The post Safe, Strong, and Substance-Free: A Summer of Smart Choices first appeared on Drug Free Clubs of America.

Tobacco Use in Teens

The FDA and CDC reported via the 2023 National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) that roughly 2.8 million youth currently use a tobacco product. Of these youth, 12.6% (1.97 million) are high school students, and 6.6% (800,000) are middle school students. The top five widely used tobacco products that were reported throughout the survey were e-cigarettes or vapes, cigars, cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and smokeless–which includes chewing tobacco or dip. 

What does Tobacco Use Mean for Our Kids?

It’s well known there are a slew of negative side effects of tobacco use for adults and youth alike. The more noticeable effects are cosmetic, including bad breath, smoke-smelling clothes and hair, and yellow teeth. Some more serious may involve a persistent cough–which some refer to as “smoker’s cough”–an inability to keep up in activities and sports, and an increased likelihood of respiratory and flu illnesses. Heart disease, lung damage, every type of cancer you could imagine, and a shortened lifespan are some of the effects that teens and even some adults don’t know. But they are facts. And they are bad. Stephen Barry from Healthline’s “Why Teens Smoke and How to Help Them Quit” shared that teens can develop lifelong addiction from smoking only 100 cigarettes, and 9/10 adult smokers started by age 18.

Tips for Preventing/Stopping Use

Drug and alcohol prevention should start early, and the same goes for tobacco use. Like most efforts, it can begin with an open conversation about the use and its effects. This might involve having regular check-ins and talking about peer pressure. Check out some of our other resources tha might be helpful:

1. 10 Tips for Talking to Your Child about Substance Use
2. Positive Peer Pressure Blog Post

Drug Free Clubs of America is on a mission to reduce the impacts of drug use on youth. Across the nation, drug and alcohol use is on the rise among teens. We provide students with practical tools and techniques to navigate peer pressure and choose a healthy lifestyle. Partnering with schools and communities, we offer preventative programming to meet students where they are. Through randomized drug testing, educational resources, a positive outlet, and a supportive community, we are changing school cultures and reducing alcohol, marijuana, vaping, and other detrimental activities among our members and the entire school body. Drug Free Clubs of America has over as over 7,000 active student and faculty/staff members and Clubs in over 50 schools in Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, and California.

Source: FDA, Healthline

The post Tobacco Use: What, How, & Stopping It first appeared on Drug Free Clubs of America.

Research shows underage drinking and drug misuse spike during school breaks. Here’s how to make this summer safe, empowering, and drug-free.

Why Summer Poses Risks for Teens

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, more underage drinking occurs during summer months when teens have more unstructured time and less supervision.

Smart Prevention Tips for Teens & Parents

• Set summer goals and activities in advance
• Keep open communication about peer pressure
• Follow a structured daily routine
• Make space for self-care and relaxation
• Stay involved in community or school-based prevention groups like DFCA

Why Join Drug Free Clubs of America?

DFCA empowers students with drug education, testing incentives, leadership opportunities, and a support system that celebrates positive choices. Students, parents, and educators can all get involved.
Join here → https://drugfreeclubs.com/students

Get Involved

Whether you’re a teen looking to make a difference or a parent wanting to protect your child’s future, DFCA offers a way to engage meaningfully. Learn how to:

• Start a chapter as an educator
• Get involved as a parent

Summer is a season of freedom—but real freedom comes from making choices that protect your future.
At Drug Free Clubs of America, we believe in the power of prevention, education, and youth leadership. Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, there’s a place for you in this movement. Let’s work together to make this summer one to remember—for all the right reasons.

The post How to Stay Substance-Free This Summer first appeared on Drug Free Clubs of America.

However, things like heavily edited images on Instagram and TikTok often glamorize unhealthy habits that include exposure to drugs and alcohol. Teens see, or hear about, influencers, celebrities, and even their peers casually posting about drinking at parties, using substances, or participating in dangerous trends. This can create feelings of FOMO (fear of missing out) and more.

What Peer Pressuring Happens on Social Media?

Peer pressure has always existed, but social media has amplified it. In addition to seeing and hearing about people using drugs and alcohol, teens can experience direct pressures online. There could be group chats, comments, or DMs that may encourage teens to try alcohol and drugs. The anonymity and indirectness of social media often set the stage for peers to push boundaries or bully others into trying things they normally wouldn’t do in person.

