
‘Like.Like’ screening on April 6
Join Partners for Prevention and the Westbrook School Department on April 6th from 6 to 8 pm at the Westbrook Performing Arts Center. We will be screening the film, Like. Like is a documentary which explores screen time/social media and their impacts on our brain development and mental health.
How To Be Mindful When Hosting Celebrations
By Janet Dosseva, MPH, PS-C, Program Director for Westbrook Partners for Prevention December and January are not only known for cold temperatures and fluffy precipitation, but they are also two months which contain many holiday celebrations. The holiday season can be a busy and stressful time. It’s also a time where folks are indulgent and […]
Fall Substance Misuse Prevention Tips
While there is no one way or guaranteed way to prevent someone from misusing drugs and alcohol, there are things that everyone can do to prevent substance abuse. Read our top five ways to prevent substance misuse.
Join Us for a Virtual Screening of Our New Youth Substance Use Prevention Film
September 14 and September 22 A group of five young people worked on researching, filming, interviewing, and editing a documentary-style short film about youth substance use. This group was part of the Gateway to Opportunity summer work-learning project in Westbrook, Maine. Gateway to Opportunity provides paid learning opportunities to young people, focusing on developing 21st […]
Join Us! Free Teen Prevention Series for Westbrook Parents & Caregivers
Westbrook parents and caregivers are invited to join us for this free four-part series designed to provide parents with information to support their teen. We will hold each virtual meeting from 6:30-8pm, weekly on Wednesday evenings on March 10, 17, 24 and 31. Topics include substance use prevention and mental health. This series is presented […]
