Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) is one of the most common preventable neuro-developmental disorders. FASDs are a collection of diagnoses with a range of different effects that occur in individuals who were exposed to alcohol through the umbilical cord during their mother’s pregnancy. The effects on an individual with an FASD diagnose differ from person … Continued
Vaping Pop Quiz If you found this item in your teen’s pocket, what might be in it? a. Tampon b. Candy c. Puff Bar vape d. Flavored drink mix 2. If you saw this advertised, at first glance, you might think it was: a Breath freshener b. Lip gloss c. Perfume d. Vape pen … Continued
The month of June brings many thoughts and ideas to mind – the year is nearly half over; school is out; warm weather and sunshine are here. However, June also signifies Pride Month, where a community of individuals are still fighting for acceptance. What is Pride month? The history behind this month and its importance? … Continued
The holiday season just ended with fewer social gatherings and parties and increased isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic may lead some people to seek comfort in having an adult beverage. But if you are pregnant or perhaps are not even aware you are pregnant, one glass of wine today, could lead to a whole … Continued
Campfires Now that it’s summer time, that means no school, warmer weather, bonfires and hangouts. Who doesn’t love a good campfire with s’mores, music, and friends? Some pre-teens and teenagers use bonfires as an excuse to get together and experiment with drinking and using different substances (vaping, marijuana and opioids to mention a few). Bonfires … Continued
Sobriety is a journey … not a destination. The abuse or dependency on a substance is a difficult journey for an adolescent that is often filled with pitfalls and setbacks on the windy road to recovery. Setbacks Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health’s Substance Use Disorder Lead Dr. Karita Nussbaum said if a user … Continued
For many adolescent and teenagers who are feeling a little stress or anxious in a social situation, they may surrender to peer pressure by experimenting with vaping or having an alcoholic beverage to relax their anxiety and fit in with their friends. Is one puff or alcoholic beverage a cause for concern? Perhaps not for … Continued
Growing up brings about a lot of changes and challenges for children. Children move from the sweet, innocent stages of elementary school to middle and on to high school. These change range from raging teenage hormones to children trying to fit in to discovering and forging who they want to become in life. Throughout all … Continued
The United States has had a conflicted past regarding the use and effects of drugs and alcohol consumption. Prohibition in the Roaring 1920s led to bootlegging and then to changing the drinking laws from age 18 to 21 in the late 1980s. The Golden Age of Hollywood in the 1950s romanticized the use of tobacco … Continued
When your child is born and enters the world, parents have so many hopes, dreams and expectations. Oftentimes, looking into their tiny, innocent faces, you can’t imagine the child growing up, thinking for themselves and making their own decisions. Those decisions may include experimenting with drugs, some of which may be in your home, and/or … Continued