While there is more negative peer pressure on social media, the good news is that positive peer pressure also exists! For instance, choosing to be alcohol-free and sharing about it is becoming a trend among celebrities. More and more people are becoming more health cautious and aware of all the dangers of alcohol, which is helping create positive influences for teens to reduce alcohol use. Teens are also posting on Reddit forums and TikTok, sharing their first-hand, negative experiences with drugs—like these teens who shared about vaping.

What Can Parents, Guardians, and Educators Do?

You can play a huge role in helping teens navigate the wide world of social media and internet pressures. Here are a few ways:

1. Encourage following positive role models. Preventing social media use entirely might not always be an option, so encouraging teens to follow influencers and peers who are promoting drug and alcohol-free lifestyles can help them build confidence in resisting peer pressure and making responsible decisions. Research shows that peers significantly influence teenagers, particularly when making decisions or judging risks.
2. You have the power of positive influence, too. Teens often mimic adult behavior, so setting good examples is important. Show them how to use social media responsibly with your online presence.
3. Set healthy and balanced social media habits. Here arefour ways to ensure your teen or teens (and even you!) stay healthy and balanced with social media, especially if you are feeling any FOMO by seeing the online presence of others. Keep in mind that if you set any of these boundaries with teenagers, this means that as a role model, you need to try to follow the same rules. For instance, asking your teenager to limit screen time will be more effective if you also limit screen time. Sometimes, it helps to admit to your teenagers that you also find it difficult to put down your devices.
4. Teach refusal skills. Teens need to be equipped with the voice to say no when they feel pressured in person or online. For one, Drug Free Clubs of America provides students with practical tools and techniques to navigate peer pressure and choose a healthy lifestyle. We even offer an “out” for teenagers if offered drugs or alcohol. They can say, “I can’t, I might get tested.” Parents and guardians, you can also tell teens they can “blame” you or make you the bad guy when refusing drugs or substances with friends. Here are some other ways teens can continue to make healthy choices.
5. Keep the lines of communication open. Make it clear that you’re willing to talk about what they’re experiencing or learning online. This will encourage teenagers to talk to you if they run into a problem instead of going to their peers or looking for solutions online.

The pressures of social media are strong, but there are ways to help keep social media positive, so teens can make healthier, more informed choices now and for their future.

Drug Free Clubs of America is on a mission to reduce the impacts of drug use on youth. Across the nation, drug and alcohol use is on the rise among teens. We provide students with practical tools and techniques to navigate peer pressure and choose a healthy lifestyle. Partnering with schools and communities, we offer preventative programming to meet students where they are. Through randomized drug testing, educational resources, a positive outlet, and a supportive community, we are changing school cultures and reducing alcohol, marijuana, vaping, and other detrimental activities among our members and the entire school body. Drug Free Clubs of America has over as over 7,000 active student and faculty/staff members and Clubs in over 50 schools in Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, and California.

The post Teen Peer Pressure in the Age of Social Media first appeared on Drug Free Clubs of America.

Here Are Some Scary Truths About Vaping:

1.  It’s not as safe as you or your friends might think or say. Many of your friends and classmates don’t realize it’s harmful, which is a big part of why many teens start. You might have been led to believe that vaping is safer than cigarettes and causes no harm. However, science shows it can harm your health. The nicotine in e-cigarettes, in teenagers especially, can change your young brain and get you hooked, affecting the ability to focus and learn. A new study found that vaping in teens may often spike the risk of exposure to metals —lead and uranium — potentially harming brain and organ development.

2.  Causes harm to your future. Research shows that teens who use substances are more likely to skip school, have lower grades, lower academic self-efficacy, and lower academic engagement than their non-substance-using peers. Remember that colleges and employers look for individuals who make responsible choices, so keeping your body healthy and making wise decisions now helps set you up for success later.

3.  Chemical exposure and addiction. Some vapes contain as much nicotine as a whole pack of cigarettes, so this means that teens who vape can get addicted to the drug more quickly than cigarettes. In addition to nicotine, some dangerous chemicals, such as formaldehyde, form when nicotine liquid is heated to high temperatures.

