Written by Susan Salomone, MS, CASAC I lost my oldest son, Justin on May 29, 2012. He was 29 years old. Justin was a very creative, social, good-looking young man. He got addicted to prescription opioids in 2004. As a family we were not sure how to help or if we even could help. We […]
May is Mental Health Awareness Month May is Mental Health Awareness Month and there’s no better time than now to start making mental health a priority. Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable. People experiencing mental health challenges deserve support, compassion, and care—not stigma and shame. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social […]
April is Alcohol Awareness Month Why Small Conversations Make a Big Impression (SAMHSA) Talking to your child at an early age about drinking is the first step toward keeping them alcohol-free. But as they enter junior high and high school, the pressure to try alcohol increases. It’s important to continue the conversation throughout adolescence. Talking […]
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 […]
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 […]
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? […]
4 New Year’s Resolutions Therapists Make (Source: MSN) Resolution 1: Prioritize radical self-care. Radical self-care is looking beyond the individual behaviors that make up self-care and moving to an understanding that self-care is non-negotiable ― a mindset that should be implemented at all times. Additionally, it should be proactive instead of reactive to issues like […]
Thank you to our community for supporting the Alliance for Sake Kids! Your gifts will help us continue to connect every sector of the community to resources that support youth mental health; substance abuse prevention, treatment and recovery; opportunities for thoughtful service and important programs provided by Drug Crisis in our Backyard. (Forgot to make a gift? […]
“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 […]
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 […]