As an incoming freshman at the University of Maryland, there’s a lot to think about. Whether that be scheduling classes, making new friends, or adjusting to campus life, every aspect of my life is about to become a lot more hectic. Despite this, one thing I’m glad to know is that UMD has taken a…
A recent ABC News investigation uncovered a disturbing trend: a surge in flashy, disguised illicit vapes flooding the U.S. market, specifically designed to attract teens and avoid adult/parent detection. These vapes are hidden in objects like: 🎯 The Target? Teens. Not only are these devices stylish and discreet, but they also contain dangerously high nicotine…
One of our long term Teen Advisory Council members, now a part of our college student team, reflects on his experience with the Life Skills program. Now accepting registrations for July 2025! From Student to Teacher: How Life Skills Shaped My Journey When I first signed up for HC DrugFree’s Life Skills classes as a…
“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…
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…
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…
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: 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.…
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…
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…
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),…
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…
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. …
This blog post was submitted by an anonymous Howard County parent Ah, the Super Bowl… the time-honored annual tradition of eating, drinking, and yelling at the T.V. True fans love to feel like they are right out on the field as part of the team, while other members of the crew like to have a…
Submitted by an anonymous Howard County community member The unrelenting pressure to find someone, anyone (?), to love in February can run a close second to the sinking feeling of realizing you have no one to plant a kiss on as you usher in the new year. Am I right? But, fret no more…this year,…
Submitted by an anonymous Howard County community member. When I was a new parent of babies and toddlers, my anxieties were constant. Besides the general stress of keeping a tiny human alive, I worried about my child’s sleep, nutrition and overall happiness, among other equally important issues- no small feat! Now that I am a…
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a chronic brain condition that affects millions, with only 25% of people who use alcohol or drugs meeting the criteria for a diagnosis, according to SAMHSA. Despite its medical basis, stigma often leads to discrimination, like job loss or limited access to care, and discourages many from seeking treatment. Research…
Submitted by an anonymous Howard County community member. “Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing”– Red Sanders Organized sports are a rite of passage for kids everywhere in the U.S. Starting as early as preschool, children join teams or participate in individual sports (swimming, golf or gymnastics, to name a few), benefitting not only physically,…
Submitted by an anonymous Howard County parent. Parenting is hard. Parenting a child with ADHD presents its own unique challenges; an estimated 10% of children suffer from the condition, while prescriptions for ADHD medication skyrocketed during the pandemic. Symptoms of ADHD can include fidgeting, excessive talking, impulsivity, becoming easily distracted or having difficulty following directions…
This January will be observed as the “first ever” Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month. The goal of this observation is to raise awareness of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment strategies, including addressing barriers and stigma that prevent individuals from getting help. One major point of focus is reducing the stigma about medications used to treat…
Did you know that approximately one out of every 20 school-aged children in the United States may have FASDs? Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders refer to a range of disorders caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy that entail physical, cognitive, or behavioral issues in the affected individuals. Read the full article from the Substance Abuse and Mental…
In this video from the DEA, a mock teenage bedroom displays some everyday items that can actually be indicators of drug use or risky behavior. The audience will be shown and advised of the significance of every item on display in the “bedroom”.
This article from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recognizes September as National Suicide Prevention Month and provides statistics and hints to raise awareness of warning signs and prevention tactics. Read more.
