Substance Use Prevention – A Year in Review: The Good, The Bad, and What to Watch for in 2026 The field of substance use prevention is constantly evolving as new substances become known, other substances get used less, and state and federal legislation and regulations change. Here is an overview of emerging drugs and substance…

Internet Safety and Media Literacy The internet is used in nearly every part of our lives, and that is especially true for today’s youth. Everything including schoolwork, social media, college applications, and many hobbies require an internet connection. Our constantly connected world brings a messy mixture of both good and bad. Staying connected to friends,…

Social Determinants of Health Our health and wellbeing are generally considered to be a result of our diet, exercise, and genetics. However, they are also influenced by other factors like our access to health care, economic situations, and the communities we live in. These other factors are known as social determinants of health (SDOH). The World…

Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) celebrates Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month every October. Their goal is to showcase the positive impact prevention is having in communities across the country by inviting everyone to share their prevention story. Prevention work is a growing field that…

The Hidden Costs of Substance Use: A Call for Awareness and Prevention Substance use affects individuals and society in profound and far-reaching ways. On a personal level, individuals may face physical and psychological health challenges, strained relationships, and disruptions in their education or careers. At the societal level, substance use contributes to increased crime rates,…

Join Wayne County Coalitions and OneEighty in remembering those who have lost their lives to addiction.  Overdose is one of the leading causes of death for people ages 18 to 45 in the United States, with 80,391 overdose deaths in 2024. Overdose Awareness Day is observed annually on August 31 to create a better understanding…

Peer and Social Media Influence on Youth Substance Use A recent study found that e-cigarette TikToks made adolescent viewers 74% more likely to initiate cannabis use. This study also found that exposure to cannabis posts from friends made teens 235% more likely to initiate cannabis use within the year. These findings are significant because they show how…

Why Scare Tactics Don’t Work “Don’t swallow your gum. It will take 7 years to digest.”“You better behave, or the bogeyman will get you.”“If you don’t brush your teeth tonight, all of your teeth will fall out.”“Santa won’t bring you any gifts if you don’t listen.” Scare tactics are not a new concept. They have…

Understanding Healthy and Unhealthy Relationships Intimate partner violence is experienced by millions of people in the United States. Dating violence is one type of intimate partner violence, and it includes physical violence, sexual violence, psychological aggression, and stalking. Many victims first experience dating violence as teenagers and it can impact lifelong health, opportunity, and wellbeing.…

Working through Test Stress Tests are an important part of education, but they can be a source of stress and anxiety for some students. These feelings can be attributed to their concerns over how the test will impact their future, expectations from parents and teachers, lack of a study plan, and self-imposed pressure to be…