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Find out how your drinking stacks up to others in your region and learn how to minimize risk.

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Take the drinks meter survey, enter your details and get instant information on how you measure up against our community

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Alcohol Info | Office of Substance Use Programs Education & Resources

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What do you do when a friend has had too much to drink and is looking pretty sick? What about when a friend’s drinking patterns have become more worrisome? At Stanford, we pride ourselves on looking out for one another, getting people help when needed, and holding each other accountable to create an…

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Council Administrative Offices | 215.345.6644 -- Information, Intervention, Recovery Support Line | 1.800.221.6333

Advocacy | Prevention | Information Dissemination & Training | Intervention | Recovery Support

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Council Administrative Offices | 215.345.6644 -- Information, Intervention, Recovery Support Line | 1.800.221.6333 Advocacy | Prevention | Information Dissemination & Training | Intervention | Recovery Support

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The Highway Code

Global Drug Survey knows pleasure drives drug use, not the avoidance of harm.

As far as we know, no guide has ever outlined the impact of harm reduction strategies on the pleasure users obtain from drugs, until now.

Based on the experience of almost 80,000 people who took part in the Global Drug Survey 2014, the High-way Code is the first guide to safer drug use voted for by people who take drugs. The results seem to suggest that safer drug use can be more enjoyable drug use.

Disclaimer

Global Drug Survey does not condone or promote the use of illegal drugs. Global Drug Survey does promote the use of common sense when going about one's daily activities. Drugs and alcohol can be very dangerous. They can kill you. Using drugs when you are young can have a lasting negative impact on your cognitive and emotional well-being. The only way to avoid these harms is not to take drugs. This document represents the views of those who responded to the Global Drug Survey. Please note that no amount of planning and care can ensure you will have either a safe or enjoyable experience when you take drugs. Global Drug Survey is simply reporting the results of the survey which may provide some guidance in reducing the risk of harm only. The best way to avoid drug related harm is to not use drugs.

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Global Drug Survey knows pleasure drives drug use, not the avoidance of harm. As far as we know, no guide has ever outlined the impact of harm reduction strategies on the pleasure users obtain from drugs, until now.

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The Zendo Project collection of

mental health resources, crisis support, psychedelic integration, psychedelic support

How to Support a Bad Trip or Emotional Challenge

Disclaimer

The Zendo Project and its staff and volunteers do not provide mental health or medical services. The Zendo Project's Peer Support Services are not a substitute for medical, psychological, or psychiatric diagnosis, treatment, or advice. Content produced and distributed by the Zendo Project is for informational and educational use only. Do not disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of the availability of services or educational materials offered by the Zendo Project. If you are in a crisis or if you or any other person may be in danger or experiencing a mental health emergency, immediately call 911 (USA) or your local emergency resources. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please seek medical attention.

Fireside Project - Psychedelic Support Hotline: (623) 473-7433

(623) 473-7433
FiresideProject.org
Fireside Project's Psychedelic Peer Support Line will offer free peer support by phone and text message to people in the midst of psychedelic experiences, people holding space for others who are in the midst of psychedelic experiences, and people integrating past psychedelic experiences.

During our 12-month pilot program, the line will be open Thursday to Sunday, from 3:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. PST and Monday from 3:00p.m. to 7:00 p.m. PST. It will eventually be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Psychedelic Peer Support Line will be staffed by compassionate, supportive volunteers from diverse backgrounds who are trained to listen deeply and from a place of non-judgment. All of our volunteers will complete a 36-hour training program where they will learn about active listening, providing support during psychedelic experiences, psychedelic integration, and providing support by text message.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255

(800) 273-8255 SuicidePreventionLifeline.org
We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration: (800) 662-HELP (4357)

(800) 622-4357 Samhsa.gov
SAMHSA's National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

SAMHSA's National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-SAFE (7233)

(800) 799-7233 TheHotline.org
At the National Domestic Violence Hotline, our highly trained expert advocates are available 24/7 to talk confidentially with anyone in the United States who is experiencing domestic violence, seeking resources or information, or questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationship.

The Hotline provides lifesaving tools and immediate support to empower victims and survivors to find safety and live free of abuse. We also provide support to friends and family members who are concerned about a loved one. Resources and help can be found by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing may use TTY 1-800-787-3224. Additionally, advocates who are Deaf are available 24/7 through the National Deaf Hotline by video phone at 1-855-812-1001, Instant Messenger (DeafHotline) or email (nationaldeafhotline@adwas.org).

If it's not safe for you to call, or if you don't feel comfortable doing so, another option for getting direct help is to use our live chat service here on this website. You'll receive the same one-on-one, real-time, confidential support from a trained advocate as you would on the phone. Chat is available every day from 24/7/365. El chat en español está disponible de 12 p.m. a 6 p.m. Hora Central.

National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline: (800) 656-HOPE (4673)

(800) 656-4673
Hotline.Rainn.org

When you call 800.656.HOPE (4673), you'll be routed to a local RAINN affiliate organization based on the first six digits of your phone number. Cell phone callers have the option to enter the ZIP code of their current location to more accurately locate the nearest sexual assault service provider.

Calling the National Sexual Assault Hotline gives you access to a range of free services including:

Confidential support from a trained staff member

Support finding a local health facility that is trained to care for survivors of sexual assault and offers services like sexual assault forensic exams

Someone to help you talk through what happened

Local resources that can assist with your next steps toward healing and recovery

Referrals for long term support in your area

Information about the laws in your community

Basic information about medical concerns

The National Sexual Assault Hotline is a safe, confidential service. When you call the hotline, only the first six numbers of the phone number are used to route the call, and your complete phone number is never stored in our system. Most states do have laws that require local staff to contact authorities in certain situations, like if there is a child or vulnerable adult who is in danger.

While almost all callers are connected directly to a staff member or volunteer at a local sexual assault service provider, a handful of providers use an answering service after daytime business hours. This service helps manage the flow of calls. If all staff members are busy, you may choose to leave a phone number with the answering service. In this case, the number will be confidential and will be given directly to the organization's staff member for a callback. If you reach an answering service, you can try calling back after some time has passed, or you can choose to call during regular business hours when more staff members are available. You can also access 24/7 help online by visiting online.rainn.org.

Sexual assault service providers are organizations or agencies dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual assault. The providers who answer calls placed to the hotline are known as RAINN affiliates. To be part of the National Sexual Assault Hotline, affiliates must agree to uphold RAINN's confidentiality standards. That means:

Never releasing records or information about the call without the consent of the caller, except when obligated by law

Only making reports to the police or other agencies when the caller consents, unless obligated by law

Agreeing to RAINN's non-discrimination policy

To learn more about how a provider can become an affiliate of the National Sexual Assault Hotline, visit the Sexual Assault Service Provider information page. Volunteer opportunities for the National Sexual Assault Hotline are coordinated through these local providers. Search for volunteer opportunities near you.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine: (800) 950-NAMI (6264)

(800) 950-6264 Nami.org
During this difficult time, the NAMI HelpLine is here for you. HelpLine volunteers are working to answer questions, offer support and provide practical next steps. The resources on this page provide information to address many needs and concerns.

Let's stay connected, call or email the NAMI HelpLine today.

The NAMI HelpLine is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health conditions, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers and the public. HelpLine staff and volunteers are experienced, well-trained and able to provide guidance.

They understand, many from their own experiences, listen and offer support.

They are informed on NAMI Programs, NAMI Support Groups and locate your local NAMI Affiliate.

They are trained to help identify the best resource options for your individual concern.

They are knowledgeable and a source of accurate information about relevant topics.

They care.

To contact the NAMI HelpLine, please call 800-950-NAMI (6264), Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., ET, or send an email to info@nami.org.

The HelpLine Online Knowledge and Resource Center is available and offers an extensive library of valuable information and answers to our most frequently asked questions.

Unfortunately, the NAMI HelpLine is unable to provide mental health counseling, advice, personal advocacy or referrals to mental health providers or lawyers. The NAMI HelpLine does not individual casework, legal representations or any type of individual advocacy.

The NAMI HelpLine is not a hot line, crisis line or suicide prevention line.

Veterans Crisis Line: (800) 273-8255

(800) 273-8255, Press 1
https://www.veteranscrisisline.net
Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves. No matter what you are experiencing, there is support for getting your life back on track. A trained responder will answer your call, text, or chat and ask you a few questions. You can decide how much you want to share. Feeling anxious or alone and thinking about suicide are some of the signs that a Veteran may be in crisis.

LGBT National Hotline: (888) 843-4564

(888) 843-4564 GlbtHotline.org
The LGBT National Hotline is for all ages.

We provide a safe space that is anonymous and confidential where callers can speak on many different issues and concerns including, but limited to, coming out issues, gender and/or sexuality identities, relationship concerns, bullying, workplace issues, HIV/AIDS anxiety, safer sex information, suicide, and much more.

Sometimes you may need just to talk, or hear a kind voice. We're here. You deserve to be heard. You deserve respect, support, affirmation and acceptance.

The LGBT National Hotline is staffed by highly trained volunteers who identify somewhere on the LGBTQ spectrum, from all ages, walks of life and from all over the United States.
​
Along with peer support, listening and affirmation, our volunteers are supplied with the largest LGBTQ resource database in the US (www.LGBTNEARME.ORG) for those who are seeking additional support and ways to connect with their local community.

HOURS:
Monday thru Friday from 1pm to 9pm, pacific time
(Monday thru Friday from 4pm to midnight, eastern time)

Saturday from 9am to 2pm, pacific time
(Saturday from noon to 5pm, eastern time)

Email:
help@LGBThotline.org

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) National Hotline provides telephone, online private one-to-one chat and email peer-support, as well as factual information and local resources for cities and towns across the United States.

All of our services are free and confidential.

Crisis Hotlines & Mental Health Resources
(Global)

International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP)

IASP.info
International Association for Suicide Prevention provides a forum for academics, mental health professionals, crisis workers, volunteers, and suicide survivors.
iasp.info

GoodTherapy: Find a Therapist

GoodTherapy.org
About GoodTherapy

Millions of people use GoodTherapy to find therapists and counselors, rehab and residential treatment centers, and mental health resources. If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health or behavioral concerns, relationship issues, or other challenges, search our directory to a find a qualified therapist near you.

Core Purpose

Everyone struggles at times. Our core purpose is to make it easier for people to access mental health services and the dedicated professionals who provide them, anywhere in the world. To help promote successful outcomes, we offer practitioners in our membership a variety of benefits: referrals, nationally recognized continuing education, publication opportunities, marketing expertise, data-driven performance tracking, personalized support, and more. List your practice and get found.

GoodTherapy believes that with the right support, anyone is capable of healing, growth, and change. Whether you're interested in mental health services or you provide them, you've come to the right place. Learn more about how and why we formed.

7 cups: Online Therapy, Free Counseling, Someone to Talk To

7Cups.com
About 7 Cups

We live in a world where you can be surrounded by people, but still feel lonely, with nobody to turn to when things get rough.

But being heard is an important part of being human. Psychologist, Glen Moriarty saw that there was great power in listening, but he knew not everyone had someone to talk to. He started to wonder. "How can I make being heard a reality for everyone?"

That's why 7 Cups was born.

Thanks to thousands of volunteer listeners stepping up to lend a friendly ear, 7 Cups is happy to say, "We're here for you!"

No matter who you are or what you're going through, this is a place where you'll be heard and cared for. We might be strangers on the surface, but underneath we're just the friends you haven't met yet.

Get support from an online therapist

Want a little extra help? You can get ongoing support and guidance from a licensed therapist when you sign up for online therapy.

Our confidential online therapy & counseling is available for those aged 18+ for $150 per month.

Corona Virus Online Therapy: Free & Low Fee Essential Therapy for Essential Workers

CoronaVirusOnlineTherapy.org
Overview

Therapy, whether online or in-person, can be quite expensive. Even for those insured, high deductibles and challenges finding an in-network therapist with availability can be obstacles. We have created an algorithm to match essential workers and their family members with their three closest matches, in order to simplify the process, and quickly get them the support they need.
​
Coronavirus Online Therapy is an initiative of our 501(c)(3) non-profit, Therapy Aid Coalition. We are 100% volunteer-created and run. We exist solely to connect those in need during this global pandemic, with licensed therapists nationwide who have made this promise to reduce their fees or offer pro-bono sessions. Fees, if applicable, are paid directly to the therapist,
not to Coronavirus Online Therapy.
​

Our Values:

Therapy should be accessible and affordable to those impacted by national crises

Therapists should be valued, supported and compensated for their expertise

Therapists willing to assist in crises should be given training opportunities and support

Our Goals:

To serve essential workers within the USA

To expand our network of therapists, nationwide

To create free training and continuing education opportunities to support our therapists, prevent burnout and assist in reducing the likelihood of vicarious traumatization

To develop partnerships with agencies (both public and private), in order to promptly deploy assistance during crises

To generate a scholarship fund, to cover costs of therapy for those in need

Mental Health Association of San Francisco: Peer-Run Warm Line: 855-845-7415

(855) 845-7415 MentalHealthSF.org
Overview

The Mental Health Association of San Francisco is a peer-led social justice community dedicated to progressive mental health issues for the past 70 years.

Mission

The mission of the Mental Health Association of San Francisco is to cultivate peer leadership, build community, and advance social justice in mental health.
For 70 years, MHASF has reflected the forward-thinking vision San Francisco is known for. We fought stigma and discrimination in mental health across diverse communities and changed policy, perception, and ultimately people. Looking ahead, as a peer-run organization, we know that systems change comes when those affected by the issues are centered in the solutions. Mental health care is changing rapidly, and a more integrated, holistic approach is the expectation for the future, peer workers are at the center of the next evolution of the mental health system, and MHASF is at the forefront.

Social Work License Map

Social Work License Map

Overview

Our list spans diagnostic tools, research portals, government organizations, nonprofits, blogs, and phone hotlines devoted to addressing issues ranging from general mental illnesses and disorders such as autism, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and substance abuse, to the specific needs of diverse populations, including LGBTQ youth, minorities, women, and veterans. Take a look at these resources, and we hope you find our list helpful!

American Center for The Integration of Spiritually Transformative Experiences (ACISTE)

ACISTE.org
Overview

ACISTE is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, public benefit corporation.

Mission

Our mission is to address the integration needs and further the well-being of those who have had near-death or similar spiritually transformative experiences through research, education and support.

Vision

Our vision is to create safe, readily accessible programs that facilitate experiencers on their paths to deeper understanding, greater clarity of purpose and greater sense of well-being while supporting them through their dramatic changes and integration phases.

Values

We set a high and ethical standard in the quality of research, education and support for near-death and similar spiritually transformative experiences.

We are compassionate, supportive, respectful and welcoming of a diversity of experiences and interpretations.

We strive to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.

We do not represent or promote spiritual "truths" of any kind, but respect, support, and advance experiencers with their own understandings, expressions, purposes and contributions to the world.

We serve experiencers who identify with the term "spiritually transformative experience" and/or who are dealing with any or all of the integration challenges and processes. We do not invalidate or "disqualify" self-identified experiencers or their experiences.

We are inclusive of:

the broad diversity of spiritually transformative experiences, including distressing or frightening ones.

the variety of circumstances in which they occur

the unique needs, struggles, integration processes and aftereffects
the variety of aspects, meanings, interpretations, messages and knowledge derived from the experience

all experiencers regardless of religious, spiritual or political belief systems, culture, race, age, sex, sexual orientation, criminal history, mental or physical health, career, educational or financial status

We support experiencers through all challenges and transformative phases related to the integration of these experiences.
We do not speculate or take a position as to how or why these experiences occur.

We operate from a heart-centered, wellness model; we do not utilize a pathology-based diagnostic approach.

Our supportive approaches are drawn from and adapted from the collective input from experiencers, rather than taken from an individual, theoretical, dogmatic or standard method.

We encourage self-care and self-discovery, offering the experiencer tools to utilize throughout the integration process.

All peers, mentors, group facilitators, moderators, organizers and therapists listed by ACISTE as resources reflect the values of and adhere to the policies of ACISTE.

We are protective of the confidentiality of experiencers and their experiences.

Spiritual Crisis Network

SpiritualCrisisNetwork.uk
Overview

The Spiritual Crisis Network is a UK non-profit organisation that provides support and resources to help make meaning of and integrate a crisis experience, resulting in the relief of suffering and more positive outcomes.

