Drug-Free Kennesaw

As we close out April and head into May... summer breaks begin with vacations, parties, cookouts, and more. Be sure to lock away all current medications in the home to remove the access from those they are not intended. This one simple step can help to prevent prescription drug misuse and/or opioid abuse!

To receive Rx Disposal packets to help properly dispose of expired or unused medications, text "MEDS" to 85575!

We have a message from our partners at Drug-Free Lumpkin !
📢 Calling all high school and middle school students! Check out this video for tips on ending the school year right and staying away from alcohol, drugs, va**ng, and other substances this summer! Let's make it a safe and healthy break!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=N17JhXc4BrU&feature=shared

We've got news!!!!
This past month, our partners at Drug-Free Lumpkin 365 has started podcasting! On this most recent episode, join Dr. Michael Carpenter and Brian DiNapoli in this conversation about the inspiring journey of Jeff Breedlove, a recovery champion and
consultant. Jeff shares his personal story of overcoming addiction, transforming his life, and how he became a passionate advocate for enhancing funding and creating more opportunities to support individuals struggling with addiction. Don't miss this insightful conversation!
Follow the link below to check it out!
https://youtube.com/watch?v=OIrg6wKyCd0&feature=shared

Sometimes peer pressure mixed with a little FOMO can make you think that what others are experiencing is better than what you may have going on, especially with the way moments are framed on social media. However, in reality that is not at all true. This can apply to anything from material things to unhealthy behaviors like underage drinking. Don't be fooled by a snapshot of a moment!

Mondays are for Mindfulness and Gratitude! 😌🧘
We love to encourage our parents/guardians to talk with their child(ren) about the harms of drugs and alcohol. But these conversations can be about more to help build that trust and value in your opinion! Check out these prompts that can help guide a conversation rooted in mindfulness and gratitude! For more, text "TALK" to 85775!

Alcohol is not as harmless as some make it out to be...ESPECIALLY when it come to our youth! This is why it is important for parents/guardians to have real conversations with their child(ren) about the harms and effects of alcohol/underage drinking! So have the conversation TODAY! Its never too late!
For conversation starters, tips, and other resources to help guide the conversation, text "TALK" to 85775 or visit www.drugfreekennesaw.org!

You may ask and wonder why alcohol awareness and prevention against youth alcohol abuse/underage drinking is so important to us... well, its a simple answer. Alcohol can do a lot of damage to the developing bodies and brains of our youth that can lead to more serious consequences in their future. Check out the video below to understand how alcohol can negatively affect the body!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tXoJN8-H6k

This past week, Governor Kemp signed SB 395 into law that states that no
school visitor or personnel can be prohibited from possessing an opioid antagonist such as Narcan! It also directs schools to maintain a supply, allows opioid antagonists to be sold in vending machines, and directs certain government buildings to maintain a supply of at least three doses! This is a big win for substance abuse prevention and recovery efforts in addressing opioid abuse/misuse!

To review the press release, follow the link below:
https://gov.georgia.gov/press-releases/2024-04-23/gov-kemp-signs-legislation-strengthening-education-system-georgia

Being healthy mentally can serve as a protective factor against substance use and abuse of things like alcohol, va**ng/to***co, and other drugs like opioids. Choosing mental health means choosing forgiveness over hate. It's not about them; it's about you. Letting go for your peace, your growth.

Parents, let's not forget that alcohol is a drug too! Although, it may seem super normalized at dinners, parties, celebrations, etc... it can very well be abused and have fatal consequences, especially among the youth!

Check out this article!
https://www.times-herald.com/news/alcohol-shouldn-t-become-the-forgotten-drug/article_1c481dec-f605-11ee-86f3-33b3520f8e7d.html

For more information regarding alcohol awareness, visit www.ccapsa.org!

We are taking this moment to spotlight our students in Lumpkin County! They are only embracing POSITIVE peer pressure as 75% of students surveyed last fall reported that their friends would feel it is wrong or very wrong to use alcohol, to***co, or v**e. 👍🤩 Thank you to our Lumpkin County students for being a positive influence on their peers! And shouts go out to our partners at Drug-Free Lumpkin for continuing to spread our prevention message against va**ng and and underage drinking!

