March at ASK

Effects of Social Media on Teenagers Source: Newport Academy How does social media affect teenagers? Like any form of technology, social media has both an upside and a downside. And when it comes to the social media effects on teens, there are significant pros and cons to take into account. On the plus side, platforms like […]

Stop the Stigma

Susan Salomone, MS, CASAC, Founder Drug Crisis in our Backyard The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines stigma as: 1.  a set of negative and unfair beliefs that a society or group of people have about something 2.  an identifying mark or characteristic; specifically:  a specific diagnostic sign of a disease I can remember in the 1960’s there was […]

February at ASK

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. This is an issue that impacts everyone – not just teens – but their parents, teachers, friends and communities as well. Together, we can raise the nation’s awareness about teen dating violence and promote safe, healthy relationships.  How Do I Get Help? […]

November at ASK

“Talk. They Hear You.”® Celebrates 10 Years of Preventing Underage Substance Use By: CAPT Christopher Jones, Pharm.D., Dr.P.H., M.P.H., Director, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, SAMHSA This year, “Talk. They Hear You.”® celebrates its 10th anniversary. SAMHSA’s national prevention campaign helps parents and caregivers, educators, and community members get informed, be prepared, and take action […]

October at ASK

Every day, thousands of young people experience bullying from their peers at school, after school in their neighborhoods, and even when they are at home, through social media and texts. There are many ways to support bullying prevention as an individual or with friends, family, your school, or your entire community. Red Ribbon Week: October 23 […]

The CRAFT Approach

Helping Families Support a Loved One Using Substances By Susan Salomone, MS, CASAC – Drug Crisis in our Backyard; Family Support Navigator, Cove Care Center We have lost over 109,000 lives to drug overdose in this country in 2022.  Like so many other families that have lost loved ones to this Opioid Epidemic, I divide […]

September at ASK

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month — a time to raise awareness on this stigmatized, and often taboo, topic. It is important to ensure that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help. Informational Resources Crisis Resources 8 Evidence-Based Tips […]

August at ASK

The Alliance for Safe Kids (ASK) extends a warm welcome to each and every new subscriber from Drug Crisis in our Backyard! ASK’s mission is to connect the community to important resources that support youth mental health; substance use prevention, treatment and recovery; and opportunities for thoughtful service. Our mission is in alignment with Drug […]

July at ASK

For many children and young people, summer is one of the most anticipated times of the year. School is out and schedules are much more free and open. However, this unstructured time isn’t always easy, and may be especially challenging this summer. Over the past few years, symptoms of mental health concerns among young people rose precipitously, […]

June at ASK

Prom and Graduation Season Proms, graduations and the parties surrounding them can be an exciting time for teens and parents that they usually can remember throughout their lives. But they can also be a time of heartbreak. There are all too often negative consequences, serious injuries, and even deaths.  The good news is that parents […]