Spiritual crisis, often called spiritual emergency, awakening or psycho-spiritual crisis, is a turbulent period of psychological opening and transformation.

History

Catherine G. Lucas founded the Spiritual Crisis Network back in 2004, alongside a developmental committee of volunteers. Catherine experienced her own spiritual crisis which lead her to provide a platform of support for others.

SCN volunteers are experts through personal lived experienced of a spiritual crisis and mental health professionals, whilst some volunteers have both personal and professional expertise.

Our Vision

Promoting understanding and support of those going through profound personal transformation.

To act as a resource providing help and information for; those going through or recovering from spiritual crisis, professionals, carers, supporters and researchers.

SCN Ethos

The SCN does not endorse any particular spiritual or religious perspective. All are welcome!

The SCN does not take an anti-medication or anti-psychiatry stance. We focus on what helps each individual.

The SCN does not get involved in the debate about differential diagnosis. We aim to depathologise spiritual and anomalous experiences. Of course, individuals will hold their own views on these topics. However, it is important that the ethos above is reflected by the local peer-support group organisers.

SCN Objectives

a) promote the preservation of mental health and relieve the suffering and mental distress experienced by the public in the U.K. who are affected by spiritual crisis/emergency/anomalous experiences, in particular, but not exclusively, by providing peer-support, education and advice.

b) to reduce stigma and provide an alternative or complementary framework within which to understand and integrate spiritual crisis/emergency/anomalous experiences by advancing the education of the general public and health care professionals in the UK.

One of the ways we do this is by establishing local peer-support groups in the U.K. for experiencers and carers. We do this by providing start-up funds for local groups and training and guidance for group organisers. This provides a safe and open forum for people to share and discuss their spiritual and mental health issues with others.

Spiritual Emergence Network (SEN)

SpiritualEmergence.org
Overview

The Spiritual Emergence Network (SEN) provides individuals that are experiencing psychospiritual difficulties a specialized mental health referral and support service. In a culture which has not understood issues surrounding spiritual development, the gift of being heard and understood by a knowledgeable and supportive listener can be life-altering. Our referrals are licensed and trained mental health care professionals who are preferably in your area (but many also work by phone or encrypted video) who have expertise with many specific psychospiritual issues.

SEN offers its referral services and directory listings free of charge!

Much of our transpersonal (psychospiritual) directory is online for self-referral.

If you don't find a self-referral that works for you, you can leave a message at 415-634-5736. We will usually be in touch within 24 hours with other potential referrals and/or ideas for finding the help you need.

This website is also a spiritual emergence resource guide. Look into our books and links sections in the index above.

Spiritual Competency Resource Center (SCRC)

SpiritualCompetency.com
Overview

The Spiritual Competency Resource Center provides access to online resources that enhance the cultural sensitivity of mental health professionals. Spirituality is now accepted as an important component of cultural competence for mental health professionals. These resources include online courses, audio-visual resources, articles, and live workshops.

Approved CE Provider

SCRC is an approved CE provider for 3 accreditation agencies:

American Psychological Association: The Spiritual Competency Resource Center is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Spiritual Competency Resource Center maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
California Board of Behavioral Sciences accepts CE credits for license renewal by LCSWs and MFTs for programs from CE approved sponsors of the American Psychological Association. LCSWs and MFTs from states other than California need to check with their state licensing board for approval.
California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN Provider CEP16887) for licensed nurses in California

Spiritual Emergence Service (SES)

SpiritualEmergence.net
Overview

SES is a non-denominational, non-profit Canadian charitable society staffed by volunteers. We offer assistance to people who are experiencing psychospiritual and transformational crisis. We can be reached by telephone or email. We listen to your story - what's happening for you. We don't provide counselling, we provide support and information. If we can't answer all your questions we will try to refer you to someone who can. If you want to talk to a qualified psychotherapist consult our National Referral Directory or call us and we will try to connect you to someone near to you.

Volunteers who staff the phone line have personal knowledge of non-ordinary states of consciousness or spiritual emergence, and have been through an extensive training program. Enquiries are invited from registered psychotherapists in all Canadian provinces who have experiential knowledge and a history of working with clients in spiritual crisis.

The Inner Compass Initiative (ICI)

TheInnerCompass.org
Overview

Inner Compass Initiative provides information, resources, tools, and connecting platforms ​to facilitate more informed choices regarding all things "mental health" and to support individuals and groups around the world who ​wish to leave, bypass, or build community beyond the mental health system. We are energized to make change happen and eager for you to join us. Your experiences, your story, and your voice matter- find out how you can get involved.

Our Inspiration

We believe that within each and every person lies an innate wisdom - an "inner compass". This wisdom, when listened to, helps us to navigate the difficulties of being human. But the mental health industry, with its medicalized model of "mental illness" and "mental health", its pharmaceuticalized and institutionalized standards of care, its massive promotional and public relations apparatus, its legalized authority, and its professionalization of help, has influenced many of us to ignore and lose touch with this inner wisdom.

Inner Compass Initiative strives to contribute towards everyone reclaiming wisdom, knowledge and power, both within us as individuals and between us in our relationships and communities. We work to support individuals to engage in curious, critical, independent self-education and inner exploration, and collectively, to help develop more interconnected, empowered and resilient grassroots communities.

Our Vision

A future of interconnected individuals and communities flourishing beyond psychiatric drugs and diagnoses.
Our Guiding Principles and Values
We believe that most individuals' inner crises emerge, develop and/or persist in relation to their social circumstances, and that establishing more just, equitable, creatively diverse, and environmentally sustainable societies is vitally important to everyone's mental, spiritual and emotional well-being.

We believe that the knowledge, approaches and contributions of people who are not medical or mental health professionals - such as current and former psychiatric patients, artists, political thinkers, cultural critics, philosophers, and spiritual seekers - are too often marginalized or ignored in public discussions about meeting the spiritual, mental and emotional challenges of being human.

We believe that we all have a right to make our own choices about how to take care of ourselves, but that true choice is only possible when it's fully informed and when we have awareness of and access to true options and alternatives.
We believe that we all have a right to protect the integrity of our own minds, spirits and bodies against forced or coercive psychiatric intervention.

Our Mission

Inner Compass Initiative provides resources, tools, and connecting platforms to facilitate more informed choices regarding all things "mental health" and to support individuals and groups around the world who wish to leave behind, bypass, or build community beyond the diagnostic/pharmaceutical paradigm.

Zendo Project Manual

Zendo Project Manual
The concepts and tools provided in this manual are applicable to diverse situations and environments where people may be using psychedelic substances. This includes festivals, parties, music venues, and home settings. The content of the manual is part of the Zendo Project volunteer training.

The Manual of Psychedelic Support

Manual of Psychedelic Support (MOPS)
A free download and affordable purchase from the MAPS Bookstore at $20, this 400 page color guide covers everything from peer support to working with safety teams to managing volunteers.

How to Work with Difficult Experiences

How to Work with Difficult Experiences

The manual is based on training, schooling, teachings and hands-on work with the leading people in the psychedelic movement, and on in-depth work with healers/shamans from Nepal, Ecuador, and the Navajo nation. It is based on healing and therapeutic work, using psychedelics, western psychology, body work, breath-work, art, and different eastern tools, like meditation, Zen koan study and nature work.

The Secret Chief Revealed

The Secret Chief Revealed Free PDF
Conversations with Leo Zeff, pioneer in the underground psychedelic therapy movement, by Myron J. Stolaroff. Free PDF available through the MAPS.org website and the book is available for sale via the MAPS webstore.

Psychedelic.Support

Psychedelic.Support
Psychedelic.Support is committed to bring individual and global transformation through sharing of knowledge and connection to resources. We saw a need for better connection to therapeutic care related to use of psychedelics and set out to use our skills, connections, and the internet to give greater visibility to practices and programs of professionals working in this field. We aim for this global web-based platform to be a guidepost for trusted care and evidence-based information.

Psychedelic.Support engages with thought leaders of diverse expertise to illuminate the needs of the psychedelic community. Our advisory committee helps us gather respected experts and guides us in making this site a valuable resource for both clients and mental health professionals alike.

The Sabina Project

TheSabinaProject.com
Black-led psychedelic education, training and harm-reduction. Returning reverence to Sacred Earth Medicine and Ancestral Traditions.

The Sabina Project is an educational, healing and inclusive space for all modern journeyers. We offer online and in-person Sacred Earth Medicine integration sessions and workshops, to inspire radical self transformation and community liberation.

The Center for Optimal Living

CenterForOptimalLiving.com
Overview

The Center for Optimal Living is a treatment and training center for addiction and mental health issues. Our approach utilizes Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy (IHRP), developed by our founder and director, Dr. Andrew Tatarsky. The Center for Optimal Living, with its team of twelve dedicated clinicians, is the only private treatment center that offers this unique form of therapy. The Center for Optimal Living was founded in 2011 in New York City.

The cornerstone of IHRP is a collaborative, therapeutic relationship that "starts where the person is." We specialize in helping people figure out whether moderate, less harmful substance use, or abstinence is best suited for them., We tailor our services to help our clients pursue their chosen goal.

The Center for Optimal Living also provides trainings, supervision, and consultation to professionals and organizations. We are actively involved in advocacy efforts to support the needs of those impacted by mental health issues and substance misuse.

Our Approach

Addiction treatment has long been dominated by approaches that require complete abstinence. We recognize that not everyone is ready to commit to abstinence at the onset of treatment and we specialize in engaging people to reduce risk and make positive changes based on where they are ready to begin. By expanding the focus of treatment to include risk reduction and moderation, our aim is to reduce stigma surrounding addiction treatment.

Our approach utilizes harm reduction which aims to reduce the risks associated with drug and alcohol use in a collaborative and empowering way. Abstinence, moderation, and safe use practices are embraced within the umbrella of harm reduction. We understand how shame and stigma may prevent people from seeking help and realize how important the therapeutic relationship is. We view that as a critical foundation of our work and strive to create a safe and non-judgmental environment where our clients can begin to make positive and lasting changes.

The Center for Harm Reduction Therapy (CHRT)

HarmReductionTherapy.org
Mission Statement

The Harm Reduction Therapy Center exists to provide integrated mental health care and substance use treatment to people who, because their relationship with drugs is so intertwined with other emotional and social aspects of their lives, need more than simple "just say no" solutions and mainstream programs. We are committed to reaching everyone whose relationship with drugs is concerning - from people who live outwardly successful lives yet are suffering in perhaps unseen ways to people who have lost everything, including those whose world is dominated by the trauma of survival on the streets. Firmly rooted in the values of self-determination, we meet each person where they are, practice radical acceptance, and empower people to define their own problems and discover their own goals. We help people set gradual, realistic steps to achieve their goals, and we help families find alternatives to "tough love".

As originators of Harm Reduction Therapy, our vision is a just healthcare system that excludes no one, regardless of how complex their problems or how ambivalent they are about change. To that end, we continually evolve and adapt harm reduction therapy to fit the needs of diverse communities, and we support programs that want to work with people who use drugs according to harm reduction values and practices.

Tailored Solutions to Achieve Personal Goals

The Center, founded by leaders in the Harm Reduction Therapy movement, is a certified drug and alcohol treatment program staffed by mental health professionals. Our program offers pragmatic, proven solutions to substance misuse, and has an impressive record of positive results.

Center for Harm Reduction

Harm Reduction Therapy is a revolutionary client-therapist collaboration that combines substance misuse treatment with psychotherapy, so clients can address both their substance use and the issues that are behind it.

Unlike traditional "quit now and forever" programs, we do not ask that clients stop all substance use, unless that is their goal, and we help families find alternatives to "tough love." The therapist helps the client to lay out, clearly and honestly, the harm being done to themselves and to others. The client, or the client and family together, choose the most urgent issues on which to focus. Together, client and therapist then work to reduce the harm that is being done, establishing goals and implementing gradual, realistic steps to achieve them.

At the Center, we work with the whole person. Drug and alcohol problems are addressed alongside other social, emotional, health and occupational concerns.

Just Say Know

We help you to look at all aspects of your life so that you can decide what is and what isn't working. The more you know about yourself, the better prepared you will be to make changes. The more you know about treatment options, the larger your range of solutions will be. Our program is insightful, humane and pragmatic.

"It's humane because you have to meet people on their own terms rather than confronting them on yours... It's pragmatic because harm reduction accepts substance use as a fact of life and recognizes its role as a way of coping with the consequences of social problems. It does not try to remove a person's primary coping mechanisms until others are in place," G. Alan Marlatt

Our Program

Comprehensive assessment of substance use, emotional or psychiatric, social and vocational issues

Brief educational group to orient new clients to the harm reduction model
Individual therapy centered on collaboratively developed goals

Trauma-specific treatments

Group therapy (optional)

Medication-assisted treatment: psychiatric and addiction medicine, including opiate replacement therapy

DanceSafe

DanceSafe.org
About DanceSafe

DanceSafe is a 501(c)(3) public health organization promoting health and safety within the nightlife and electronic music community. Founded in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1998 by Emanuel Sferios, DanceSafe quickly grew into a national organization with chapters in cities across North America.

Our Principles

DanceSafe has two fundamental operating principles: harm reduction and peer-based, popular education. Combining these two principles has enabled us to create successful, peer-based educational programs to reduce drug misuse and empower young people to make healthy, informed lifestyle choices. We are known for bringing adulterant screening (a.k.a., "pill testing," "drug checking") to the rave and nightlife community in the U.S., and for distributing unbiased educational literature describing the effects and risks associated with the use of various drugs. We also started the only publicly accessible laboratory analysis program for ecstasy in North America, currently hosted and managed by Erowid at EcstasyData.org. We neither condone nor condemn drug use. Rather, we provide a non-judgmental perspective to help support people who use drugs in making informed decisions about their health and safety.

Our Initiatives and Services

Provide safe spaces to engage in conversations about health, drug use, and personal safety;

Provide free water and electrolytes to prevent dehydration and heatstroke;
Provide free safe sex tools to avoid unwanted pregnancies and the spread of STIs;

Provide free ear plugs to prevent hearing loss;

Provide honest, fact-based, unbiased information on drug effects and potential harms to empower users to make informed decisions;

Offer a nonjudgmental first-point of contact to risky or challenging situations;

Offer drug checking services to prevent overdose and death; and

Work with promoters and local stakeholders to advocate for safety first approaches.

Erowid

Erowid.org
Our Mission

Erowid is a member-supported organization providing access to reliable, non-judgmental information about psychoactive plants, chemicals, and related issues. We work with academic, medical, and experiential experts to develop and publish new resources, as well as to improve and increase access to already existing resources. We also strive to ensure that these resources are maintained and preserved as a historical record for the future.

Our Vision

We imagine a world where people treat psychoactives with respect and awareness; where people work together to collect and share knowledge in ways that strengthen their understanding of themselves and provide insight into the complex choices faced by individuals and societies alike. We believe that truth, accuracy, and integrity in publishing information about psychoactives will lead to healthier and more balanced choices, behaviors, and policies around all psychoactive medications, entheogens, herbs, and recreational drugs. Erowid's vision is to facilitate and create resources that are part of the evolution towards this goal.

BlueLight

Bluelight.org
Overview

Bluelight is an international, online, harm-reduction community committed to reducing the harms associated with drug use.

Disclaimer

Bluelight neither condemns nor condones the use of drugs. Rather, we accept that drug use will always exist irrespective of legal status or societal norms. While there is no truly safe way to use drugs, we understand that prohibition and abstinence are not realistic or desirable solutions for everyone, nor have they been adequate in addressing the serious public health concerns associated with drug use.

Philosophy

While there is no universal definition of drug-related harm reduction, Bluelight believes that through frank and open discussion we are able to deliver accurate information, eliminate misinformation and empower individuals to make wiser, more responsible choices.

Bluelight understands that drug use encompasses a broad range of behaviors, some safer than others, and that drug use can progress towards increased risk with some individuals. We encourage our community to be honest and cognizant of their drug use and understand the warning signs of abuse and addiction before they manifest.

Support

Bluelight also hosts a robust recovery community for those seeking a way out of drug abuse and addiction. These forums invite visitors to discuss addiction and sobriety in a non-judgmental setting, share recovery resources and encourage members to seek help. We believe there are various roads to recovery, including 12-step programs such as Narcotics/Alcoholics Anonymous and alternatives such as SMART Recovery.

