We are entering an exciting time of the year where there is great potential for change in the field of tobacco and drug prevention, especially when talking about preventing use among our youth population. The Utah State Legislative Session begins January 27th and ends March 12th. During this time, the Utah State Legislature has the … Continue reading Tobacco policy and vaping updates 2020
Risk Factors for Teens
Understanding Risk Factors A risk factor is a condition that increases the likelihood of a problem behavior or negative health outcome. Let’s use the example: What are the risk factors for heart problems? Poor diet, smoking, family history of heart problems, sedentary lifestyle, high cholesterol, and so on. All of these things can increase our risk … Continue reading Risk Factors for Teens
Naloxone – Save a Life
Where can I get Naloxone? Low-Cost Naloxone Your Local Pharmacy: The Utah Naloxone Standing Order allows pharmacists to distribute naloxone to anyone without needing a prescription. You can purchase Naloxone at most pharmacies, either with insurance co-pay or out of pocket. Each kit differs in price and insurance coverage, but most range from $45 to $175 out … Continue reading Naloxone – Save a Life
Hobbies for Healthy Coping
Hi my name is Ozzy Mac. This is my story of Substance Abuse and finding new hobbies for healthy coping. So a little about me: I grew up in American Fork. I am the oldest of three, I have two younger sisters. My family life was a little different. My mom worked a lot at … Continue reading Hobbies for Healthy Coping
When it Comes to Youth Using Drugs – Most Don’t
According to the 2017 Student Health and Risk Prevention Survey, students in Utah County believed that about 18% of all students had used alcohol in the past 30 days. If they have a grade with 100 students, teens believe 18 of them are drinking. That seems like a lot of teens are drinking! The reality … Continue reading When it Comes to Youth Using Drugs – Most Don’t
Safe Drug Disposal
Protect our environment and community by properly disposing of your prescription medications at a permanent local medication drop box near you. Business hours apply. Properly disposing of unused opioid medication prevents the risk of addiction, misuse, and overdoses. 75% of Utahans currently addicted to opioids get them from a friend or family member. You can … Continue reading Safe Drug Disposal
E-Cigarettes/Vapes
What is an E-Cigarette? An e-cigarette device is used to heat a liquid substance and when heated to a certain temperature, creates an aerosol that can then be inhaled. E-cigarettes have many different names such as: E-cigs, e-hookahs, mods, vape pens, vapes, tank systems, and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) (US Department of Health and Human … Continue reading E-Cigarettes/Vapes
The Opioid Overdose Crisis
Opioid Overdoses When prescribed and used properly, opioids are an important and commonly used component to help control and manage moderate to severe pain. They are used in hospitals and are sometimes prescribed by doctors. Common opioids include Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Morphine, Fentanyl, Buprenorphine and Methadone. There are also illegal opioids, such as Heroin. Opioids work … Continue reading The Opioid Overdose Crisis
Alcohol
New imaging machines, such as MRIs, PET and SPECT scans, have given scientists exciting views into the development of the human brain. While we once thought the brain was fully developed at birth, we now know that the brain continues to develop until the mid-20s.New scientific research shows that alcohol affects a teen’s still-developing brain … Continue reading Alcohol
Cannabis
There are many slang names for cannabis including: Marijuana, Weed, Pot, Grass, Reefer, Ganja, Mary Jane, Blunt, Joint, Roach, etc. The cannabis plant contains over 480 compounds. The two cannabinoids we know the most about are THC and CBD. THC is the psychoactive part of the plant and CBD is non-psychoactive and produces more known … Continue reading Cannabis