Reflections on Life Skills

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,…

National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week: What’s Your WHY?

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…

TAC Talks: HoCo Teens Present Thoughtful Insights in Meaningful Student Lead Program

TAC Talks: HoCo Teens Present Thoughtful Insights in Meaningful Student Lead Program

You’ve heard of TED Talks. Now, we’d like to introduce TAC Talks! On Monday, March 18 HC DrugFree’s Teen Advisory Council (TAC) presented “insider information” for parents, educators, middle school students, and their high school peers during this special student-lead community program. This special event covered a range of thought-provoking topics, chosen and presented by Howard County…

In the Weeds: Cannabis in College

In the Weeds: Cannabis in College

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 Substance Misuse Prevention Program

Parent CRAFT Substance Misuse Prevention Program

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…

Interview with Dr. Gupta, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy

Interview with Dr. Gupta, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy

Dr. Rahul Gupta, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy at the White House was recently interviewed by Melanie Hogan of WVAS and discussed the immediate need to continue to dismantle trafficking of illicit drugs fentanyl. Dr. Gupta says 90 percent of fentanyl arrives in the United States through legal and commercial points…

Year in Review: DEA Innovates to Fight Fentanyl

Year in Review: DEA Innovates to Fight Fentanyl

WASHINGTON – In 2023, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration marked its 50th anniversary as the only federal agency dedicated to fighting deadly drugs and drug-related violence.  This milestone celebrated a half century of dedication to fighting drug trafficking in the United States and around the world, which threatens the public safety, health, and national security of our…

Marijuana Vaping Spikes by Double Digits for 12th Graders

Marijuana Vaping Spikes by Double Digits for 12th Graders

Marijuana vape use surged by 10.1 percent for 12th grade students, between 2017 and 2023. Just under 20 percent of 12th grade students reported vaping marijuana in 2023. Use of the drug also increased by 5 and 3.5 percent for 10th grade and 8th grade students, respectively, over the same time period, according to the…

Cannabis-Linked Psychiatric Disorders on the Rise

Cannabis-Linked Psychiatric Disorders on the Rise

The widespread use of cannabis (marijuana) and its increased potency are associated with a rise in cannabis-related psychiatric conditions, according to a University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) review article that was recently published in The New England Journal of Medicine. It highlights the urgent need for doctors to screen for and treat patients who…

HoCo Grad and Former TAC Member Reflects on HC DrugFree

One of our long term Teen Advisory Council members, Malhar, is a part of our college student team teaching our Life Skills class that begins next week. In the essay below, he outlines his experience with HC DrugFree, Life Skills, and the impact both have had on his life. Academic and professional life has been…