Drug Prevention Resources

For Communities, Parents and Schools

teens discussing red ribbon week ideas

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

By Norma Norris | May 20, 2023

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

The Teen Brain: 5 Things to Know NOW!

By Norma Norris | April 6, 2023

What parents and teens need to know about the teen brain.

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

By Joann Mundin | April 1, 2023

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!

By Norma Norris | January 9, 2023

  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

Teen Brain – Train It Now!

By Norma Norris | December 21, 2022

Experience this interactive ‘operator’s manual’ for the teen brain. Youth ages 10-13 will find it fun and engaging. Great parent/child activity. Check out the prize bonus too. See how much you remember from the Teen Brain lesson! Students take a short quiz after completing the online lesson. Teachers may request the Teen Brain slides for in-person training.

Testing Waters of New Normal in Prevention

By Norma Norris | November 9, 2022

    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

Why Does NIDA Study Addiction in Teens?

By Norma Norris | October 11, 2022

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

What Are the Signs of Having a Problem With Drugs?

By Norma Norris | October 11, 2022

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

“16 and Recovering”: Where Are They Now? Messages of Hope For Those Looking To Begin Their Own Recovery Journey

By Norma Norris | October 11, 2022

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

Start A Conversation: 10 Questions Teens Ask About Drugs and Health

By Norma Norris | October 11, 2022

Thousands of teens asked questions about drugs and health. Learn the answers to 10 popular questions.