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…
