Norma Norris 
The DEA issued a national alert for the deadly drug Xylazine, an animal tranquilizer, that has entered the illegal drug supply. Sometimes referred to as tranq, the drug is paired with fentanyl in clandestine labs that mainly produce fake pills. Fentanyl is the drug that has been pushing the overdose death rate skyward to 109,000 … Read more
Caffeine may be the first thing on your mind when you wake up. Whether you down a cup of java or reach for a Coca Cola, many count on the first beverage of the day to power through morning brain fog. Energy drinks and those energy shots at your local convenience store can easily become … Read more
If you’re an educator, you’re probably looking for Red Ribbon Week ideas for October. Take a deep breath and relax. We have 3 tips and then an introduction to SmartZone – now a free digital download with all you need for a successful Red Ribbon Week. What you are about to discover are not just … Read more
What parents and teens need to know about the teen brain.
Parents of tweens and teens need to know how their child’s developing brain impacts their choices and behaviors. What if there was an Operator’s Manual for the developing brain for both parents and their tweens and teens? The adolescent years between the ages of 10 and 19 are a period of unique brain growth … Read more
Experience this interactive “operator’s manual” for the teen brain. Youth ages 10-13 will find it fun and engaging. Great parent/child activity. Older teens can be asked to review the training to see if there is any new information. Invite their feedback as to the importance of the training for younger teens. Ask them to weigh … Read more
Change has been the driving force of the drug prevention nonprofit CANDLE, Inc. Change in the health and habits of the younger population. Change in the ability to make good decisions and be on the same page with their parents. For 20+ years we have been an organization whose mission depended on adapting … Read more
The actor Brandon Thomas Lee recently sat down with NIDA’s Director, Dr. Nora Volkow, for a virtual conversation about addiction, recovery, mental health, and how COVID-19 affects it all. One of Brandon’s questions was, “NIDA does a lot of research focused on teenage/young adult drug use in particular—why is that?” Watch Dr. Volkow’s answer: The teen … Read more
Addiction can happen at any age, but it usually starts when a person is young. It’s the result of changes in the brain that can come from drug use. Addiction affects how people think and what they do. But what exactly are the signs? First, it’s important to know that there is no “type” of person … Read more
If you or someone you know has a problem with drugs, hearing about another person’s path toward recovery can help them see that treatment works and can encourage them to seek help. While the recovery journey may be challenging, it is possible. Through treatment, people with drug addiction can recover and continue to lead healthy … Read more