Whippet Canisters A Risk in Your Community?

WHIPPET CANISTERS – NOT A LAUGHING MATTER Whippet canisters or cartridges are sold under the guise of being a ‘grocery item’ in gas stations, convenience stores, party stores and online. So what are whippets used for and what should you know about them? This item is a metal cartridge about 3 inches long, containing nitrous … Read more

3 Coping Skills Parents Can Teach Teens to Prevent Substance Abuse

During their teenage years, kids can push boundaries as they develop into adults. As teens move towards independence, it’s important for parents and caregivers to encourage children to explore and expand their experiences safely. At this time in life, their brain is wired for risky behavior and that must be safely channeled.  Sometimes, teens turn … Read more

Fentanyl, Xylazine, Nitazene Raising the Risk for Teens

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

Beyond the Buzz: Caffeine Hazard

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

Being a College Intern at the Drug Prevention Nonprofit – CANDLE, Inc.

I am a current college intern at CANDLE, Inc.’s Reality Tour which is a nonprofit organization that educates communities about youth substance abuse and teaches children to “See Beyond the Next 10 Minutes.” Why did I choose Reality Tour? I chose this internship because I wanted to be a part of something bigger that makes … Read more

All You Need For Red Ribbon Week – Free! Plus Tips!

teens discussing red ribbon week ideas

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 are the negative effects of social media on mental health and substance abuse?

Social media is a part of our daily lives now. With the click of a button, we can connect with friends, share our thoughts and experiences, and access information on any topic. While social media has many benefits, it can also harm our mental health and contribute to substance abuse. This blog post will explore … Read more

The Teen Brain: 5 Things to Know NOW!

  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

How Passion Builds Drug Prevention Communities & Strengthens Families

Cleveland Reality Tours

What could make someone leave their job of over 20 years? More money somewhere else? Relocating to a place with beautiful weather? For Norma Norris, the answer was simple: passion. She felt a calling to address the problem of drug use within her community. While having lunch with Norma she explained to me how she … Read more