Row midpoint Shape Decorative svg added to bottom

Drug Prevention Resources

For Communities, Parents and Schools

Fentanyl, Xylazine, Nitazene Raising the Risk for Teens

By Norma Norris | December 20, 2023

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

By Norma Norris | November 10, 2023

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

New Location for Reality Tour Drug Prevention Program Announced

By Olivia Testa | July 26, 2023

BUTLER, PA – The Reality Tour Parent/Child Drug Prevention Program will be held at North Main St. Church of God, 1201 N .Main St. Ext. in Butler beginning September 25th. Reality Tour, a project of the nonprofit CANDLE, Inc., helps parents ‘get on the same page’ with their child when it comes to drug prevention. … Read more

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

By Destiny Grannis | June 12, 2023

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!

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. 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

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