The New Drug Supply Is Unpredictable

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The Evolution of America’s “Fourth Wave” Overdose Crisis

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Family Meals, Stronger Teens

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  When people think of drug and alcohol prevention, they often imagine big campaigns, public service announcements, or large community events. While these efforts matter, prevention can also begin with something much simpler: sitting down for a family meal. Research has consistently shown that regular family meals reduce the likelihood of teen substance use . According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA, 2020) , teens who have frequent family dinners are less likely to drink alcohol, use marijuana, or smoke compared to peers who rarely eat with their families. Even just three to four shared meals per week can make a measurable difference. Why Family Meals Work Family meals provide much more than food — they create a natural space for communication, connection, and accountability . Sitting down together allows parents to check in on their teen’s life, listen to what’s happening at school, and model healthy habits. Communication : Regular conversation...
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Why THC and School Don’t Mix

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Academic achievement is one of the strongest predictors of long-term success. Yet research shows a clear link between adolescent marijuana use and lower school performance. In Lemhi County, where opportunities for higher education and career training are precious, every lost grade or missed class matters. How Marijuana Affects Learning THC impacts the hippocampus, the brain’s memory center. This makes it harder to retain new information, focus during lectures, and complete complex assignments. For students, that translates into: Lower test scores Trouble staying motivated Increased likelihood of skipping classes The Data A CDC (2022) analysis found that high school students who used marijuana were more likely to report lower grades than their non-using peers. Longitudinal studies show that regular marijuana use during adolescence is linked with decreased likelihood of graduating high school and enrolling in college. Why Parents Should Act Many parents assume tha...
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