Submitted by a recent college graduate. As the new school year is nearing, it’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves. Whether you’re moving up a grade or entering a new school, the adjustment can be challenging. But with the right mindset and a few practical tips, you can make this year one…
Submitted by an anonymous Howard County community member. Accessibility for Nicotine pouches is on the rise! Do you know what a nicotine pouch or package looks like? Do you know where nicotine pouches can be purchased? Do know the social media sites that encourage the use of nicotine pouches? It’s time to learn as a…
Submitted by an anonymous Howard County community member.I was watching my eldest granddaughter play alone at a recent birthday party. Her mother, my daughter, approached me and mentioned her concern about her daughter not having many close friends and choosing often to play alone. After chatting a bit about this and reassuring her that this…
Prom Night can be one of the most memorable evenings of a teen’s life…but at what cost? Of course, there are the traditional expenses such as formal attire, tickets to the event, and maybe even splurging for a limo! But what about the optional costs of Prom Night? If a student is found to have…
This week, acting school superintendent, William J. Barnes, sent out an email reminding HCPSS families how dangerous Prom season can be for teens. We are sharing this message to echo the desire for young people to create wonderful memories while making responsible choices that help to keep themselves and others safe. As we approach the last…
One of our long term Teen Advisory Council members, Malhar, was a part of our college student team teaching our recent Life Skills class. In the essay below, he outlines his experience. What really made this experience stand out was the hands-on approach we took. Rather than just lecturing, we engaged the students in discussions, role-plays,…
What’s Your WHY? #MyWHYNDAFW HC DrugFree asked teen and adult residents of Howard County, MD their WHY: Why they care about drug & alcohol related education, prevention resources, and why leading by example matters. This is what they said… HC DrugFree is proud to partner with the The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and…
Hey high schoolers and parents! Let’s talk about something that’s on a lot of minds these days: marijuana. On July 1, 2023, the State of Maryland legalized some amount of cannabis use and possession. Since it was now legalized in the state for people over 21, it’s easy to think that college campuses are all…
Parent CRAFT is a self-paced online video course that teaches parents the skills they need to meet the risks of substance abuse. Parent CRAFT is based on the proven CRAFT method. This program is for parents who know their child is misusing substances and want to get their child into treatment. This project is made freely…
During the holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in the frenzy of shopping and anticipating the giving and receiving of gifts. In a world that often places so much weight on material possessions, it’s easy to forget that the most cherished and timeless gifts are ones that cannot be wrapped. Rather than focusing…
Beginning on July 1st Maryland residents 21 years or over will be able to purchase marijuana for recreational use from licensed dispensaries. The Centers for Disease Control issued a public warning about how using marijuana can increase the risk of mental illness, including schizophrenia, depression, and suicidal ideation. Concerningly, a graph from the National Institutes of Health shows marijuana…
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…
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,…
“Senior Week” may be every parent’s worst nightmare. Should I let my child go to the beach unchaperoned for the week or not? Do I give into peer pressure from other parents, or will my student be ostracized if they don’t go to this expected event? This practice seems to be an east coast tradition.…
Many of us grandparents have kept our medications in the same place since we were young parents, which most likely we learned from our parents. Times have changed and we need to be more aware of the dangers of keeping medications within reach of our grandchildren. In a recent study it showed that 80% of…
Many parents struggle with when to start allowing their teens to travel with friends without adult supervision. While 18 is the magical age of adulthood, not all teens are equally mature and ready for the same level of responsibility at that age. If only there were some test that we could just give our teens…
Recently we watched an episode of the television show How I Met Your Father, a loose spin-off of How I Met Your Mother with a similar format. Characters and setting are like twins to the earlier show although some of the characters have different careers – including a wannabe photographer and a fashion stylist. In…
“NOOOO! Not my Skittles!” One Howard County middle school student lamented. “I can’t believe the companies would allow this,” another replied. “But I like Nerds…” another concerned student chimed in. These are just a few examples of the reactions we received when Howard County students in HC DrugFree’s Life Skills Class were shown photos of…
Submitted by a Howard County parent and teacher According to a poll of students in the HC DrugFree Spring 2023 Life Skills class, of the 62% of the students who answered the question “What do yo think influences your decisions the most?” almost HALF said their parents. A little less than half of respondents said peers. What…
On Wednesday, August 31st, Howard County held an International Overdose Awareness event at St.Johns Episcopal Church in Ellicott City to recognize those who have overdosed or been affected by opioid misuse . Many organizations were present. The event offered different resources, including Naloxone Training, an Overdose Response Demonstration, and a Program of Celebration. I represented…
