NB Youth

Marijuana

Today's marijuana has more than 3 times the concentration of THC than marijuana from 25 years ago, which makes its side effects, like impaired memory, decreased performance, and slowed brain development, even more potent. These effects can make it hard for kids to do the activities they love and succeed where it matters most to them - now is the time to chase your dreams, not a high.

GET THE FACTS

Alcohol

50% of teens say they’ve tried alcohol by only the age of 15, but the brain doesn’t finish developing until your mid-20s. Alcohol consumption impacts that development, often with lasting effects on the brain’s structure and function. Drinking can wait a few more years, but your goals and passions are happening now.

GET THE FACTS

Mental Health and Suicide

The internal battle with mental health struggles may sometimes be less visible than substance use disorders, but that doesn't make it less harmful or widespread. If you are battling with negative thoughts or feelings of distress, you are not alone - millions of Americans deal with these kinds of problems, and too often they do so alone. Thoughts of self-harm don't have to become actions; there is always someone to talk to.

GET THE FACTS

Vaping and E-Cigarettes

Nicotine is a highly addictive substance, no matter how you consume it. While traditional cigarettes are less common among adolescents, e-cigarettes have become more popular over the past several years, with all the same harmful addictive qualities. Teens casually picking up a vape pen may not realize the long-term addiction they could be getting themselves into.

GET THE FACTS

Prescription Drugs

Unused or expired prescription drugs left undisposed of can often be misused by teens and young adults - these prescription medications provide one of the easiest opportunities for youth drug use because they are so easy to obtain. Proper storage and disposal of prescription medications is one of the best ways to help reduce abuse of these drugs. And remember - if a medication is not prescribed to you, you shouldn't take it - there's no way of knowing how the dosage will affect you.

GET THE FACTS