4.  Known but many more unknown long-term health risks. While vaping might appear appealing or claim to be the “safe” alternative to cigarettes, it poses several known health and addiction risks and even more that are unknown. Over the last couple of years, scientists have linked vaping to severe lung disease. Similar to cigarettes, e-cigarettes have also been proven to raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. There has also been an increase in several vaping-related illnesses. Finally, what’s even scarier is that we don’t have data for all long-term health risks yet since vaping has only been around in the U.S. for a limited number of years.

Warnings From Other Teens

The stats above are frightening, but sometimes, the best advice about the dangers of vaping comes from other teens who have experienced it. Here are some warnings shared by other teens in the news and across social media, specifically on Reddit and TikTok, about vaping:

1. “Never start vaping” was a heartbreaking plea of this 12-year-old girl in the U.K. who was hospitalized with lung damage and left fighting for her life in a four-day coma from vaping.
2. “I was peer pressured into doing it and slowly got addicted.”
3. “As someone who used to vape, even though the flavors are supposed to be ‘good’ they absolutely are not. Literally nothing good about it.”
4. “Not only cringe but also harmful.”
5. “I vape and DO NOT START. NO MATTER WHAT! I started cuz of reasons and I’m literally addicted.”
6. “Another teen who vapes here… Most people started doing it because they thought it was cool or they were peer-pressured, and they keep doing it because they’re addicted. The withdrawals can feel horrible. Muscle aches, shaking, blind rage, etc.”
7. “I’ve tried it, it sucks and there’s nothing good about it. People only do it because everyone else does it.”

There are many other photos, videos, and stories online and across social media that you can find of young people exposing the real damage that vaping has done to their bodies and lives and how hard it is to kick the addiction.

What to Do If You Are Pressured to Vape

With friends, it can be challenging to resist pressure. Arming yourself with knowledge and research about the dangers of vaping and practicing assertiveness when declining are two ways to help. Here are some ways teens can say “no.”

How You Can Help Others Not Vape

One of the most well-established ways to prevent youth vaping is peer influence. Your friends trust you, and you have the influence to help your friends make choices. Share why you are choosing to avoid vaping, and you can also tell your friends about the dangers shared in this article that they might not realize.  

What To Do if You’re Already Vaping

You might be stressed or scared to talk to a parent or a trusted adult, such as a teacher or school counselor, but ultimately, they want to help. They will help you find resources to help you quit before vaping impacts your health or future. They can also guide you to find support groups online or to join other activities, such as sports, hobbies, or other ways to spend time with friends that can keep your mind and body busy and away from vaping.

Your health and future are too important to risk for something as dangerous as vaping. Staying informed and making smart choices is the best way for you and your friends to lead a healthy, happy life.

Drug Free Clubs of America is on a mission to reduce the impacts of drug use on youth. Across the nation, drug and alcohol use is on the rise among teens. We provide students with practical tools and techniques to navigate peer pressure and choose a healthy lifestyle. Partnering with schools and communities, we offer preventative programming to meet students where they are. Through randomized drug testing, educational resources, a positive outlet, and a supportive community, we are changing school cultures and reducing alcohol, marijuana, vaping, and other detrimental activities among our members and the entire school body. Drug Free Clubs of America has over as over 7,000 active student and faculty/staff members and Clubs in over 50 schools in Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, and California.

The post Some Scary Truths About Vaping Plus Warnings from Other Teens first appeared on Drug Free Clubs of America.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported an alarming trend: More teens are turning to drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, and loneliness. And often, they’re facing these alone.

This raises several crucial questions: 1. Why are teens particularly vulnerable,and 2. What can parents and educators do to help?

1. Why Teens are Vulnerable

First, teenagers face many stressors during a time of significant physical, emotional, and social change. Academic performance, social expectations, social media/cyberbullying, personal insecurities, and the uncertainty of the future are all huge stressors that can feel overwhelming.

Second, there is a link between stress and substance use. The CDC report notes seeking relief from stress, anxiety, and depression as the top reasons that teens turn to substances like marijuana and alcohol. This comes amongst reports of rising anxiety and depression among youth across the country. Teens turn to substances as a coping mechanism, from peer pressure, mental health issues, or because they are accessible.