Psychonaut Wiki

PsychonautWiki.org
PsychonautWiki is a community-driven online encyclopedia that aims to document the field of psychonautics in a comprehensive, scientifically-grounded manner. Our primary motivations include:
documenting all aspects of psychonautic theory and practice (including meditation, lucid dreaming, psychoactive substance use, sensory deprivation, ritual, etc.) from an evidence-based, academic perspective
providing accessible education, encouraging safe practices, and reforming cultural taboos around the responsible use of psychoactive substances, utilizing both expert and crowd-based sources
promoting a culture of free thought and personal autonomy by safeguarding the information needed to make informed decisions over altering one's body and consciousness

TripSit.me

TripSit.me
Mission

We are TripSit - Our mission is to provide open discussion of harm reduction techniques and positive support. We promote the use of harm reduction tools such as test kits, and offer guidance and support with regards to harm reduction when using drugs. We encourage discussion of scientific, medical, philosophical understandings, and many of us can provide advice based on life experiences, an invaluable asset for someone who may be experiencing a similar issue. We are eager, willing, and prepared to guide or 'tripsit' users who may be having a hard time while under the influence of drugs.

Our Team

Our experienced team understands the good and bad side of drugs and we understand that individuals will use drugs regardless of their current legality. Its for that reasons that we are here to help by reducing the risks associated with reckless or uninformed consumption of drugs in all environments while providing support and assistance to those who need it. Whether you need someone to talk to, advice on safe dosage, a simple water bottle, or supportive techniques for recovery we are here for you.

Our Network

Our network is comprised of an IRC chat team dedicated to 24/7 live support from quick information to a friendly guide through difficult experience. We also offer a drug-information wiki for those seeking quick information and a live radio service for those seeking musical company.

Our Support

Overall, the TripSit team is here to help you stay safe as possible if you choose to use substances. Even though we are not trained professionals, we are unpaid volunteers that take the time out of our day to support people in need. We are here for you. Whether you need information, someone to answer questions without judgement, a testing kit, or just a place to hang out and talk with friends we hope to be there.

We live in a day and age where the influence of drugs is as present in our lives as it has ever been and we strongly believe that there is a need to ensure that people have the same ease-of-access to the information and supplies needed to stay safe. So, from all of us here at TripSit: Stay safe, and learn.

Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP)

Overview

Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) is the largest global youth-led network dedicated to ending the War on Drugs. At its heart, SSDP is a grassroots organization, led by a Board of Directors primarily elected by and from our student and youth members. We bring young people of all political and ideological orientations together to have honest conversations about drugs and drug policy. We create change by providing a platform where members collaborate, communicate, share resources with, and coach each other to generate policy change, deliver honest drug education, and promote harm reduction. Founded in 1998, SSDP is comprised of thousands of members in hundreds of communities around the globe.
Students for Sensible Drug Policy is an international grassroots network of students who are concerned about the impact of drug misuse on our communities, but who also know that the "War on Drugs" is failing our generation and our society.

Mission Statement

SSDP mobilizes and empowers young people to participate in the political process, pushing for sensible policies to achieve a safer and more just future. SSDP does this while fighting back against counterproductive policies - in particular, those that directly harm students and youth.

Shared Values

Shared power and authority

Youth-controlled agenda

Collaboration and partnership

Constituent-specific strategies

Learning

Diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism

Values Statement

SSDP neither condones nor condemns drug use. Instead, we respect the right of individuals to make decisions about their own health and well-being. We promote youth civic engagement as a critical tool in reforming drug policy. SSDP respects the diverse experiences and identities of our constituents. We develop leaders who advocate for policy changes based on justice, liberty, compassion, and reason.

Structure

SSDP is comprised of youth-led chapters across the globe. Any young person can start a chapter on their campus or in their community. While SSDP has a variety of campaigns and actions anyone can support, chapters are encouraged to address the most urgent issues in their communities. Annually, SSDP members convene for a global conference where young people acquire essential community organizing and activist knowledge and skills, forge bonds to support lifelong advocacy, and govern the organization through voting on resolutions and electing student Directors of the Board, who fill two-thirds of the seats on the board.

Drug Policy Alliance (DPA)

Vision

The Drug Policy Alliance envisions a just society in which the use and regulation of drugs are grounded in science, compassion, health and human rights, in which people are no longer punished for what they put into their own bodies but only for crimes committed against others, and in which the fears, prejudices and punitive prohibitions of today are no more.

Mission

Our mission is to advance those policies and attitudes that best reduce the harms of both drug use and drug prohibition, and to promote the sovereignty of individuals over their minds and bodies.

A Broad Coalition

Our supporters are individuals who believe the war on drugs must end. Together we work to ensure that our nation's drug policies no longer arrest, incarcerate, disenfranchise and otherwise harm millions - particularly young people and people of color who are disproportionately affected by the war on drugs.

Our Values & Priorities

Extensively reducing the role of criminalization in drug policy, so that people are no longer punished for what they put into their bodies

Advocating for responsible and equitable legal regulation of marijuana to reduce the harms caused by prohibition and bring in new sources of tax revenue

Promoting health-centered drug policies by advocating for services such as treatment on demand, supervised consumption services, drug maintenance therapies, and syringe access programs

Empowering youth, parents and educators with honest, reality-based drug education that moves beyond inaccurate, fear-based messages and zero-tolerance policies

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The Zendo Project collection of mental health resources, crisis support, psychedelic integration, psychedelic support How to Support a Bad Trip or Emotional Challenge Disclaimer The Zendo Project and its staff and volunteers do not provide mental health or medical services. The Zendo Project's Peer Support Services are not a substitute for medical, psychological, or psychiatric diagnosis, treatment, or advice.

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Is your "lite" beer light in alcohol?

Not necessarily. Although they have fewer calories, many light beers have almost as much alcohol as regular beer-about 85% as much, or 4.2% versus 5.0% alcohol by volume, on average.

Check the alcohol content of your beverage. Malt beverages are not required to list their alcohol content on the labels, so you may need to visit the bottler's Web site.

See What's a standard drink?

How many "drinks" are in a bottle of wine?

A typical 25-ounce (750 ml) bottle of table wine holds about 5 "standard" drinks, each containing about 5 ounces. This serving size of wine contains about the same amount of alcohol as a 12-ounce regular beer or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof spirits.

Get to know what 5 ounces looks like by measuring it out at home. That way you can estimate how many standard drinks you're being served in a restaurant or bar that uses large glasses and generous serving sizes.

See What's a standard drink?

Mixing alcohol with certain medications can cause nausea, headaches, drowsiness, fainting, a loss of coordination, internal bleeding, heart problems, and difficulties in breathing. Alcohol can also make a medication less effective. For more information, see Harmful Interactions: Mixing Alcohol with Medicines.

Examples of medical conditions for which it's safest to avoid drinking include liver disease (such as from hepatitis C), bipolar disorder, abnormal heart rhythm, and chronic pain.

Among the dangers of underage drinking:

Each year, an estimated 5,000 people under age 21 die from alcohol-related injuries.

The younger people are when they start to drink, the more likely they are to develop alcohol use disorder at some point in their lives.

Underage drinking is illegal-an arrest can lead to losing a job, a driver's license, or a college scholarship.

Even moderate amounts of alcohol can significantly impair driving performance and your ability to operate other machinery, whether or not you feel the effects of alcohol.

Heavy drinking during pregnancy can cause brain damage and other serious problems in the baby. Because it is not yet known whether any amount of alcohol is safe for a developing baby, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not drink.

Highest risk

About 50% of people who drink in this group have alcohol use disorder.

Increased risk

This "increased risk" category contains three different drinking pattern groups. Overall, nearly 20% of people who drink in this category have alcohol use disorder.

Low-risk drinking

Only about 2% of drinkers in this group has alcohol use disorder.

A U.S. standard drink contains about 0.6 fluid ounces or 14 grams of pure alcohol (also known as an alcoholic drink-equivalent). That's the amount in 12 ounces of regular beer, 5 ounces of table wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits.

Distilled spirits include vodka, whiskey, gin, rum, and tequila.

Light to moderate drinking

Men: Up to 2 drinks per day

Women: Up to 1 drink per day

Heavy or at-risk drinking

Men: More than 4 drinks on any day or more than 14 drinks per week

Women: More than 3 drinks on any day or more than 7 drinks per week

Low-risk drinking

Men: No more than 4 drinks on any day and no more than 14 per week

Women: No more than 3 drinks on any day and no more than 7 per week

People with a parent, grandparent, or other close relative with alcoholism have a higher risk for becoming dependent on alcohol. For many, it may be difficult to maintain low-risk drinking habits.

Pace yourself: It's best to have no more than one standard drink per hour, with nonalcoholic "drink spacers" between alcohol beverages. On any day, stay within low-risk levels of no more than 4 drinks for men or 3 for women. Note that it takes about 2 hours for the adult body to completely break down a single drink. Do not drive after drinking.

For comparison, regular beer is 5% alcohol by volume (alc/vol), table wine is about 12% alc/vol, and straight 80-proof distilled spirits is 40% alc/vol.

The percent alcohol by volume (alc/vol) for distilled spirits is listed on bottle labels and may be found online as well. It is half the "proof," such that 80-proof spirits is 40% alc/vol.

Convert proof to alc/vol

Enter in the proof of the alcohol in the left field to automatically calculate the alc/vol.

Convert to fluid ounces

Enter in the measurement in milliliters in the left field to automatically calculate the amount in fluid ounces.

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How much is too much - Rethinking Drinking - NIAAA

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Not necessarily. Although they have fewer calories, many light beers have almost as much alcohol as regular beer-about 85% as much, or 4.2% versus 5.0% alcohol by volume, on average. Check the alcohol content of your beverage. Malt beverages are not required to list their alcohol content on the labels, so you may need to visit the bottler's Web site.

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About prescription drugs from our friends at Cal. 

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About prescription drugs from our friends at Cal. 

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All registered students at the University of California are required to meet the university's health insurance mandate. Registered UC Berkeley undergraduate and graduate students are automatically enrolled in the Berkeley Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) as a way to meet this mandate.

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People use drugs for many reasons, including for fun, to celebrate, to manage physical and mental health challenges, and to cope with stress. The truth is that all drug use carries potential risks - and benefits. And we know arrests and zero tolerance policies don't stop people from using drugs or protect them from potential harms. In fact, they often increase harms.

At the Drug Policy Alliance, we believe that everyone needs honest, accurate, and non-judgmental information about drugs so they can reduce harm, enhance pleasure, and stay safe. Below are six essential tips that can help us take care of ourselves and each other so drugs can be used in ways that minimize harms and maximize benefits.

1. Where's Your Head At?

An important first step for safer drug use is to review and understand your set (your mental state, mood, expectations) and setting (your physical and social environment). Your frame of mind and the environment you are in can play a huge role in whether or not you have a positive and safe experience.

For example, feelings such as stress or fear, or being in an uncomfortable environment could lead to an unpleasant experience. Meanwhile relaxed or calm feelings while in a warm, welcoming environment are more likely to lead to a pleasant experience. Draw on past experiences with alcohol and other drugs, if you have used them before. Drawing on your past experiences can help you better understand what kind of choices may make sense for you, or which to avoid. Remember - if you are not in the right headspace, you do not have to use and you can stop at any time.

2. Make a Plan

If you decide to use drugs, make a plan beforehand. If you are going out or celebrating with people, make a plan for responsible transportation (i.e., ride sharing, having a designated driver, taxis), use the buddy system, and keep an eye on each other. Check out our Safer Partying checklist for more tips.

If you are alone, let someone know what you're taking and when and ask them to check in on you periodically with a text, phone call, or online. If you don't know who to call, you can use the Never Use Alone hotline (1-800-484-3731) and someone will stay on the line with you. Test the substance to know what you're taking (see tip 4), plan your dose in advance, start with a small amount and wait until you feel the effects until you take more.

And if you decide to avoid drug use or are struggling and need support, there are helpful resources about harm reduction programs, treatment and counseling options.

3. Pick One Drug and Take It Slow

The best plan for a safer and more manageable experience is to pick one substance, take it slow, and stick with it, particularly if you are using a drug for the first time. If you can't stick to that, try to just do one substance at a time. There's plenty of hours in the night - if you're going to start by drinking, taper off at least an hour or two before starting something else. Or if you know in advance you can't hold to that rule, research drug interactions on Erowid.org.

Mixing is not recommended because many overdose deaths are due to polysubstance use (using more than one drug). Most overdoses involve opioids, and many happen because of combination of opioids with other drugs. Alcohol, benzodiazepines, and cocaine are some of the riskiest drugs to use with heroin and other opioids so it's best not to combine them. If that's not possible, consume less of each drug and remember to never use alone.

Important Note: Even if you take these steps to be safer, it's important to remember that prohibition has resulted in an unregulated market with a contaminated drug supply, which has allowed synthetic opioids such as fentanyl to become the leading driver of overdose deaths. Fentanyl, which used to be found primarily in the underground opioid supply, has been found in some stimulants.

Synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and other substances are often mixed into other drugs resulting in a much higher potency. People are often unaware of the contents or purity of their drugs which leaves them at increased risk of overdose. One way to reduce the harm from a contaminated drug supply to know what you're taking is through drug checking (see next point).

4. Test It Before You Ingest It

Due to drug prohibition, most drugs you buy are coming from an unregulated market.

Drug checking (also known as pill testing or adulterant screening) allows people who use drugs to identify the contents within the drug they intend on taking. With this information, you may be able to make an informed decision about whether or not to use the substance, and you can then take the right precautions to stay safe. Simple identification methods, such as reagents (liquid drops that can be applied to a small sample of a substance with minimal user training) and drug checking strips, can help prevent drug-related injury and overdose. With fentanyl-related drug overdose deaths increasing dramatically, fentanyl checking strips are a crucial way to keep people safer from accidental overdose.

Watch our video to learn more about drug checking and visit DanceSafe or Bunk Police to purchase drug checking kits.

5. Recognize and Prevent Drug Emergencies and Overdose

Overdoses and other drug-related medical emergencies are preventable and don't have to be fatal. There are many harm reduction strategies to make drug use safer. And if there is an emergency, anyone can take action to save a life as long as they know what to look for.
Learn harm reduction tips and the signs of a drug overdose or medical emergency for some commonly used drugs - including alcohol, cannabis, MDMA, heroin/opiates, psychedelics, cocaine and other stimulants - and the steps you can take to keep people safe.
As the overdose crisis grows with many of these preventable deaths due to opioids, there are two critical tips people who use opioids should always follow:

1. Don't use alone because it leaves you with no help if an emergency arises increasing the risk of fatal overdose,

2. and carry naloxone* which is a critical tool that reverses overdose that should be accessible to everyone.

*Naloxone (also called Narcan®) is an inexpensive, FDA-approved generic drug that works to reverse an opioid overdose, including fentanyl overdose, by restoring breath to unconscious overdose victims. Check out more about naloxone and how to administer it and visit the National Harm Reduction Coalition to find naloxone near you.

6. Spread Awareness to Keep People Safe

Empowering as many people as possible with accurate information is one of the most effective ways to promote safer drug use. It's starts with people like you. If you're reading this page, you already know more than most about this lifesaving information. Help us keep even more people safe by sharing these tips with your friends, family, and on social media.

Treating drug use as a crime instead of a health issue has punished people instead of providing the critical tools and resources that are proven to help save lives. DPA is committed to changing that by empowering people with honest, accurate, and non-judgmental information about drugs so if someone chooses to use they'll stay safe.

If you're interested in staying updated on drug facts and other ways to support equitable drug policies, you can sign up for DPA's emails here and join our fight to end the drug war.

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People use drugs for many reasons, including for fun, to celebrate, to manage physical and mental health challenges, and to cope with stress. The truth is that all drug use carries potential risks - and benefits.

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People under age 21 cannot legally have any alcohol in their systems while driving.

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NEED has fentanyl test strips! We are hearing more and more about fentanyl in meth as well as in heroin. Come to NEED's sites to get strips that test for the presence of fentanyl.

NEED offers overdose prevention treatment through the distribution of naloxone, an opioid antagonist that can prevent overdoses. Naloxone (also known as Narcan) is available at all three of our sites.

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After 30 years at Hearst and San Pablo, NEED's Thursday site is moving.

Effective July 15, 2021, NEED's Thursday site will be located at University Avenue between 9th and 10th Streets (on the north side of the street).

