Teen Wellness Health

Substance Abuse Awareness and Prevention

Resources & Tips for Parents of Teens

• Information from Partnership for Drug Free Kids - Tips for Parents:  Social Distancing & Substance Use    
• How Marijuana Has Changed and How to Talk with Your Teen About It
• Learn and Share with Your Teen How Alcohol Can Affect Their Athletic Performance

For information and support on talking to other parents about youth drug and alcohol use, check out this resource from Casco Bay CAN for parents in Cumberland County

For more information on Opportunity Alliance’s Substance Abuse Prevention Program, which supports the work SHS is doing to support teen health & wellness, contact emily.dasilva@opportunityalliance.org

Marijuana Edibles and Dangers

• National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) - Drug Alert: Edibles
• ScienceNews Article: Edibles are Tied to More Severe Health Issues than Smoking Marijuana

E-cigarettes and Vaping

• Huffington Post: "Everything We Know — And Don’t Know — About The Dangers Of Vaping"  
• National Institute on Drug Abuse: Vaping Devices
• ASAP Science: Vaping and E-cigarettes (Video)
• E-Cigarettes and Teens:  A Guide for Parents and Educators from SafeKids America
• What Parents Should Know About JUUL 
• Office of the Surgeon General: Know the Risks: E-Cigarettes & Young People

Addiction & Mental Health

• www.drugrehab.com/addiction/drugs
• www.drugrehab.com/teens/
• Video: Smoking vs Vaping

Additional Resources

The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids
Translates the science of teen drug use for families, providing information and direct support to parents to prevent and cope with teen drug and alcohol use.

Day One
Maine-based agency dealing with teen drug & alcohol abuse.

Evidence-based Educational Opportunities for Youth

SIRP: Student Intervention and Reintegration Program (SIRP) is a free, 12 hour education program for high school students that focuses on prevention and addresses common beliefs and attitudes around substance use. The program serves youth in South Portland, Gorham, Westbrook, Scarborough, Cape Elizabeth, and the Lakes Region. Certified instructors use a non-judgmental approach to empower youth to make healthy choices and reduce high risk decisions.

Referrals can be made by parents, schools, law enforcement, and the juvenile court system. To refer, email: emily.dasilva@opportunityalliance.org or visit http://sirp.adcareme.org.

Abby Brown
Student Assistance Counselor
Phone: (207) 730-5022
abrown@scarboroughschools.org