Recently, on Facebook, a friend posted that she was approaching 100 days without alcohol and feeling thankful to have stopped drinking and started living.I was surprised at her post because I’ve known her for more than 15 years, she’s always been extremely responsible in every area of her personal and professional life, and even with…
I am a parent of two college students that grew up in Howard County. Thinking back to their middle school years, opportunities for exposure to life skill building outside of the home environment would have provided an excellent opportunity for additional growth. Such experiences were rare to non-existent in Howard County Public School System (HCPSS)…
I heard an uplifting story on the radio this morning. The DJ was talking about today being the last day of 2020 and asked what one word would describe this year to his listeners? He shared how his daughter used chicken wire and lights to create a sign in their front yard that greeted him…
HC DrugFree’s Guiding Good Choices class has exceeded expectations and we are only 2 classes in. The range of topics covered has been very helpful. While I assumed that it would be a class about telling our kids not to drink alcohol or take drugs, it is much more than that. The class teaches us…
Volunteering at HC DrugFree’s drive-thru Take Back Event during a pandemic was a positive experience. Not only were the staff and other volunteers warm and welcoming, they took the proper precautions to ensure the environment was COVID safe. There were volunteers there doing many different tasks. Students and parents were holding signs and arrows pointing traffic towards…
I just read an excellent article that very clearly lays out the aspects of an adolescent’s life that can lead to minor or major depression and the hope and help available. In my teen years I was fortunate to escape anxiety and depression, but I have danced with both as an adult and I feel…
My recovery journey began about 32 years ago. My 14-year-old son led me into action. He was skipping school and not obeying the rules of our home. I was reacting like a crazed mother. Mainly, I was worried sick about his actions and knowing that he was using substances. I was afraid for his life.…
Not my kid, not my kid. How many times have I said that in my head and out loud. When the truth was, it is my kid. I am a daughter, a sister, a wife, a friend, a nurse and a mother of a heroin addict. This journey was fast and furious starting with marijuana at age…
Last night I attended my first Senior Week: Staying Safe in OC program. When it concluded, all I could think about was that every family that goes near a beach needs to hear this valuable information! While the focus is to keep high school seniors safe as they celebrate their “rite of passage,” there were…
Last year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 91 Americans die from an opioid-related overdose every day. Now, that average has increased to 115 Americans a day. This is a national crisis that has serious, lasting effects on our society’s public health, as well as our social and economic welfare. To combat…
While the weather was far less than ideal, HC DrugFree’s most recent Drug Take Back Day turned out to be terrific! Even while out in the cold, wet, breezy atmosphere of the October 27 medication and sharps drive-thru collection in the Wilde Lake Village Center parking lot, I knew the weather could have been far…
My son and several friends were going out drinking for Cinco de Mayo. They said they were going to be safe because they were going to take the train from our town just 3 short stops to a village that had many bars and restaurants where young folks were celebrating the holiday. After many hours…
My nephew, Ryan, and his girlfriend, Lauren, met on the streets of Dallas, Texas where both were homeless and shooting up heroin whenever they could get it. They were two attractive, blonde, privileged kids from upper middle class homes–bright and well-educated. Their parents and extended families loved them deeply, but could not tolerate their behavior.…
“As a parent of a young man in Recovery, I can say with confidence that it feels good to have hope again. There were times when it was all we could do as parents to face the day, knowing that our son was in the fight of his life. But with love, encouragement and some…
“Listen, nothing in life is ever perfect. Nothing ever goes as we want it to. So is life in Recovery. It is filled with ups and downs, emotions crawling to the surface that used to be numb, buried. Anyway you see it, Recovery is a journey. It’s a struggle to fight each day but the…
Like so many of you, my family has been focused on the end-of-summer rites of passage…back to school shopping, first day of school photos, life revving up into high gear again. Buses and car pools, PTA meetings, after-school activities, the list goes on. Kids and parents alike are both excited and stressed. For those transitioning…
(To HC DrugFree staff) Remember, I emailed you about my son and wondering whether to give him the oxycodone for wisdom teeth removal? Well….I did NOT even fill the prescription for oxycodone. He did fine with Motrin 600 mg and Tylenol. He said he did not even think he needed the oxycodone. When I told the dentist of…
We are now in an age where widespread drug and vape usage has increased; now it is not an uncommon sight for school bathrooms or classrooms to be shut down because of needed cleaning or prevention of rapid drug use. Soon where students leave high school environments or go to college there will be more…
Wow…I just read the blog, “Setting Realistic Expectations for Struggling to Launch Adults” by Dr. Rick Silver. I am exhausted. This issue is my story. I have been stressing and struggling for years to understand, accept and assist my young adult, first to become what I thought he should/could be, then what I hoped he…