Thursday site's hours will remain the same: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

NEED will provide the same services at the new Thursday site that it did at the old site at Hearst and San Pablo.

Look for NEED's white van!

NEED volunteers will be located at the old site for a few weeks to direct participants to the new site.

The new site is around the corner from the old site. To get to our new Thursday site from our old site, travel south on San Pablo Avenue and turn right on University Avenue. Our new site is a block from San Pablo, in front of Bauman College (between Ninth and Tenth Streets).

NEED's Tuesday and Sunday sites will remain unchanged.

Confused? Contact us by phone or email and we can help.

Spread the word!

In Response to COVID-19:

All of our fixed sites (Sunday Evening, Tuesday, and Thursday) are running

Please do not come to site if you are experiencing symptoms

Sites may run more slowly, please give ample time & look for signs about how site is operating

We do not have masks / supplies to protect from or reduce viral spread

Berkeley NEED Sunday Outreach (Sunday Mornings in People's Park) is temporarily cancelled

Stay safe! And remember, we love you!

COVID-19 Harm Reduction Links

Other News

NEED has fentanyl test strips! We are hearing more and more about fentanyl in meth as well as in heroin. Come to NEED's sites to get strips that test for the presence of fentanyl.

Need help using fentanyl test strips? Click here for our fentanyl test strips instructions and click here for some tips on more successful and accurate fentanyl testing.

NEED offers overdose prevention treatment through the distribution of naloxone, an opioid antagonist that can prevent overdoses. Naloxone (also known as Narcan) is available at all three of our sites.

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Berkeley NEED : Needle Exchange Emergency Distribution

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After 30 years at Hearst and San Pablo, NEED's Thursday site is moving. Effective July 15, 2021, NEED's Thursday site will be located at University Avenue between 9th and 10th Streets (on the north side of the street). Thursday site's hours will remain the same: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

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Mindfulness meditation playlist on YouTube

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Mindfulness meditation playlist on YouTube

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Check out this playlist of mindfulness practices to help manage stress, bring focus, and increase feelings of wellbeing.

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10 Minute Mindfulness Meditation for Teens

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Welcome to our Health Center's e-portal for mental health counseling referrals.

In the State of California, minors 12 and older can consent to their own mental health treatment and counseling services, under certain circumstances.

Our services are available to all BHS, BTA, and BIS students, and our services are free and confidential. There are a few exceptions to confidentiality related to safety, and a counselor will explain these exceptions to you. A counselor will also discuss with you any safety-related information that you share in this form.

Please answer the following questions. After you submit this form, a counselor will contact you to discuss next steps.

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Berkeley High School Health Center - Counseling Referral Form

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Welcome to our Health Center's e-portal for mental health counseling referrals. In the State of California, minors 12 and older can consent to their own mental health treatment and counseling services, under certain circumstances. Our services are available to all BHS, BTA, and BIS students, and our services are free and confidential.

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Teen Line's highly trained teen listeners provide support, resources and hope to any teen who is struggling.

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Teen Line | Teens Support hotline - Connect, talk, get help!

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If you have a problem or just want to talk with another teen who understands, this is the place for you! Support, resources, and hope to any teen struggling.

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How to Talk to My Friends

How to Talk to My Parents or Guardian

Social Media and Mental Health

Your Mental Health and School

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NAMI Ending the Silence

A presentation for middle and high school students, school staff and parents or guardians.

NAMI In Our Own Voice

A presentation by people with mental health conditions to promote awareness and recovery.

Contact Your Local NAMI

Across the country, thousands of trained volunteers bring peer-led programs and lived experience to your community.

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Teenage years bring on so much change that it can leave your head spinning. Your body begins to change, you sound/look more like an adult and keeping up with friends can feel like a full-time job. What you may not realize is that while your body matures, so does your brain.

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Teen suicide hotlines and teen suicide chat are available 24/7 when you need them. When you are feeling suicidal, there is no time to wait, a suicidal teen must get help now. While calling 9-1-1 is appropriate when there is an imminent risk to life (such as if a teen has ingested an overdose of medication), for suicidal feelings alone, a teen suicide hotline or teen suicide chat can be a way of getting immediate help with those feelings.

There are several teen suicide prevention lines available in the United States and other helplines designed to handle additional distress (such as in cases of abuse) that may be related to suicidal feelings.

Teenage Suicide Hotlines

The main suicide hotline for all of the United States is not teen specific but works with teens every day. It is The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Lifeline is a free and confidential 24-hour hotline for anyone experiencing emotional distress, including those thinking about suicide.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

A teen-specific suicide prevention lifeline is the one run by Boys Town National Hotline (for everyone, not just men), available 24 hours a day. You can also send this hotline an email and they will respond within 48 hours.

Youth Helpline, Your Life Your Voice: 1-800-448-3000

Another teen suicide hotline is available specifically for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning (LGBTQ) youth. The Trevor Project is a 24-hour-a-day hotline.

The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386

Keep in mind, there are also many suicide hotlines that serve only a local area as well. Find these teen suicide hotline numbers here.

Teen Suicide Chat - Text Messaging

Of course, many teens are used to communicating via text message and so, because of this, suicide hotlines also offer teen suicide text messaging help. This service, however, is typically not available 24 hours a day, seven days a week like the above hotlines are.

Youth Helpline, Your Life, Your Voice offers teen suicide chat via text message from 6:00 p.m.-midnight (CST) every day. Text "VOICE" to 20121 to start. Text with a counselor for free with the following carriers: AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, Virgin, Cricket, Nextel, Boost, MetroPCS (standard message & data rates may apply for other carriers).

The Trevor Project offers LGBTQ youth text chat from 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. on Fridays only. Text "Trevor" to 1-202-304-1200 to start. (Standard text messaging rates apply.)

Teen Suicide Chat - Online Chat

Teen suicide prevention lines also offer online chat services. This could be a convenient way to get help for suicidal feelings for those who may not be comfortable talking on the phone.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers Lifeline Crisis Chat, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Youth Hotline, Your Life, Your Voice offers teen suicide chat from Monday-Friday, 6:00 p.m.-midnight (CST).

The Trevor Project offers TrevorChat, a teenage suicide chat for LGBTQ youth, seven days a week from 3:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. (EST).

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Teen suicide hotlines and teen suicide chat are available 24/7 when you need them. When you are feeling suicidal, there is no time to wait, a suicidal teen must get help now.

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There's no shortage of mindfulness and meditation apps these days, promising to help you combat anxiety, sleep better, hone your focus, and more. In fact, the Wall Street Journal reports that more than 2,000 new meditation apps launched between 2015 and 2018, and offerings have only increased as a result of higher demand during the pandemic-according to the New York Times, mindfulness apps surged in 2020. We took the overwhelm out of finding the most valuable and easy-to-use meditation apps that are available free and narrowed it down to these four apps.

4 Free Meditation Apps We're Happy We Downloaded

Available for iOS, Android, and web

Entry price: Free

Insight Timer has a huge library of content: over 80,000 free guided meditations from over 10,000 teachers on topics like stress, relationships, healing, sleep, creativity, and more.

Right from the beginning, the app feels like a global community-the world map on the home screen shows a collective of 18 million meditators, and announces, "741k today, 7k now." After you finish a meditation, you'll learn exactly how many people were meditating "with you" during that time-and by setting your location, you can even see meditators nearby and what tracks they're listening to.

Once you find a teacher you enjoy-like Jack Kornfield, Tara Brach, Sharon Salzberg, or Rhonda Magee -you can follow them to make sure you don't miss any new content. You can also tune in to free talks for life advice and inspiration. For those craving real-time interactions, Insight Timer offers live events every hour of the day to join on a whim or plan into your schedule.

You can even sign up to Circle for Teams, one of their newer offerings, which allows you to create circles (read: groups) to meditate in real-time with friends or colleagues.

If you prefer a quieter meditation, however, you can simply set a timer and meditate to intermittent bells, calming ambient noise, or soothing music.

Depending on your preferences, Insight Timer's extensive collection can be either a blessing or a curse-an endless list of choices that leave you overwhelmed or a buffet of tempting options to sink your teeth into.

Paid option: For $60 per year (with a 30-day free trial), you get access to courses with well-known teachers, the ability to download meditations and listen offline, and advanced player functions like repeat mode and fast forward and rewind.

Available for iOS, Android, and web

Entry price: Free

Smiling Mind hits the sweet spot for a free mindfulness app in so many ways.

The not-for-profit app features hundreds of meditations, enough to keep you engaged without overwhelming you with choice. They are organized into structured programs like Mindful Foundations (35 sessions), Sleep (6 sessions), Digital Detox (8 sessions), and Stress Management (10 sessions), but you have the flexibility to choose where to start and to easily jump between programs. Most meditations are in the five- to fifteen-minute range, with a few practices up to 45 minutes for advanced meditators. Smiling Mind also offers bite-sized meditations between 2 to 5 minutes for moments when you're in need of a quick, mindful pause in the day.

Downloaded by over 5.5 million people, the app also has a variety of specialized programs for families, children and teens of various ages, healthcare workers, and educators (including curricula they can use in the classroom); all developed with the help of psychologists and health professionals.

While you could use a meditation app as a temporary break from your hectic life, Smiling Mind wants you to take your mindfulness practice off the cushion and into the rest of your day. Interspersed with some of the meditation programs are instructions for "activities" like Journaling Exercise, Go Offline, Where Did My Food Come From, and Count Your Senses. In the Count Your Senses activity, for example, the audio prompts you to bring your attention to your senses by counting things that can be seen, felt, heard, smelled and tasted.

Smiling Mind was originally created for kids, so they offer a robust selection of kid- and youth-appropriate mindfulness sessions.

Created by a nonprofit by the same name, Smiling Mind is entirely free-so you don't have the distraction of paid content that's inaccessible to you as a free user. The app wants to put a "smile on your mind"-and it might just succeed.

Paid option: None

Available for iOS and Android

Entry price: Free

If all the research on mindfulness has persuaded you that you need to meditate, the UCLA Mindful app could be a good place to start.

Developed by the Mindful Awareness Research Center at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), the app features about a dozen meditations of different types in English and Spanish. You can learn to focus on your breath, your body, or sounds; work with difficult emotions; and cultivate loving-kindness in sessions ranging from 3 to 19 minutes long.

If you're new to mindfulness, you might choose to take advantage of their Getting Started section, which offers information on what mindfulness is, how to choose a meditation, which posture is best for your practice, and what research-backed benefits you might expect from it.

As a bonus, the app also offers longer meditations that it calls "podcasts." These are half-hour audio recordings of meditations that include talks, typically by UCLA Director of Mindfulness Education Diana Winston, before and after the meditation, as well as plenty of silent practice time.

If you're looking for an app that is heavily grounded in the science of mindfulness, you can put your trust in UCLA Mindful.

Paid option: None

Available for iOS and Android

Entry price: Free

The Healthy Minds Program app wants to help you develop the skills for a healthy mind-by strengthening mental focus, decreasing stress, and growing resilience, compassion, and better immune health.

Founded by neuroscientist Dr. Richard Davidson (who also founded the research institute Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin-Madison), the app integrates neuroscience and research-based techniques with meditation training to increase overall well-being.

The framework of the app's mindfulness and well-being training is organized into four pillars: Awareness, Connection, Insight, and Purpose. Each pillar consists of three to five parts, and each part contains three series and multiple sessions within. For the Connection pillar, for example, the Innate Self-Worth series includes five sessions packaged to foster self-worth (think sessions like Practice Seeing the Good In Ourselves, and Learn Negativity Bias). You have a choice of either a Sitting or Active type of practice-"active" practices include guidance for being mindful while you exercise, or during your commute-and you can customize the length of time (five minutes to 30 minutes).

The app offers a collection of 27 meditations outside their four-pillar wellness framework, including one-minute Micro Practices for when you're in need of a brief respite.

At times the podcast-style app may encourage more thinking compared to typical guided meditations, but for the listener who is seeking guided meditations with the greater goal to increase awareness, cognition, and well-being, Healthy Minds Program app may be just the ticket.

Paid option: None

When we meditate, we inject far-reaching and long-lasting benefits into our lives: We lower our stress levels, we get to know our pain, we connect better, we improve our focus, and we're kinder to ourselves. Let us walk you through the basics in our new mindful guide on how to meditate. Read More

Practicing gratitude has incredible effects, from improving our mental health to boosting our relationships with others. Explore ways you can be more appreciative in our mindful guide to gratitude. Read More

Mindful writing can lead you on the path of inner discovery. It can be the place where your experience meets your mindfulness practice, a place to encounter the twists and turns of your emotional life-and a bit of solid ground to stand on. Read More

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Free Meditation Apps Worthy of Your Attention

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We scoured the app stores to find the most popular, educational, and easy-to-use free meditation apps available.

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The Benefits of Journaling for Stress Management

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The Benefits of Journaling for Stress Management

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Is Journaling an Effective Stress Management Tool?

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Read the research behind the positive effects of journaling. Learn how journaling can reduce stress and improve health and wellbeing.

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5 Benefits of Journaling for Mental Health

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We explore the benefits of journaling for mental health. Included are guidance and steps to get started.

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Each person's "healthiest self" is different. We have different bodies, minds, living situations, and people influencing our lives. Each area can impact your overall health. This means we each have a unique set of health needs. Use our wellness toolkits to find ways to improve your well-being in any area you'd like.

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Each person's "healthiest self" is different. We have different bodies, minds, living situations, and people influencing our lives.

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Learn how to handle cravings

Keep your mind and hands busy when you have the urge to vape.

Get
support

Surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed ... like a
Quit Coach.

Set A Quit Date

Choose a date when you want to be finished, then
go for it.

Think positively

Say, "I am becoming the person I
want to be."

Find A Reason To Quit

Something major - like your health, family, or wallet.

List your triggers

Make a plan to deal
with them.

Take control of your environment

Go where you know people won't
be vaping.

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Quit Vaping │ Double your chances of quitting

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Learn how to handle cravings Keep your mind and hands busy when you have the urge to vape. Get support Surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed ... like a Quit Coach. Set A Quit Date Choose a date when you want to be finished, then go for it.

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Additional help for people who want to quit. 

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Additional help for people who want to quit. 

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Kick It California offers an automated text program with messages tailored to help at critical points along the quit journey, including tips to deal with motivation, planning, getting support, self-talk, and recovering from slips. Once enrolled, the young person can text us with questions and a Quit Coach will respond.

To enroll or visit Text "Quit Vaping" to 66819 kickitca.org/text to learn more.

The Truth Initiative offers an automated text program for teens and young adults who want to quit vaping and a separate program for the parents and adults who are supporting them.

Learn more truthinitiative.org/thisisquitting

Download our NoVape mobile app to get quit tips, games, and breathing exercise.

Quit Coaching over the Phone

For 30 years, Kick It California has provided phone-based quit coaching that works. And we provide specific support for friends and family members who want to help someone quit.

English: 1-800-300-8086
Spanish: 1-800-600-8191
Chinese: 1-800-838-8917
Korean: 1-800-556-5564
Vietnamese: 1-800-778-8440

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Kick It California offers an automated text program with messages tailored to help at critical points along the quit journey, including tips to deal with motivation, planning, getting support, self-talk, and recovering from slips. Once enrolled, the young person can text us with questions and a Quit Coach will respond.

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B.R.A.D. | Be Responsible About Drinking

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If you encounter a person who exhibits one or more of the signs and symptoms CALL 911. Do what you would do in any medical emergency—call immediately. While waiting for 911 emergency transport, gently turn the intoxicated person on his/her side and maintain that position by placing a pillow in the s…

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About #WeLoveConsent

The mission of #WeLoveConsent is to help dismantle rape culture and build a consent culture within the electronic music and nightlife communities. This program seeks to mobilize the community to build a consent culture and to reduce the incidence of sexual violence in nightlife settings through consent education and bystander intervention.

A Note from DanceSafe:
We must acknowledge that rape culture permeates all social boundaries and that our community is not immune to its underpinnings. This is not to say that our community in its entirety perpetuates rape culture, but rather that regardless of where each one of us is in our understanding and practicing of consent, there's always room for improvement.

Now, more than ever, it's time to educate ourselves regarding the topics of rape culture and its relationship to sexual violence, what we can do to prevent it, and what we can do if it happens to us or a friend. While it's true the only person responsible for committing sexual violence is the perpetrator, we all have the ability to look out for one another and promote an inclusive, safe environment. If we remain humble and create space for our own growth, we have the opportunity to band together to dismantle rape culture and build a consent culture within our community. We encourage everyone in our community to recognize #WeLoveConsent as an invitation to be better.

