How You Can Support Someone Quitting Vaping

How You Can Support Someone Quitting Vaping

Quitting vaping is tough. Nicotine withdrawal can lead to heightened stress, irritability, and anxiety. This makes support from friends and family more important than ever to help someone stay positive and focused. Practical Ways to Help Supporting someone through their quit-vaping journey takes empathy, patience, and the right tools. Your encouragement, combined with trusted resources…

Starting College at UMD and Knowing Help Is Close By

Starting College at UMD and Knowing Help Is Close By

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…

Dangerous New Vaping Trend Targeting Teens: What Parents and Communities Need to Know

Dangerous New Vaping Trend Targeting Teens: What Parents and Communities Need to Know

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…

TAC Leader and College Instructor Reflects on Life Skills Classes

TAC Leader and College Instructor Reflects on Life Skills Classes

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…

How to Beat the “Glow-Up” Pressure

How to Beat the “Glow-Up” Pressure

Submitted by an anonymous Howard County college student. Hey Teens! As you might know from social media, friends, or TV, summer break is often portrayed as the perfect time for a “glow-up”, or a total transformation where teens are expected to improve their appearance, get fit, and rebrand themselves before returning to school. On platforms…

Teen Talk: How to Start the Conversation About Drugs with Your Parents

Teen Talk: How to Start the Conversation About Drugs with Your Parents

We’ve all been there: shaky hands, avoiding eye contact, and the dreaded topic. Talking to your parents about drugs can feel awkward or even scary. You may worry they’ll overreact, lecture you, or not understand where you’re coming from. But having these conversations regarding substance use, even before you’re in a tough situation makes a…

Senior Week: What High Schoolers Need to Know

Senior Week: What High Schoolers Need to Know

So you’ve finished up 12 years of painstaking education, late nights, early mornings, and everything in between. You’ve taken the exams, survived group projects, maybe even cried over a math final or two. Now it’s time for one last hurrah: Senior Week. It sounds like the perfect combination, right? A beach house with your best…

3 Myths About Mental Health You Need to Stop Believing

3 Myths About Mental Health You Need to Stop Believing

Submitted by an anonymous Howard County college student. Hey there! 💭 Let’s talk about mental health. It’s a huge part of your overall well-being, but there’s still a lot of confusion and stigma around it. So, let’s clear things up and bust some of the biggest myths about mental health. Spoiler alert: Taking care of…

Why You Should Sign Up for our Life Skills Classes

Why You Should Sign Up for our Life Skills Classes

Submitted by an anonymous Howard County college student. Hey there! 🌟 Are you ready to take on 2025 with confidence, better relationships, and the tools to handle life’s challenges like a pro? Starting Monday, February 24th, the spring Life Skills Classes are here to help you do just that! This isn’t your typical “boring” class.…

Tips for a Successful New School Year

Tips for a Successful New School Year

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…