News & Events
Much of our work involves measuring the difference others make. Getting involved and making our own difference is also an important part of who we are as individuals and as an organization.
In this survey study of 7612 adolescents, frequent exposure to cannabis posts on social media broadly was associated with solo e-cigarette use, solo cannabis use, and dual use initiation a year later, whereas platform-specific exposure to e-cigarette posts on TikTok was associated with solo cannabis and dual use initiation. Exposure to e-cigarette and cannabis posts from microinfluencers was associated with past-month cannabis use, whereas exposure to e-cigarette posts from friends was associated with past-month dual use; exposure to friends’ cannabis posts was also associated with past-month cannabis and dual use.
Since exposure to e-cigarette or cannabis posts may contribute to adolescent e-cigarette, cannabis, or dual use, improvement of social media community guidelines and greater policy attention to co-use and marketing of e-cigarettes and cannabis may help prevent youth substance use.
—
The researchers found that current cannabis use among older adults grew to 7 percent in 2023, up from 4.8 percent in 2021 and 5.2 percent in 2022—a nearly 46 percent increase in only two years. Cannabis can complicate the management of chronic diseases and be potentially harmful if patients are not educated on its use and potential risks.
—
June 6th is National Naloxone Awareness Day which aims to raise awareness about naloxone (Narcan), a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, and to encourage wider access to this vital resource.
About Narcan/Naloxone:
- Mechanism of Action: Naloxone effectively blocks the effects of opioids on the brain and restores normal breathing.
- Forms of Administration: Naloxone can be administered as a nasal spray, or by injection.
- Over-the-Counter Availability: As of March 2023, the FDA approved naloxone nasal spray (including Narcan™) for over-the-counter sale, making it easier for people to access.
- Effectiveness and Safety: Naloxone is safe and effective and can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose within minutes. It will not cause harm to someone who is not experiencing an opioid overdose.
- Important Note: While naloxone can save a life by temporarily reversing an overdose, it's crucial to call emergency medical services (like 911) immediately after administering it. Naloxone's effects can wear off, and the person may require further medical attention.
—
1 in 4 children in the USA have a parent with a substance use disorder. A significant number of those children have a parent whose addiction is moderate or severe as opposed to mild.
Young children in homes affected by parental SUD are at increased risk of experiencing impaired caregiving, disruption of parental abilities, unintentional ingestions, and witnessing parental overdose.
—
National Prevention Week is a public education platform showcasing the work of communities and organizations across the country that are preventing substance use and misuse — and promoting positive mental health.
National Prevention Week is taking place from May 11-17, 2025! Get involved by sharing your #MyPreventionStory on social media, using our planning toolkit, and hosting your own prevention event or activity.
For more information click here.
—