#WeLoveConsent Initiatives & Services

#WeLoveConsent initiatives and services focus on building a consent culture and reducing the incidence of sexual violence in nightlife settings through consent education and bystander intervention. Current initiatives and services are outlined below in addition to #WeLoveConsent initiatives and services you can expect in the future.
Current Initiatives & Services

Provide safe spaces to engage in conversations about sex, consent, and rape culture;

Disseminate educational materials regarding consent, rape culture, bystander intervention, survivor support, and consent culture via online communication channels and on the ground at events;

Work with event producers and other key stakeholders to combat rape culture and build a consent culture; and

Mobilize the community to embody the values of #WeLoveConsent and actively work towards creating consent culture.

Get Involved, Support #WeLoveConsent

Donate, donate, donate!

You can donate directly to #WeLoveConsent here. Donations will help fund the development and implementation of #WeLoveConsent initiatives and services.

Do you support #WeLoveConsent and have a creative idea to help raise funds for the program? Email consent@dancesafe.org to start the discussion today! So far, we've teamed up with artists to host a sold-out #WeLoveConsent benefit show and released a #WeLoveConsent Sample Pack.
Don't Stand By, Stand Up!
This is a movement, not a moment! Too often, these issues are swept under the rug until the next big news story regarding sexual violence breaks. Let's be proactive, not reactive!

If we are truly going to dismantle rape culture and build a consent culture in our community, we must all use our voices to speak out against sexual violence and promote a consent culture on a regular basis. Talk to your friends and peers about consent and rape culture, share #WeLoveConsent content on your social media, support survivors, and be an active bystander.

Follow DanceSafe on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest on #WeLoveConsent.
Join the #WeLoveConsent Support Crew
We are interested in making this a program for the community by the community. Stay connected, get direct updates, and contribute ideas and constructive feedback via the #WeLoveConsent Support Crew Facebook Group.

#WeLoveConsent Resources
#WeLoveConsent Educational Content
#WeLoveConsent General Articles
#WeLoveConsent Toolbox Series #WeLoveConsent Educational Materials
If you are interested in distributing #WeLoveConsent educational materials, please email consent@dancesafe.org to access printable PDF files with crop marks and bleed.
#WeLoveConsent Additional Materials Additional Resources

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About #WeLoveConsent The mission of #WeLoveConsent is to help dismantle rape culture and build a consent culture within the electronic music and nightlife communities. This program seeks to mobilize the community to build a consent culture and to reduce the incidence of sexual violence in nightlife settings through consent education and bystander intervention.

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What are prescription drugs?

Prescription drugs are often strong medications, which is why they require a prescription from a doctor or dentist. There are three kinds of prescription drugs that are commonly misused:

Opioids-used to relieve pain

Depressants-used to relieve anxiety or help a person sleep

Stimulants- used for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Prescription drug misuse has become a large public health problem, because misuse can lead to addiction, and even overdose deaths.

What Makes Prescription Drug Misuse Unsafe

Every medication has some risk for harmful effects, sometimes serious ones. Doctors and dentists consider the potential benefits and risks to each patient before prescribing medications and take into account a lot of different factors, described below. When prescription drugs are misused, they can be just as dangerous as drugs that are made illegally.

Personal information. Before prescribing a drug, health providers consider a person's weight, how long they've been prescribed the medication, other medical conditions, and what other medications they are taking. Someone misusing prescription drugs may overload their system or put themselves at risk for dangerous drug interactions that can cause seizures, coma, or even death.

Form and dose. Doctors know how long it takes for a pill or capsule to dissolve in the stomach, release drugs to the blood, and reach the brain. When misused, prescription drugs are sometimes taken in larger amounts or in ways that change the way the drug works in the body and brain, putting the person at greater risk for an overdose. For example, when people who misuse OxyContin® crush and inhale the pills, a dose that normally works over the course of 12 hours hits the central nervous system all at once. This effect increases the risk for addiction and overdose.

Side effects. Prescription drugs are designed to treat a specific illness or condition, but they often affect the body in other ways, some of which can be uncomfortable, and in some cases, dangerous. These are called side effects. Side effects can be worse when prescription drugs are not taken as prescribed or are used in combination with other substances. See more on side effects below.

How Prescription Drugs are Misused

Taking someone else's prescription medication, even if it is for a medical reason (such as to relieve pain, to stay awake, or to fall asleep).

Taking a prescription medication in a way other than prescribed-for instance, taking more than the prescribed dose or taking it more often, or crushing pills into powder to snort or inject the drug.

Taking your own prescription in a way that it is not meant to be taken is also misuse. This includes taking more of the medication than prescribed or changing its form-for example, breaking or crushing a pill or capsule and then snorting the powder.

Taking the prescription medication to get "high."

Mixing it with alcohol or certain other drugs. Your pharmacist can tell you what other drugs are safe to use with specific prescription drugs.

Expand All

What happens to your brain when you misuse prescription drugs?

In the brain, neurotransmitters such as dopamine send messages by attaching to receptors on nearby cells. The actions of these neurotransmitters and receptors cause the effects from prescription drugs. Each class of prescription drugs works a bit differently in the brain and can cause actions similar to some illegal drugs:

Prescription opioid pain medications bind to molecules on cells known as opioid receptors-the same receptors that respond to heroin. These receptors are found on nerve cells in many areas of the brain and body, especially in brain areas involved in the perception of pain and pleasure.

Prescription stimulants, such as Ritalin, have similar effects to cocaine, by causing a buildup of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine.

Prescription depressants make a person feel calm and relaxed in the same manner as the club drugs GHB and rohypnol.

Learn more about how the brain works and what happens when a person misuses drugs.

What can happen to your body when you misuse prescription drugs?

Prescription drugs can help with medical problems when used as directed. However, whether they are used properly or misused, there can be side effects:

Using opioids like oxycodone and codeine can cause you to feel sleepy, sick to your stomach, and constipated. At higher doses, opioids can make it hard to breathe properly and can cause overdose and death.

Using stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin can make you feel paranoid (feeling like someone is going to harm you even though they aren't). It also can cause your body temperature to get dangerously high and make your heart beat too fast. This is especially likely if stimulants are taken in large doses or in ways other than swallowing a pill.

Using depressants like barbiturates can cause slurred speech, shallow breathing, sleepiness, disorientation, and lack of coordination. People who misuse depressants regularly and then stop suddenly may experience seizures. At higher doses depressants can also cause overdose and death, especially when combined with alcohol.

In addition, misusing over-the-counter drugs that contain DXM (an ingredient in cold and cough medicines) can also produce very dangerous effects. Read more about misuse of cough and cold medications.

Misusing any type of drug that causes changes in your mood, perceptions, and behavior can affect judgment and willingness to take risks-putting you at greater risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Can you overdose or die if you misuse prescription drugs?

Yes, more than half of the drug overdose deaths in the United States each year are caused by prescription drug misuse. Overdose deaths involving prescription drugs-including pain relievers, benzodiazepines and antidepressants-increased steadily throughout the 1990s, peaked in 2017 and then decreased steadily in 2018 and 2019. Increases were linked to a rise in the misuse of prescription opioid pain relievers, as well as the presence of fentanyl in the drug supply. In 2013, only 9% of deaths (1,630 deaths) involving prescription drugs also involved fentanyl. In 2019, more than 46% of deaths (10,400 deaths) involving prescription drugs also involved fentanyl. Among young people ages 15-24, deaths involving prescription drugs have been relatively steady over the last decade. ¹ Learn more about drug overdoses in youth.

Mixing different types of prescription drugs can be particularly dangerous. For example, benzodiazepines interact with opioids (pain relievers) and increase the risk of overdose. Also, combining opioids with alcohol can make breathing problems worse and can lead to death.

Are prescription drugs addictive?

Yes, prescription drugs that effect the brain, including opioid pain relievers, stimulants, and depressants, can cause physical dependence that could lead to addiction. Medications that affect the brain can change the way it works-especially when they are taken over a period of time or with increasing doses. They can change the reward system, making it harder for a person to feel good without the drug and possibly leading to intense cravings, which also make it hard to stop using.

This dependence on the drug happens because the brain and body adapt to having drugs in the system for a while. A person may need larger doses of the drug to get the same initial effects. This is known as "tolerance." When drug use is stopped, uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms can occur. When people continue to use the drug despite a range of negative consequences, it is considered an addiction. When a person is addicted to a drug, finding and using that drug can begin to feel like the most important thing-more important than family, friends, school, sports, or health.

Carefully following the doctor's or dentist's instructions for taking a medication can make it less likely that someone will develop dependence or addiction, because the medication is prescribed in amounts and forms that are considered appropriate for that person. However, dependence and addiction are still potential risks when taking certain types of prescription drugs. These risks should be carefully weighed against the benefits of the medication and patients should communicate any issues or concerns to their doctor right away.

Other kinds of medications that do not act in the brain, such as antibiotics used to treat infections, or drugs to help with heartburn, are not addictive.

What should I do if someone I know needs help?

If you or a friend are in crisis and need to speak with someone now, please call:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (they don't just talk about suicide-they cover a lot of issues and will help put you in touch with someone close by).

If you want to help a friend, you can:

If a friend is using drugs, you might have to step away from the friendship for a while. It is important to protect your own mental health and not put yourself in situations where drugs are being used.

For more information on how to help a friend or loved one, visit our Have a Drug Problem, Need Help? page.

Where can I get more information?

Drug Facts

Statistics and Trends

What happens to your brain when you misuse prescription drugs?

In the brain, neurotransmitters such as dopamine send messages by attaching to receptors on nearby cells. The actions of these neurotransmitters and receptors cause the effects from prescription drugs. Each class of prescription drugs works a bit differently in the brain and can cause actions similar to some illegal drugs:

Prescription opioid pain medications bind to molecules on cells known as opioid receptors-the same receptors that respond to heroin. These receptors are found on nerve cells in many areas of the brain and body, especially in brain areas involved in the perception of pain and pleasure.

Prescription stimulants, such as Ritalin, have similar effects to cocaine, by causing a buildup of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine.

Prescription depressants make a person feel calm and relaxed in the same manner as the club drugs GHB and rohypnol.

Learn more about how the brain works and what happens when a person misuses drugs.

What can happen to your body when you misuse prescription drugs?

Prescription drugs can help with medical problems when used as directed. However, whether they are used properly or misused, there can be side effects:

Using opioids like oxycodone and codeine can cause you to feel sleepy, sick to your stomach, and constipated. At higher doses, opioids can make it hard to breathe properly and can cause overdose and death.

Using stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin can make you feel paranoid (feeling like someone is going to harm you even though they aren't). It also can cause your body temperature to get dangerously high and make your heart beat too fast. This is especially likely if stimulants are taken in large doses or in ways other than swallowing a pill.

Using depressants like barbiturates can cause slurred speech, shallow breathing, sleepiness, disorientation, and lack of coordination. People who misuse depressants regularly and then stop suddenly may experience seizures. At higher doses depressants can also cause overdose and death, especially when combined with alcohol.

In addition, misusing over-the-counter drugs that contain DXM (an ingredient in cold and cough medicines) can also produce very dangerous effects. Read more about misuse of cough and cold medications.

Misusing any type of drug that causes changes in your mood, perceptions, and behavior can affect judgment and willingness to take risks-putting you at greater risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Can you overdose or die if you misuse prescription drugs?

Yes, more than half of the drug overdose deaths in the United States each year are caused by prescription drug misuse. Overdose deaths involving prescription drugs-including pain relievers, benzodiazepines and antidepressants-increased steadily throughout the 1990s, peaked in 2017 and then decreased steadily in 2018 and 2019. Increases were linked to a rise in the misuse of prescription opioid pain relievers, as well as the presence of fentanyl in the drug supply. In 2013, only 9% of deaths (1,630 deaths) involving prescription drugs also involved fentanyl. In 2019, more than 46% of deaths (10,400 deaths) involving prescription drugs also involved fentanyl. Among young people ages 15-24, deaths involving prescription drugs have been relatively steady over the last decade. ¹ Learn more about drug overdoses in youth.

Mixing different types of prescription drugs can be particularly dangerous. For example, benzodiazepines interact with opioids (pain relievers) and increase the risk of overdose. Also, combining opioids with alcohol can make breathing problems worse and can lead to death.

Are prescription drugs addictive?

Yes, prescription drugs that effect the brain, including opioid pain relievers, stimulants, and depressants, can cause physical dependence that could lead to addiction. Medications that affect the brain can change the way it works-especially when they are taken over a period of time or with increasing doses. They can change the reward system, making it harder for a person to feel good without the drug and possibly leading to intense cravings, which also make it hard to stop using.

This dependence on the drug happens because the brain and body adapt to having drugs in the system for a while. A person may need larger doses of the drug to get the same initial effects. This is known as "tolerance." When drug use is stopped, uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms can occur. When people continue to use the drug despite a range of negative consequences, it is considered an addiction. When a person is addicted to a drug, finding and using that drug can begin to feel like the most important thing-more important than family, friends, school, sports, or health.

Carefully following the doctor's or dentist's instructions for taking a medication can make it less likely that someone will develop dependence or addiction, because the medication is prescribed in amounts and forms that are considered appropriate for that person. However, dependence and addiction are still potential risks when taking certain types of prescription drugs. These risks should be carefully weighed against the benefits of the medication and patients should communicate any issues or concerns to their doctor right away.

Other kinds of medications that do not act in the brain, such as antibiotics used to treat infections, or drugs to help with heartburn, are not addictive.

What should I do if someone I know needs help?

If you or a friend are in crisis and need to speak with someone now, please call:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (they don't just talk about suicide-they cover a lot of issues and will help put you in touch with someone close by).

If you want to help a friend, you can:

If a friend is using drugs, you might have to step away from the friendship for a while. It is important to protect your own mental health and not put yourself in situations where drugs are being used.

For more information on how to help a friend or loved one, visit our Have a Drug Problem, Need Help? page.

Where can I get more information?

Drug Facts

Statistics and Trends

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Prescription Drug Facts, Effects, Teen Use | NIDA for Teens

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Prescription drugs are often strong medications, which is why they require a prescription from a doctor or dentist. There are three kinds of prescription drugs that are commonly misused: Opioids -used to relieve pain Depressants -used to relieve anxiety or help a person sleep Stimulants - used for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Prescription drug misuse has become a large public health problem, because misuse can lead to addiction, and even overdose deaths.

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Introduction

Adderall is a stimulant medication. It's used to manage the symptoms of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children. As more people are diagnosed with ADHD, more people are being prescribed this medication.

Adderall is a Schedule 2 drug. That means it's a controlled substance with high potential for abuse and addiction. Adderall comes with risks. Learn about Adderall abuse and the hazards of mixing the drug with alcohol.

Adderall is a stimulant and alcohol is a depressant. This does not mean that the two substances cancel each other out. Instead, they compete with each other in your body. This effect can cause serious problems.

Alcohol poisoning

Adderall can dull the symptoms of being drunk. So people who use Adderall and alcohol together are often not aware of how much alcohol they've consumed. This can lead to over-drinking and related consequences such as alcohol poisoning and risky behavior.

Heart problems

Adderall and other stimulant drugs carry some risk of heart problems. This risk is higher if you take a higher dosage than what's prescribed to you. The risk is also greater when you take the drug with alcohol. When used together, Adderall and alcohol may:

raise your body temperature

increase your heart rate

increase your blood pressure

cause an irregular heart rate

Behavioral issues

Drinking too much can reduce your inhibitions. It can also lead to aggressive behavior. Adding Adderall to the mix can increase both these effects.

You should not drink alcohol during treatment with Adderall. Not only can combining the two cause dangerous effects on your body, but it may also make your ADHD worse.

People with ADHD may have a problem in the parts of the brain that link to self-control, attention, critical thinking, and impulsivity. Symptoms of ADHD include:

trouble concentrating and staying on task

impulsivity

restlessness

impatience

easy distraction

forgetfulness

disorganization

ADHD is also linked with lower levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. These are known as the feel-good neurotransmitters. They are part of your body's reward system. Both chemicals kick in when you experience something positive. This can include falling in love, getting a promotion, or winning a prize.