BREAKING NEWS! CHECK THIS OUT! Shouts go out to our student athletes that are choosing to live a healthier lifestyle in order to perform at their full potential!! 👍

https://www.ncaa.org/news/2024/1/9/media-center-student-athletes-report-drop-in-binge-drinking-use-of-narcotic-pain-medication-and-spit-to***co.aspx

As the school year begins to wind down, the pressure ramps up with state exams 📚, SATs, and AP tests ✏️ looming.
This stress 😰 might lead some youth to experiment with alcohol and other drugs, which is why it’s important to have open conversations 💬 with your kids about substance use and what’s going on in their lives.
For conversation starters, tips, and other resources, text "TALK" to 85775 and have the conversation TODAY!

CHECK THIS OUT! The tactics used by alcohol companies to sell their products—and how many of those ads might end up appealing to children—are a big focus of David Jernigan’s research. As a Boston University School of Public Health professor of health law, policy, and management, his goal is to raise awareness of alcohol as a public health hazard. The way it’s advertised, sold, talked about, and idealized, he says, can lead to increased rates of car accidents, substance use disorder, and mortality—risks that are exacerbated in underage drinkers.

https://www.bu.edu/articles/2024/do-alcohol-ads-promote-underage-drinking/

Bullying hurts more than just feelings. It can push people towards destructive coping mechanisms like alcohol and drugs. Let's break this cycle by offering support, promoting positive coping strategies, and creating inclusive environments. Together, we can make a difference. 💪

Be sure to set aside time to talk to your kids about the harms and consequences of bullying! For conversation starters, tips, and other resources, text "TALK" to 85775!

DRUG-FREE KENNESAW's WED. WELLNESS TIP:

Did you know that tomorrow is ⚽️🏀🏈⚾️🥎🏐!
What sports do your kids play? Comment below! ⬇️

Whatever the sport, remind your kids that good athletes need to lead a healthy, substance-free lifestyle for athletic success 🏆. Talk to your kids about how va**ng, underage drinking, and other drug misuse can hinder their game! For conversation starters, tips, and other resources, text "TALK" to 85775!

This is no April Fool's joke 👀... follow the link to check it out!
https://www.ajc.com/politics/age-limits-and-testing-requirements-approved-for-georgia-hemp-products/PFFMKFSHR5BOJFTYV67FQMA4X4/

Let's recognize and applaud the 75% of Lumpkin County High School students that report having a positive group of friends in their circle! This 75% of students report having friends that view underage drinking and va**ng as wrong!
Having a positive influence/peer pressure can result in positive behaviors and making positive decisions! Great job students and great job to our partners at Drug-Free Lumpkin for spreading the prevention message against underage drinking and va**ng! 👍🤩

Did someone say... 5K?!
Last weekend, Drug-Free Chattooga attended the 5K "Fight Hunger, Get Healthy" community health fair in Chattooga County. After cheering on other attendees and educating them about the prevention work they do in the community, they also made it a point to be an example of making healthy choices by utilizing the resources that were available!
S/O to Drug-Free Chattooga for continuing to engage with and uplift Chattooga County with your prevention work! 👍

Last week, our partners at Drug-Free Lumpkin 365 visited Lumpkin County High School to talk with the students about alcohol awareness and underage drinking prevention! S/O to Drug-Free Lumpkin for always being engaged with the students and hands-on with the community! We are proud of the work you do! 👍 Go check out their page to get a snippet of what they discussed!
Drug-Free Lumpkin !

Adults, parents, and guardians... one of the best ways you can help to prevent youth substance abuse (e.g., va**ng, underage drinking, prescription drug misuse, etc.) is by sharing 🔊facts about alcohol and other drugs with the youth you have influence over. Voice your disapproval and make they aware of the harms and consequences that come with substance use.

For facts and info, visit www.ccapsa.org!

Va**ng exposes those who v**e to ni****ne. Ni****ne is highly addictive, especially to the developing brain of teens. Va**ng and ni****ne can also result in a number of other potentially fatal health issues!
Don't be a Nico-Teen! Make the healthy choice to not v**e or use any to***co products.
For quit resources, text "TALK" to 85775!

Here is your weekly reminder to securely lock away all medications in the home to reduce the ease of access which can prevent the action or temptation of misuse!

To receive Rx Disposal Packets, text 'MEDS' to 85775! For more information on the harms of opioid and prescription drug misuse, visit www.ccapsa.org!

Dear Student Athletes,
We have a message for you!
https://youtube.com/shorts/ioW8oN3ChZc?si=qVHl9eXGbSyau7G9
We encourage our student athletes to follow this example! And don't forget to share this with your peers!