In an effort to manage symptoms better, people with ADHD may turn to alcohol or other substances. In the short term, alcohol can increase dopamine levels, which may appear to ease ADHD symptoms.

Over time, however, alcohol use actually depletes dopamine. This can make your ADHD worse. People with ADHD should not drink alcohol due to this effect.

Stimulant drugs like Adderall are the first-line treatment for people with ADHD. Adderall is one of the most commonly prescribed ADHD medications. It's a blend of several different amphetamine salts.

This medication works by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. It improves concentration and reduces impulsivity and hyperactivity in people with ADHD.

Some people may wonder if using a stimulant leads to substance abuse even when you use it with a prescription. In reality, if you have ADHD, taking a stimulant medication may actually reduce your risk of drug and alcohol abuse. A study in Pediatrics looked at the effects of ADHD psychotropic medication, such as Adderall, on risks for substance use disorders. The study found that people treated with stimulants for ADHD had an 85 percent reduction in risk for substance use disorders. The study also found that untreated ADHD is a significant risk factor for substance use disorders.

Taking Adderall can be effective and safe for treating ADHD. However, you must use the drug as prescribed by your doctor.

Though Adderall is safe when it's used the right way, the medication can be abused. According to a study in Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, non-medical use of ADHD drugs is on the rise. The study showed that more than 7 percent of adults ages 18 to 49 years abused ADHD medications. The same study found that over half of the people who abused ADHD drugs also drank alcohol while using the medications.

The largest group abusing these drugs is full-time college students. Students may use the drugs in an effort to perform better in school and reduce their need to sleep. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, almost 90 percent of students who abuse Adderall also binge drink alcohol.

Adderall has an important role in helping people with ADHD live better, more productive lives. But it's a powerful medication, and it should only be taken as prescribed.

Adderall and alcohol make a dangerous combination. Mixing the two can lead to alcohol poisoning, heart problems, and behavioral issues. Alcohol can also make your ADHD worse. Many people who abuse Adderall also abuse alcohol. Even if you have a prescription for Adderall, you should not drink alcohol during treatment.

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Introduction Adderall is a stimulant medication. It's used to manage the symptoms of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children. As more people are diagnosed with ADHD, more people are being prescribed this medication. Adderall is a Schedule 2 drug. That means it's a controlled substance with high potential for abuse and addiction.

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Check out this link to find short videos for self care.

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yoga mindfulness nonprofit "transformative life skills" "dynamic mindfulness" "juvenile hall" "cancer survivors"

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Niroga Institute offers Dynamic Mindfulness Trainings and School-Based Programs to support the whole child and the whole educator in developing tools to act,...

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Cannabis Awareness and Prevention Toolkit

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Smart Talk: Cannabis Prevention & Awareness Curriculum is a 5-lesson theory-based and evidence-informed curriculum created by the Stanford REACH Lab as well as by our Youth Action Board, educators, healthcare providers, and scientists across the U.S.

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Smart Talk: Cannabis Prevention & Awareness Curriculum is a 5-lesson theory-based and evidence-informed curriculum created by the Stanford REACH Lab as well as by our Youth Action Board, educators, healthcare providers, and scientists across the U.S.

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Our mission is to provide open discussion of harm reduction techniques and positive support.

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In today's world its not hard to see the divide; people living their lives, experiencing their world and all too often never reaching out to help one another. We believe that the time has come to break the taboos associated with drug use and to provide people with the resources they need in order to stay safe.

We are TripSit - Our mission is to provide open discussion of harm reduction techniques and positive support. We promote the use of harm reduction tools such as test kits, and offer guidance and support with regards to harm reduction when using drugs. We encourage discussion of scientific, medical, philosophical understandings, and many of us can provide advice based on life experiences, an invaluable asset for someone who may be experiencing a similar issue. We are eager, willing, and prepared to guide or 'tripsit' users who may be having a hard time while under the influence of drugs.

Our experienced team understands the good and bad side of drugs and we understand that individuals will use drugs regardless of their current legality. Its for that reasons that we are here to help by reducing the risks associated with reckless or uninformed consumption of drugs in all environments while providing support and assistance to those who need it. Whether you need someone to talk to, advice on safe dosage, a simple water bottle, or supportive techniques for recovery we are here for you.

Our network is comprised of an IRC chat team dedicated to 24/7 live support from quick information to a friendly guide through difficult experience. We also offer a drug-information wiki for those seeking quick information and a live radio service for those seeking musical company.

Overall, the TripSit team is here to help you stay safe as possible if you choose to use substances. Even though we are not trained professionals, we are unpaid volunteers that take the time out of our day to support people in need. We are here for you. Whether you need information, someone to answer questions without judgement, a testing kit, or just a place to hang out and talk with friends we hope to be there.

We live in a day and age where the influence of drugs is as present in our lives as it has ever been and we strongly believe that there is a need to ensure that people have the same ease-of-access to the information and supplies needed to stay safe. So, from all of us here at TripSit: Stay safe, and learn.

Additional Information
We do not encourage the use or abuse of drugs. On the contrary: users who join our network are already intent on taking drugs, and we provide services to keep them safe. We do not condone the abuse of drugs or mixing of potentially dangerous combinations of drugs.
Our number one goal is to provide positive support and encourage harm reduction by providing techniques, advice, and in some cases, helping users deal with possible negative psychological consequences of their actions and experiences.
We have a zero tolerance policy on the abuse of dangerous drugs and any discussion of suicide or other psychological issues, and we do remove rule breakers from the community to ensure they do not become a bad influence on others.
There is often a conflation between a 'bad trip' and a medical emergency apparent with expert testimonials given in news reports. A bad trip refers to a situation in which someone may be feeling panicked, depressed, anxious, or upset while under the influence of psychotropic drugs and would like somebody to talk to in a supportive, positive, and relaxing environment.
TripSit is not intended to be a replacement for medical help, as we are not medical professionals. We strive to provide advice and positive support to users who are already engaged in drug use. We provide information concerning the consequences, side effects, and addictive properties of using and/or mixing potentially harmful drugs.

The implication that users who require our advice should not be using in the first place may, in some cases, be a valid point. The TripSit Network does not exist to promote the dangerous use or mixing of drugs. We do not categorically generalise drug use or its safety.

Due to the stigmatisation of drug users in general, many people are hesitant to seek advice when it may be needed. Many users do not have a solid support structure of friends and family or access to adequate social services. In some cases, TripSit is the only resource our users have to turn to for advice, support, and positivity. This advice and support can and has saved lives. TripSit provides an answer to these draconian views and attitudes towards drug use. We save lives where they will not.

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In today's world its not hard to see the divide; people living their lives, experiencing their world and all too often never reaching out to help one another. We believe that the time has come to break the taboos associated with drug use and to provide people with the resources they need in order to stay safe.

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More and more studies show increasing rates of anxiety in teens and college students. Other mental health issues can go hand-in-hand, including depression and addiction. A team of UC Berkeley researchers recently reported that the number of 18-to-26-year-olds suffering from anxiety has doubled since 2008, in part from rising financial stress and increased time with digital devices.

According to the Pew Research Center, seven in 10 teenagers see these mental health issues as major problems among their peers. In fact, anxiety and depression are of higher concern to young people than bullying.

In 2019, there have been over 16,000 studies worldwide on anxiety in teens, the causes, and how to treat the growing epidemic.

Often overlooked in the research, however, are the positive foundations of development that can reduce and often avert anxiety in teens. Researchers already know what parents, teachers, and youth mentors do to build positive internal strengths in young people that can protect them from anxiety and the many stressors of growing up in a highly competitive, digital society.

From a research perspective, the data is clear that the seeds of healthy development are sown through the relationships that young people share with caring adults. The best way to boost mental health in teens is to focus on these relationships and the significant aspects of them that are the foundations of healthy development. Even when young people are being treated for anxiety, parents, teachers, and other caring adults can play a supportive role in helping teens overcome the many stressors of adolescent life.
6 Ways to Reduce Anxiety in Teens
The cause of anxiety in teens is not fully understood. Young people can feel anxious for many reasons, including the buildup of smaller stressful events, having a personality more prone to anxiety, or experiencing abuse or trauma. Drug or alcohol use can worsen anxiety.

Parents and other caring adults often feel helpless when children are hurting. Yet, armed with the following understanding of developmental research, they can make a huge difference in a young person's life and help reduce anxiety in teens.

1. Teens need attachment relationships throughout adolescence. An attachment relationship is a deep and sustaining emotional bond that connects one person to another. It begins in infancy with the mother-child relationship and shows kids they matter and are worthy of love. It continues with parents and/or other caring adults throughout adolescence.

Neuroscientists have shown it is through these consistent, foundational relationships that the neural network of the maturing brain is developed. Even when attachment relationships are lost or interrupted, they can be rebuilt through caring adult support. Most importantly, the adolescent brain continues to benefit from a close bond with a parent or other adult for different reasons than it did during the early years, including how to help kids feel competent and resourceful -a known antidote to stress and anxiety in teens.

2. Teens achieve more when not pressured to be perfect. Subtle messages about performance and perfectionism fuel anxiety in teens and are pervasive in today's culture. And teens feel the pressure. When parents suggest, "You can do better," they must also ask, "How much better is enough?" Why? Because teens begin to ask themselves, "Am I enough?" Many begin to believe they are not.

Phrases like, "I know you are doing your best," have hidden meanings. The child waits for the "but...you could do better." Parents and teachers can shift to a more positive message, like, "Everyone makes mistakes; that's how we learn." When a child gets a grade less than hoped, a positive take by a parent might be, "I know you must be disappointed. Feeling disappointed is often what makes us strive harder or change how we do things. I love you no matter what grades you get."

3. Teens thrive on nonjudgmental support. Passing judgment on a child for how they are different, what they do, or how they look tells them you are disappointed in who they are. It makes them feel less worthy of love.

Often, parents and teachers judge teens without understanding them. Judging is a quick way to show disapproval. To build an enduring, supportive relationship with teens, adults must stop passing judgment and instead attempt to understand. It is through understanding that teenagers learn to accept themselves for who they are.

4. Teens have normal fears about their lives and futures. Adolescence is a time when kids search for their identities. It is accompanied by tremendous changes in the brain's neural network. These changes can be a natural trigger for anxiety in teens as they begin to worry about how they fit into society.

These fears are a normal part of growing up. Adults can help reduce this anxiety by normalizing it. Engage teens in conversations about their fears. Share stories of your own fears. When families learn to communicate about adversity, children become less anxious and more resilient.

5. Teens want to find meaning and purpose in their lives. With adolescence comes the positive ability to reflect on one's own thinking. This is what neuroscientists call metacognition. As children's metacognitive abilities increase, research suggests they also achieve at higher levels.

When adults invite teens to reflect on their thoughts and feelings, they affirm the value of a young person's experiences. The latest research in neuroscience reinforces the importance of sharing stories. By discussing movies, books, and life stories, teens have an opportunity to see the world in new and different ways. This affirmation and sharing often reduce anxiety and sparks self-awareness.

6. Teens need to feel understood. Empathy during the adolescent years is a powerful tool for reducing anxiety in teens. When young people feel seen, heard, and understood, they feel positive about themselves and worry less about being perfect or fitting in. Rather than talking only about the surface of experiences, invite conversations that ask teens to go deeper: "How did that experience make you feel?" "What were you feeling in your body?" "What does that say to you?" Listening for understanding is the key to empathy. Three skills linked to good listening are:

Have respect for the other person.

Listen more than you talk.

Always seek understanding.

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More and more studies show increasing rates of anxiety in teens and college students. Other mental health issues can go hand-in-hand, including depression and addiction. A team of UC Berkeley researchers recently reported that the number of 18-to-26-year-olds suffering from anxiety has doubled since 2008, in part from rising financial stress and increased time with digital devices.

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Prevention and early intervention strategies can reduce the impact of substance use and mental disorders in America's communities.

Prevention activities work to educate and support individuals and communities to prevent the use and misuse of drugs and the development of substance use disorders. Substance use and mental disorders can make daily activities difficult and impair a person's ability to work, interact with family, and fulfill other major life functions. Mental and substance use disorders are among the top conditions that cause disability in the United States. Preventing mental and/or substance use disorders or co-occurring disorders and related problems is critical to behavioral and physical health.

Overview

SAMHSA's Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) leads federal efforts to promote the prevention and treatment of mental disorders. SAMHSA's Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) aims to develop comprehensive systems through providing national leadership in the development of policies, programs, and services to prevent the onset of substance misuse.

SAMHSA'S Evidence-Based Practices Resource Center works to provide communities, clinicians, policymakers, and others in the field with the information they need to incorporate evidence-based practices in their communities for prevention, treatment, and recovery services.

SAMHSA's prevention and early intervention efforts promote evidence-based decision-making. Some of SAMHSA's prevention campaigns and initiatives include:

Substance Use Disorder Prevention

Talk. They Hear You. Campaign-Aims to reduce underage drinking and substance use among youths under the age of 21 by providing parents and caregivers with resources to discuss substance use with their children.

Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking (ICCPUD)-Coordinates federal efforts to reduce underage drinking and served as a resource for the development of A Comprehensive Plan for Preventing and Reducing Underage Drinking. This committee is comprised of 15 federal agencies and is led by SAMHSA.

STOP Underage Drinking -This interagency website portal of the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking (ICCPUD) provides research, federal and state resources, and funding opportunities to reduce and prevent underage drinking and its consequences.

National Prevention Week-Held in May, NPW promotes community involvement, resource sharing, and partnership engagement to increase public awareness of substance use and mental disorders. In addition, NPW provides resources to communities so they can highlight their prevention successes throughout the year.

Communities Talk to Prevent Alcohol and Other Drug Misuse-This nationwide initiative provides community-based organizations, institutions of higher education, and statewide or state-based organizations resources and planning stipends to organize activities that raise awareness and educate youth, families, and communities about the potentially harmful consequences of alcohol and other drug misuse among youth and young adults 12 to 25 years old. Held every year, Communities Talk events and activities mobilize communities to take action around underage drinking and substance use prevention and strengthen existing prevention programs.

Mental Disorder Prevention

National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day-Held in May, Awareness Day works to increase public awareness about the needs of children with serious mental illness and severe emotional disturbance. The day also demonstrates how children's mental health initiatives promote positive youth development, recovery, and resilience.

Federal Commission on School Safety-This federal commission, established in 2018, works to address school safety by recommending policy and best practices for school violence prevention. It includes various federal cabinet members, including current Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use.

National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative (NCTSI)-This initiative raises awareness about the impact of trauma on children and adolescents as a behavioral health concern. NCTSI develops and implements evidence-based interventions to reduce the mental health impact of traumatic experiences on children and adolescents.

Workforce/Practitioner Training and Education

Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) Network - Provides training and technical assistance to the substance use prevention field through 10 regional centers, 2 National focus area centers, and a Network Coordinating Office.

Mental Health Technology Transfer Centers (MHTTC) Network- Provides training and technical assistance to organizations and behavioral health treatment providers to deliver evidence-based practices in mental illness prevention, treatment, and recovery support.

SAMHSA's Suicide Prevention Resource Center - This web portal, supported by a SAMHSA CMHS grant, provides resources, programs, training, and research on suicide prevention best practices.

Center of Excellence for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC)-Helps communities support the success of the next generation by increasing access to evidence-based infant and early childhood mental health consultation.

National Training and Technical Assistance Center for Child, Youth, and Family Mental Health (NTTAC)-Provides states, tribes, and communities with training and technical assistance on children's behavioral health, with a focus on systems of care.

Resources and Publications

Related SAMHSA Grant Programs

Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant-Provides funding to states, territories, and tribal entities for efforts in prevention and treatment of substance misuse.

Community Mental Health Services Block Grant-Supports grantees in carrying out plans for providing comprehensive community mental health services.

Synar Amendment-As part of the Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant, SAMHSA's Center for Substance Abuse Prevention oversees the implementation of the Synar Amendment, which requires states to have laws prohibiting the sale and distribution of tobacco products to minors.

Strategic Prevention Framework - Partnerships for Success grants-Provides funding to prevent the onset and reduce the progression of substance abuse and its related problems while strengthening prevention capacity at the community level. This grant is targeted for interventions to prevent underage drinking among persons age 9 to 20.

First Responders-Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (FR-CARA) Grants-Provides funding to train and provide resources to first responders on carrying and administering naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug.

Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act grants- Aims to prevent and reduce alcohol use among youth and young adults ages 12-20 in communities.

Tribal Behavioral Health Grant Program-Aims to prevent and reduce suicidal behavior and substance use, reduce the impact of trauma, and promote mental health among American Indian/Alaska Native youth through age of 24.

Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education) State Education Agency Grants-Aims to build the capacity of state education agencies to increase awareness of mental health issues among school-aged youth; provide training for school personnel to detect and respond to mental health issues; and connect school-aged youth and families to needed services.

Garrett Lee Smith (GLS) Campus Suicide Prevention Grant-Aims to develop a coordinated approach to enhance behavioral health services for all college students, prevent mental and substance use disorders, promote help-seeking behaviors, and improve the identification and treatment of college students at-risk for suicide.

Garrett Lee Smith State/Tribal Youth Suicide Prevention and Early Intervention Grant Program-Supports states and tribes with implementing youth suicide prevention and early intervention strategies in schools, youth-serving organizations, and health care settings.

National Center of Excellence for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation-Works to promote the healthy social and emotional development of infants and young children and to prevent the onset of serious emotional disturbance through funding of public and private nonprofit entities.

Linking Actions for Unmet Needs in Children's Health Grant Program (Project LAUNCH)-Aims to promote the wellness of young children, from birth to age 8, by addressing the social, emotional, cognitive, physical and behavioral aspects of their development and prevent the development of serious emotional disturbances.

Learn more about SAMHSA grants and how to apply.

Related Organizations

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Prevention of Substance Use and Mental Disorders

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Prevention and early intervention strategies can reduce the impact of substance use and mental disorders in America's communities. Prevention activities work to educate and support individuals and communities to prevent the use and misuse of drugs and the development of substance use disorders.

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Teaching kids about marijuana used to be easy. Back in the Nancy Reagan days, when "just say no" was repeated ad nauseam in television commercials and in schools, the message was clear. Marijuana and other drugs were dangerous, and kids should never, ever touch them. For parents that were on board with this message, there wasn't much more they needed to say. Of course regarding marijuana, these messages were inaccurate, uninformed, and simplistic.

Today, as legalization spreads around the world, and people recognize both the medicinal value of the plant and the safety of its use recreationally, the conversations parents need to have with their children have gotten far more nuanced and difficult.

It's also become more difficult to use cannabis as a parent. Because in many cases it no longer needs to be hidden, which means it's far more likely that kids will be aware of their parent's cannabis use. And this creates further important conversations between parents and their children.

Talking to Kids About Cannabis Use

Talking to kids about marijuana has always been difficult to navigate for some parents, and the wave of legalization that's sweeping across the United States, Canada, and other countries around the world is making it even more difficult.

The reality is that kids smoke pot and legalization will only make it easier for them to get it. Parents now need to weigh the reality of kids and cannabis with the existing laws, possible health issues, and the desire for their children to be responsible.

Even If Marijuana is Legal, It's Still Illegal For Minors

In every state that has legalized cannabis, either for medicinal or recreational purposes, it's still illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to possess or use any sort of cannabis product. In Canada, the legal age can vary between provinces, but some set it as low as 18. This presents a challenge to parents. On the one hand, they may be free to use cannabis at will, but they must, if they're to comply with the law, prevent their kids from using it.

In this case, the way parents handle alcohol and cigarettes can be a good guide for how to talk to their kids about marijuana. The concept is exactly the same. Parents can make it clear to their children that marijuana is a grown-up activity. It's safe for adults, assuming they use it responsibly, but it isn't safe for kids, as we'll see later.

It's important for children to understand that laws exist to protect them. You can talk about how kids can be impulsive and don't always show the best judgment, and so the legal age is set to help them make good decisions.

And of course, marijuana is still illegal federally in the US, so kids between the age of 18 and 21 can face serious problems if caught with cannabis products in states where they aren't yet legal.

Stick to the Facts

In most cases, scare tactics don't work. And, particularly when you're talking about cannabis, they frequently aren't true. Many of the dangers surrounding marijuana, like it being a gateway drug, are fabrications, and its fairly easy to debunk them particularly with the internet. If you're talking to older kids about marijuana and you employ factual inaccuracies in an effort to scare them away from using, the tactic can backfire, and your kids could call into question your credibility on the subject, which could be damaging to future efforts.

Instead, try to combine interesting and bizarre cannabis facts, as well as interesting facts like talking about the actual effects of the drug. You can talk about how it affects the brain, motor functions, and perception. You can, and should talk about how some people enjoy it, and the reasons why adults use it. Your conversation can come off as disingenuous if you discuss nothing but the negative aspects of cannabis. People use it and use it safely. That won't make sense to your kids if all you tell them is how dangerous it is.

You should certainly talk about the research into how cannabis affects developing brains, and how extended use by pre-teens and teens can cause problems later in life. This article will drill down into these topics in more detail later.

Particularly if you're talking to older kids, make certain to have data to back up your claims. Telling kids that something can hurt them tends to go in one ear and out the other unless you can demonstrate that it's true.

What's most important is that your kids hear you as a credible source. They need to be able to trust what you're telling them, so if you encounter a question that you can't answer, tell them that you'll do some research and get back to them. Don't make something up, and definitely don't lie. Your credibility is the best tool you have to get your kids to listen to what you're telling them. Once that's been compromised it's difficult to get it back.

Make Sure the Dialogue is Two-Way

With younger kids, this is less important, as it's likely your conversation with them will be the first time they're hearing about the subject. But with older kids, they'll be bringing pre-existing "knowledge" in with them. It's important to ask them what they already know about marijuana.

In most cases, what they "know" comes from peer groups, school scare tactics, and other potentially unreliable sources. By getting them talking you can discover the flaws and holes in their knowledge, which will allow you to correct them. This is important because misinformation can have unintended consequences. As we said earlier, facts and accurate information are always the best choices.

If you're talking to an older child that you caught using, it's important not to freak out. It's perfectly natural that some kids will be drawn to marijuana. Punishment may not be the best tactic. Instead, take the situation as an opportunity to educate the child on the truth about the substance, and about the negatives. An honest discussion can go a long way toward encouraging a responsible use pattern. They'll likely smoke again. If you allow it under certain responsible conditions the child is more likely to honor your wishes.

How to Tell if Your Child is Using Marijuana

Snooping in their things is never a good idea. This is a violation of privacy and can damage trust. Instead, keep an eye out for telltale signs. Look for distinct changes in behavior. When talking to your child, note if their eyes are glassy or overly bloodshot. Notice if they're having undue trouble remembering things, if they're unusually giggly, or seem dizzy and lacking coordination. Also, notice if they're avoiding making eye contact.

If you don't already know what cannabis smells like you should find a way to familiarize yourself with the scent. Marijuana has a very specific odor, and if you smell it on your kids, or wafting out from under their bedroom door, there's a good chance they're using it.

Health Concerns Parents Should Be Aware Of

Marijuana is generally considered to be safe for adult use. However, a number of studies have found developmental problems from prolonged use by teens and young adults. This is something parents need to consider as they work through how to parent children around the plant.

Cannabis and the Developing Brain

Not all studies agree on the effects of cannabis on the developing brain, and a few haven't found a statistically significant effect, but enough have turned up hard evidence to support the notion that extended cannabis use can have negative and permanent effects on the developing brain that it's worth taking note of the results.

Animal studies have demonstrated cognitive declines from heavy THC exposure in early childhood and adolescence. One in particular, performed on monkeys found that spatial reasoning and working memory could both be adversely affected by frequent THC exposure during adolescence and that these deficits were far more likely if the exposure happened while the neural circuitry involved was developing.

Human studies tend to confirm this conclusion. One study performed in New Zealand found that frequent cannabis use, starting in adolescence was associated with an IQ loss of six to eight points, when measured as adults. These points were never recovered, even if the person stopped smoking in adulthood. By comparison, people that start smoking with equal frequency in adulthood do not suffer the same IQ loss.

Another study found that the risk of psychosis, which is present, even for adults using high THC strains of cannabis, though fairly unusual, is considerably higher in teens. The study credits this increased risk to emotional immaturity and a brain that's more easily influenced by aberrant neuro-chemical reactions.

The general consensus currently is that frequent, heavy use by teens and adolescents can cause lasting changes in the brain, and should be avoided. However, "frequent" and "heavy" are the operative terms. Occasional and light use has not been implicated as dangerous, so the fried egg analogy of the "this is your brain on drugs" era is not accurate.

Being a Parent That Uses Cannabis

Using cannabis as a parent is not a shameful thing. As long as it's used responsibly it's no different than having a beer or a glass of wine. However, because cannabis has been illegal for so long, there are far more negative connotations surrounding parents that get high compared to parents that get a bit tipsy, and many parents are afraid they could be judged unfairly if their use is discovered. Thus even in areas where marijuana is legal, some parents feel they still need to hide. Is that reaction warranted? The question can be viewed from a number of perspectives.

Is It Okay to Get High When Your Kids Are in the House?

There is no right answer to this question. As a parent, your first priority is the health and well being of your child. Once this is taken care of, many would argue that parents should be free to do what they like. However, can using cannabis put your children at risk?

The Guardian polled over 200 parents that use cannabis to get their thoughts on this issue. While there was certainly a diversity of opinion, some general trends were clear. Most parents agreed that moderate use after the kids have gone to bed, is perfectly fine, and most used in this manner.

Moderate use is key. One can imagine a scenario where there's an emergency that requires fast, specific action. If the adults in the house are all extremely high, it's conceivable that they may not be prepared to avert the crisis. This can put children in danger.

But the same is true for alcohol, and most people have no problem having a moderate amount of alcohol around their children or once their children have gone to bed.

Is It Okay to Get High in Front of Your Kids?

There was less agreement on this point. Many parents were uncomfortable using cannabis in front of their children. Some were okay going off somewhere else and then returning to their children's company, but many weren't interested in being high around their children at all. This is a personal choice. One anonymous person from the Guardian poll said, "I have two awesome sons that are 8 and 4. I smoke around them occasionally, most of the time I go outside or in another room. I feel that smoking pot makes me a better person in general, not just a better parent."

This person feels using cannabis benefits his or her children. So the decision isn't one that can be made for you. Most people don't think twice about having a glass of wine with dinner, with their children at the table. Smoking a joint shouldn't be any different, particularly in places where it's legal. It's only the longtime stigma that makes it seem different.

Should You Use Cannabis With Your Grown Children?

To answer the question of whether this is okay, we need to consider it, not from a legal perspective, but more pragmatically. Because if it's purely a legal question the answer is a hard "no". It's illegal for kids under 21 to use marijuana. But depending on the state you live in it could be illegal for adults to use marijuana, too, and yet people still do it.

Although it's never recommended for kids under 18 to use cannabis, given the possible harm that can come to them, for kids over the age of 18, a purely legal perspective isn't helpful. What's in question then, is whether what there is to be gained by sharing cannabis together outweighs what can be lost.

Cannabis and Emotional Maturity

It's often said that parents need to be parents first, and friends second. If you treat your child as a friend it becomes more difficult to be a parent when faced with difficult situations. As a parent, it's your responsibility to set an example for your kids, which does require a certain level of emotional separation. Of course, you love your kids with all your heart, but there are healthy boundaries that need to be maintained. You are the parent and they are the child.

However, marijuana has a tendency to break down emotional walls and expose raw emotions. This is fine between friends, spouses and other adult relationships. But when applied to a parent/child relationship, that level of emotional entanglement can be problematic.

Teaching Responsibility

As a counterpoint, some parents consider sharing the occasional joint with their grown children an opportunity to teach them how to use it responsibly. And there is some merit to this perspective.

Parents have said the same thing about alcohol. By letting their older children drink responsibly around them, in a safe environment, it teaches them how adults can drink without drinking to excess. Some would say it's better to learn how to drink from responsible parents than from irresponsible peers.

If this is your perspective, it's important to remember that, if you're using shared cannabis as means to teach responsibility then you need to do it responsibly. If it's still illegal where you live, consider the message you're sending. You're saying it's okay to break the law when you want to. Kids may find it hard to square this with the idea of responsibility. Be prepared to make a strong argument for why some laws are unjust. Regardless, it's a difficult ethical position to support.

However, if it is legal, remember that it may not be legal for your under 21 kids. The same issues apply. Let them know that you're only allowing them to smoke so that they can learn what it's like and how to use it responsibly, but that it's still not okay for them to use it outside of your limited teaching sessions.

Can Using Cannabis Make You a Better Parent?

Parents that use cannabis often claim it makes the better parents. Take this anonymous Toronto mom, who was interviewed by Today's Parent magazine before marijuana was made legal in Canada. It's important to note that her son is on the mild side of the autism spectrum. She says, "Marijuana absolutely makes me a better parent. When I get stressed out, I tend to feel tense and cry, and my son picks up on that. But when I can step out and take a hit off my vaporizer, it's like a knot untying in my chest."

Since cannabis can affect people differently, it's hard to judge whether cannabis can help one person's parenting skills based on another person's experience. It's a very subjective question. But there has been research done on the subject, and it tends to support the notion of helpful cannabis usage.

Cannabis Helps Make the Mundane More Enjoyable

One study, carried out by Miner and Co. Studio, a media and brand consultancy in New York, polled parents that used cannabis in states where it is legal, and asked the question about cannabis, parenting, and television habits. Respondents were between the ages of 21 and 50, and 77% had incomes above $75,000 a year. Nine out of ten said they saw themselves as "mindful", "present", and "professional" and not your typical stoner stereotype.

The study found that eight out of ten respondents felt that using marijuana helped them engage more with their children during TV time. They watched more children's TV shows with their kids and enjoyed them more. They felt they discussed the shows more with their kids and overall found the time to be a more effective bonding experience than it otherwise would be.

Cannabis Increases Social Bonding

Research has also been done on THC and its effects on social bonding. This study found that oxytocin, a brain hormone connected to feelings of happiness and satisfaction, triggers the brain to synthesize anandamide. This molecule binds with receptors in our body's endocannabinoid system and produces feelings of motivation and increases the pleasure of social interaction. These same receptors are also activated by THC, and the researchers theorize this is the reason many cannabis users claim feelings of increased social bonding and attachment. This is exactly the experience many parents claim cannabis helps them achieve with their kids.

Of course, neither of these studies closes the book on the topic, but they do provide evidence that when a parent tells you that cannabis helps them parent better, they may be right. Ultimately a parent that's more at ease with their children, more focused, more present, happier, and more emotionally tuned into their children will be a better parent. If cannabis helps someone achieve that state, assuming they're being responsible about it, it's likely a good thing.

Watch: 'Marijuana Moms' claim pot makes them better parents

Health Concerns About Parents Using Cannabis Around Their Children

Besides the social and legal aspects of using cannabis as a parent, there are possible health and well-being ramifications for the children to consider. Certainly, it's important for parents to keep any cannabis products away from children, particularly edibles, that are easy for kids to take and that often look like candy or other sweets. But there are subtler issues that are worth examining.

Is It Safe to Breastfeed While High?

There hasn't been a lot of research done, compared to other medical interventions, mainly because of cannabis's status as a Schedule 1 drug. The research that has been done is inconclusive.

We do know that THC, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis, does accumulate in breastmilk. A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that, depending on the frequency of use, THC can be found in breast milk in concentrations in excess of blood serum levels, and can last in breastmilk for up to six days. However, this doesn't answer the question about whether the amount of THC found in breastmilk is enough to have adverse effects on infants.

The majority of studies done on the subject find that psychomotor development can be hampered slightly in infants that receive THC through breast milk. However, in nearly all of the studies where this affect is found, it has all but vanished by the time the child is a year to a year and a half old, which means there doesn't appear to be long term consequences for these children.

Because the jury is still out, most pediatricians still recommend against using cannabis while breastfeeding. However, their perspective, as it should be, is about reducing risk in general, regardless of how high or low the risk is to begin with. Science seems to suggest that the risk of harm is very low, and so it's really up to the mother whether the benefits she derives from cannabis outweigh the risks, small as they may be.

Is Secondhand Smoke or Vapor a Danger to Children?

Just like secondhand tobacco smoke, it is clear that secondhand cannabis smoke does make it into the lungs of bystanders. And studies confirm that cannabinoids can be found in the bloodstream of people exposed to secondhand cannabis smoke.

Vaping cannabis hasn't been around long enough to be studied in any depth. Certainly, it's less dangerous than cannabis smoke simply because it isn't smoke. But if cannabinoids can enter the bloodstream of nearby children from smoking, that's likely true of vapor as well.

As the study above points out, the presence, and amount of cannabinoids found in the bloodstream of secondhand recipients is metered by the size of the room, the number of people smoking, whether the area has good airflow, etc. People tend to smoke far more cigarettes in a given period than they do cannabis, so in general, there will be less secondhand smoke from cannabis use.

A number of studies over the years have demonstrated possible ramifications for children, teens, and young adults that use marijuana heavily. However, it's unclear whether secondhand smoke would present the same danger, as the concentration of cannabinoids in the bloodstream is far lower from incidental, secondhand exposure. What is clear is that the younger children are exposed the more likely impairments can occur.

Since the primary responsibility of a parent is the safety and wellbeing of their children, and because it isn't difficult to simply go outside, or smoke in an area of the house off-limits to their children, it's generally better to avoid exposing kids to secondhand smoke or vapor.

The Future for Parenting and Cannabis

As legalization continues to spread, access to cannabis will become easier and easier for teens and even young children. Parents will need to examine very closely the message they want to send their children, both with what they say, and by their actions, so that their kids are prepared to make good decisions when presented with marijuana by peers.

Fully legal cannabis is already a reality in Canada, and is likely coming to the US in the next few years. As difficult as the conversations with children around cannabis can be, parents can at least rest assured that, as long as they prepare their children with good information, they'll generally be safe and free from harm.

Author: Clyde Jenkins
Clyde is a former journalist and a cannabis connoisseur. He is an expert in well researched journalistic writing, which includes industry overviews, technology-related topics, lifestyle and culture topics, product reviews, and in-depth buyer's guides. From common practices to what is currently hot and trending - when it comes to the practical side of this plant, Clyde is our guy.
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A Guide to Cannabis and Parenting - CNBS

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Teaching kids about marijuana used to be easy. Back in the Nancy Reagan days, when "just say no" was repeated ad nauseam in television commercials and in schools, the message was clear. Marijuana and other drugs were dangerous, and kids should never, ever touch them.

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Teen drug abuse: Help your teen avoid drugs

Teen drug abuse can have a major impact on your child's life. Find out how to help your teen make healthy choices and avoid using drugs.
By Mayo Clinic Staff
Teens who experiment with drugs put their health and safety at risk. Help prevent teen drug abuse by talking to your teen about the consequences of using drugs and the importance of making healthy choices.

Why teens use or misuse drugs

Various factors can contribute to teen drug use and misuse. First-time use often occurs in social settings with easily accessible substances, such as alcohol and cigarettes.

Continued use might be a result of insecurities or a desire for social acceptance. Teens may feel indestructible and might not consider the consequences of their actions, leading them to take dangerous risks with drugs.

Common risk factors for teen drug abuse include:

A family history of substance abuse

A mental or behavioral health condition, such as depression, anxiety or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Impulsive or risk-taking behavior

A history of traumatic events, such as experiencing a car accident or being a victim of abuse

Low self-esteem or feelings of social rejection

Consequences of teen drug abuse

Negative consequences of teen drug abuse might include:

Drug dependence. Teens who misuse drugs are at increased risk of serious drug use later in life.

Poor judgment. Teenage drug use is associated with poor judgment in social and personal interactions.

Sexual activity. Drug use is associated with high-risk sexual activity, unsafe sex and unplanned pregnancy.

Mental health disorders. Drug use can complicate or increase the risk of mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety.

Impaired driving. Driving under the influence of any drug can impair a driver's motor skills, putting the driver, passengers and others on the road at risk.

Changes in school performance. Substance use can result in a decline in academic performance.

Health effects of drugs

Drug use can result in drug addiction, serious impairment, illness and death. Health risks of commonly used drugs include the following:

Cocaine - Risk of heart attack, stroke and seizures

Ecstasy - Risk of liver failure and heart failure

Inhalants - Risk of damage to heart, lungs, liver and kidneys from long-term use

Marijuana - Risk of impairment in memory, learning, problem solving and concentration; risk of psychosis - such as schizophrenia, hallucination or paranoia - later in life associated with early and frequent use

Methamphetamine - Risk of psychotic behaviors from long-term use or high doses

Opioids - Risk of respiratory distress or death from overdose

Electronic cigarettes (vaping) - Exposure to harmful substances similar to exposure from cigarette smoking; risk of nicotine dependence

Talking about teen drug use

You'll likely have multiple conversations with your teen about drug and alcohol use. Choose times when you're unlikely to be interrupted - and set aside phones. It's also important to know when not to have a conversation, such as when you're angry with your child, you aren't prepared to answer questions, or your child is drunk or high.

To talk to your teen about drugs:

Ask your teen's views. Avoid lectures. Instead, listen to your teen's opinions and questions about drugs. Assure your teen that he or she can be honest with you.

Discuss reasons not to use drugs. Avoid scare tactics. Emphasize how drug use can affect the things that are important to your teen - such as sports, driving, health and appearance.

Consider media messages. Social media, television programs, movies and songs can glamorize or trivialize drug use. Talk about what your teen sees and hears.

Discuss ways to resist peer pressure. Brainstorm with your teen about how to turn down offers of drugs.

Be ready to discuss your own drug use. Think about how you'll respond if your teen asks about your own drug use. If you chose not to use drugs, explain why. If you did use drugs, share what the experience taught you.

Other preventive strategies

Consider other strategies to prevent teen drug abuse:

Know your teen's activities. Pay attention to your teen's whereabouts. Find out what adult-supervised activities your teen is interested in and encourage him or her to get involved.

Establish rules and consequences. Explain your family rules, such as leaving a party where drug use occurs and not riding in a car with a driver who's been using drugs. If your teen breaks the rules, consistently enforce consequences.

Know your teen's friends. If your teen's friends use drugs, your teen might feel pressure to experiment, too.

Keep track of prescription drugs. Take an inventory of all prescription and over-the-counter medications in your home.

Provide support. Offer praise and encouragement when your teen succeeds. A strong bond between you and your teen might help prevent your teen from using drugs.

Set a good example. If you drink, do so in moderation. Use prescription drugs as directed. Don't use illicit drugs.

Recognizing the warning signs of teen drug abuse

Be aware of possible red flags, such as:

Sudden or extreme change in friends, eating habits, sleeping patterns, physical appearance, coordination or school performance

Irresponsible behavior, poor judgment and general lack of interest

Breaking rules or withdrawing from the family

The presence of medicine containers, despite a lack of illness, or drug paraphernalia in your teen's room

Seeking help for teen drug abuse

If you suspect or know that your teen is experimenting with or misusing drugs:

Talk to him or her. You can never intervene too early. Casual drug use can turn into excessive use or addiction and cause accidents, legal trouble and health problems.

Encourage honesty. Speak calmly and express that you are coming from a place of concern. Share specific details to back up your suspicion. Verify any claims he or she makes.

Focus on the behavior, not the person. Emphasize that drug use is dangerous but that doesn't mean your teen is a bad person.

Check in regularly. Spend more time with your teen, know your teen's whereabouts, and ask questions after he or she returns home.

Get professional help. If you think your teen is involved in significant drug use, contact a doctor, counselor or other health care provider for help.

It's never too soon to start talking to your teen about drug abuse. The conversations you have today can help your teen make healthy choices in the future.

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Teen drug abuse: Help your teen avoid drugs

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Teen drug abuse can have a major impact on your child's life. Find out how to help your teen make healthy choices and avoid using drugs. By Mayo Clinic Staff Teens who experiment with drugs put their health and safety at risk.

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By Samantha Parent Walravens
Parents, if you think your teen isn't using, or at least experimenting with drugs, you need to wake up. According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA), 75% of high school students have used addictive substances, and approximately 16% of the U.S. population ages 12 and over met clinical diagnostic criteria for addiction to nicotine, alcohol and other drugs. Drugs are easy to come by, with 44% of high school students saying they know a classmate who sells drugs.

We talked to Joronda Montano, program director and drug prevention specialist at NotMYKid, a non-profit that educates parents and middle and high school students on drug and alcohol abuse, eating disorders, depression/self injury and other issues. Here, Joronda shares what parents need to know about teen drug use today, and the best way to talk to your kids about drugs.
What inspired you to become a drug prevention specialist?
Joronda Montano: I grew up in LA at a time where substance abuse had hit its high -- in the 80s and 90s. When I started, I really wanted to help communities that were like mine and help them understand that every single child is at risk. Right now, we're doing a Back to School campaign to help parents get started in the new school year, especially during those transition times when kids are moving from elementary to junior high and from junior high to high school.

What drugs are teens using - and abusing- today?

JM: According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse's (NIDA) Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey , in 2016 alcohol remains the most common substance abused among teens, just as it is among adults. Marijuana comes next and then prescription drugs. Xanax (an anti-anxiety medication) is the most popular prescription drug, but you've also got Oxycontin and Vicodin. There are about 1600 kids who are trying prescription drugs for the first time every day.Teens are also experimenting with synthetic drugs like bath salts (not to be confused with Epsom salts) that are pretty new and haven't been tracked in any survey yet.

JM: Vaping is big. Usually when the kids get introduced to it, they're vaping just the "juice" (E-liquid comes in "kid-friendly" flavors like watermelon and blueberry). The perception of risk is low. There may not be any nicotine in it when they start, although there are issues with that. Any time that kids are getting that vapor into their lungs, they're going to have issues like popcorn lung that can cause irreversible lung disease. Then they're adding things to the vape, like THC and dab. Dab is butane hash oil. Basically, a small dab of THC is extracted from the cannabis leaf and is put into the vape cigarette.
What are the warning signs that your teen is using drugs?
JM: All the warning signs for drug and substance use sound just like signs of puberty. When you start to see a kid changing their friends, losing interest in things that they were interested in before, you maybe start to see grades change. The changes happen in three different areas. There's going to be a physical change, a social change, and a behavioral change. Read more warning signs here.

How should parents talk to their teens about drugs?
ONE: Start talking to your kids when they are young.
JM: Long before your kids face the pressures of adolescence, they should know your stance on drugs. If you convey the message that experimentation is OK, they're more likely to use drugs. Have conversations with your kids at times that make sense-when you pick them up from school, when you're having dinner at night. With younger kids-ages 8, 9 and 10-- start asking them simple questions each day like, "What is something that you liked about today, and something you didn't?" You're taking inventory when you get those answers. It makes it more comfortable to continue to have a regular conversation as they get older.

Every year that substance use is delayed during the period of adolescent brain development, the risk of addiction and substance abuse decreases. - National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA)
TWO: Set firm rules and expectations about drugs.
JM: As parents, you need to set expectations and "family rules" around drugs and alcohol use. Be clear and say, drugs are not something we do in our family. Parents' disapproval is a huge factor in preventing substance use. If a teen believes that their parent disapproves of drug and alcohol use, they are going to be less likely to use. On the other hand, if the teen thinks their parent is okay with it, they're going to be more likely to use.
THREE: Understand the teenage brain.
JM: Teens are wired to take risks and experiment. Their brain at that age makes them impulsive and more likely to make risky decisions. A recent study on drug use in Iceland, which 20 years ago had the highest rate of teen alcohol use in all of Europe, found that replacing drug-induced highs with natural highs could drastically reduce substance abuse. The study's lead researcher, Harvey Milkman, set in place a program in Iceland, called Project Self-Discovery, which offered teenagers natural-high alternatives to drugs. The number of teens using drugs and alcohol has since plummeted.

For kids who are seeking thrills, giving them a risk-taking but safe alternative, like skateboarding or BMX racing, could replace the synthetic high offered by drugs with a "natural" high. For kids who want the sedative effect of a depressant, getting them involved in yoga or running could produce a similar effect. The Iceland study showed that kids were not so much addicted to the substance as they were to the release of the hormone-the dopamine or serotonin.
FOUR: Give kids a "way out" of a risky situation.
JM: Give your teen a way to get out of a dangerous or risky situation. Decide on a code word that they can text you, and no questions asked, you will come and get them. Random drug testing gives them another way out when they are with friends who are using. They can tell them, "Hey, mom (or dad) is crazy. She drug tests me and so I can't do this with you now." It just makes it much easier. First Check is a 12-panel screen that you can do at home, it's super quick, less than five minutes, and is very accurate. We suggest randomly because if you do it regularly and the kid knows it's going to be on a particular day, then they could evade that test in a lot of different ways.
FIVE: Decide on consequences together.
JM: Talk to your teen about what they think the consequences should be if they are using drugs. Ask them, "What do you think the consequence should be?" That way, there is no surprise about what will happen if they are caught. "This is what we said we would do and you knew beforehand what was going to happen. You made this choice. You made this choice with the knowledge of what was going to happen, so you made an informed decision." That leads to a higher level of conversation. You can ask, "What's going on here? Let's really talk about this."
SIX: Keep communication lines open.
JM: Make sure your child knows that if they make the wrong choice, you're still there for them. Kids should know that "I can talk to Mom or Dad at any time," they have the skills to do that, and you, as parents, give them the opportunity for that. If you put all three of those things together, you are more likely to get what you want. You have to keep working at it. Maintaining an open and non-judgmental line of communication is key to ensuring they keep you in the loop if something is going wrong.

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How To Talk to Your Teen About Drugs: 6 Tips for Parents

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By Samantha Parent Walravens Parents, if you think your teen isn't using, or at least experimenting with drugs, you need to wake up. According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA), 75% of high school students have used addictive substances, and approximately 16% of the U.S.

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Other Resources

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are research studies in human volunteers conducted to answer specific health questions. Learn about the NIDA-sponsored clinical trials available to you

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Parents & Educators | National Institute on Drug Abuse

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Find science-based education materials and conversation starters to educate young people about drug use and health.

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Stronger together

Solving the addiction crisis requires action from our nation's families, the government and our health care system. Together, we're creating a unified voice to more effectively prevent substance use and treat addiction.

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Partnership to End Addiction is the nation's leading organization dedicated to addiction prevention, treatment and recovery.

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National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

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NIAAA Resources

Today there are more options available for treating alcohol use disorder (AUD) than ever before. Decades of research have led to advances in medications and behavioral therapies to help people recover. Professionally led alcohol treatment now takes place in a variety of settings, including outpatient care that can help many people recover while still living at home.

To learn more about treating AUD, visit the following:

►NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator

This online tool is designed to help consumers find quality treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Navigator focuses on evidence-based alcohol treatment, telling you what you need to know about AUD and treatment options, and helping you find the right treatment for you-and near you.

► Treatment for Alcohol Problems: Finding and Getting Help

This guide is written for individuals, and their family and friends, who are looking for options to address alcohol problems. It is intended as a resource to understand what treatment choices are available and what to consider when selecting among them.

Additional Resources

► Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator -- the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides a website and a toll-free telephone number for information/treatment referral assistance for substance misuse/addiction and/or mental health problems.

► Join a Study - NIAAA Clinical Research

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NIAAA Resources Today there are more options available for treating alcohol use disorder (AUD) than ever before. Decades of research have led to advances in medications and behavioral therapies to help people recover. Professionally led alcohol treatment now takes place in a variety of settings, including outpatient care that can help many people recover while still living at home.

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Stanford Research into the Impact of Tobacco Advertising

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We want to bring you a very special series of stories.

We know our followers probably use our content often but struggle to put a name and face behind Drugs and Me.

For this reason, we have done a series of interviews with our team so you can get to know more about who we are and what we do.

Her

If you're aged 18-25 and would like to share your experiences of taking benzos - both good and bad-, submit your anonymous testimony to HERE

If you're from the UK or US, you've most likely heard of benzodiazepines, or 'benzos' for short.

We want to bring you a very special series of stories.

We know our followers probably use our content often but struggle to put a name and face behind Drugs and Me.

For this reason, we have done a series of interviews with our team so you can get to know more about who we are and what we do.

Her

We have all heard the trope of the 'lazy stoner'. It has permeated modern, Western society to the extent where 'stoners' have come to embrace-or perhaps simply accept-it themselves. But, is this view backed up by science? That was the question Martine Skumlien set out to address in her talk

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We want to bring you a very special series of stories. We know our followers probably use our content often but struggle to put a name and face behind Drugs and Me. For this reason, we have done a series of interviews with our team so you can get to know more about who we are and what we do.

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Mental health resources for adolescents and young adults. 

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Mental health resources for adolescents and young adults. 