2. How Parents and Educators Can Help: Recognize Warning Signs

Recognizing the signs of substance use early can make a significant difference in a teen’s life. Parents and educators must be vigilant for signs that include:

1. Sudden changes in behavior or emotions
2. Physical symptoms, such as bloodshot eyes or unexplained injuries
3. Withdrawal from activities
4. A decline in academic performance
5. Changes in social circles

Support to help teens navigate stress

Early prevention interventions are crucial to support teens who may turn to drug use to cope with stress. Promote interventions that:

1. Reduce stress and improve mental health. Reducing stress and promoting mental health among adolescents can help lessen motivations for substance use. 

2. Teach healthy coping skills. One healthy coping skill is encouraging teens to engage in activities that promote mental well-being, such as sports, the arts, or hobbies. Teaching stress management techniques like these mindfulness exercises can also be beneficial.

3. Open lines of communication. Open and non-judgmental communication can help teenagers feel more supported and understood. Addiction experts, including those at the CDC, also urge parents and educators to talk to kids about the risks of using drugs alone, especially, which includes providing naloxone to reverse opioid overdoses.

If you suspect a teen in your life is struggling with stress and/or substance use, do not hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional. Every little intervention — the earlier, the better — plays a significant role in helping teenagers navigate stress without turning to substances.

Drug Free Clubs of America is on a mission to reduce the impacts of drug use on youth. Across the nation, drug and alcohol use is on the rise among teens. We provide students with practical tools and techniques to navigate peer pressure and choose a healthy lifestyle. Partnering with schools and communities, we offer preventative programming to meet students where they are. Through randomized drug testing, educational resources, a positive outlet, and a supportive community, we are changing school cultures and reducing alcohol, marijuana, vaping, and other detrimental activities among our members and the entire school body. Drug Free Clubs of America has over as over 7,000 active student and faculty/staff members and Clubs in over 50 schools in Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, and California.

The post Stressed Out Teens Can Turn to Drugs and Alcohol first appeared on Drug Free Clubs of America.

Tobacco Use in Teens

The FDA and CDC reported via the 2023 National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) that roughly 2.8 million youth currently use a tobacco product. Of these youth, 12.6% (1.97 million) are high school students, and 6.6% (800,000) are middle school students. The top five widely used tobacco products that were reported throughout the survey were e-cigarettes or vapes, cigars, cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and smokeless–which includes chewing tobacco or dip. 

What does Tobacco Use Mean for Our Kids?

It’s well known there are a slew of negative side effects of tobacco use for adults and youth alike. The more noticeable effects are cosmetic, including bad breath, smoke-smelling clothes and hair, and yellow teeth. Some more serious may involve a persistent cough–which some refer to as “smoker’s cough”–an inability to keep up in activities and sports, and an increased likelihood of respiratory and flu illnesses. Heart disease, lung damage, every type of cancer you could imagine, and a shortened lifespan are some of the effects that teens and even some adults don’t know. But they are facts. And they are bad. Stephen Barry from Healthline’s “Why Teens Smoke and How to Help Them Quit” shared that teens can develop lifelong addiction from smoking only 100 cigarettes, and 9/10 adult smokers started by age 18.

Tips for Preventing/Stopping Use

Drug and alcohol prevention should start early, and the same goes for tobacco use. Like most efforts, it can begin with an open conversation about the use and its effects. This might involve having regular check-ins and talking about peer pressure. Check out some of our other resources tha might be helpful:

1. 10 Tips for Talking to Your Child about Substance Use
2. Positive Peer Pressure Blog Post

Drug Free Clubs of America is on a mission to reduce the impacts of drug use on youth. Across the nation, drug and alcohol use is on the rise among teens. We provide students with practical tools and techniques to navigate peer pressure and choose a healthy lifestyle. Partnering with schools and communities, we offer preventative programming to meet students where they are. Through randomized drug testing, educational resources, a positive outlet, and a supportive community, we are changing school cultures and reducing alcohol, marijuana, vaping, and other detrimental activities among our members and the entire school body. Drug Free Clubs of America has over as over 7,000 active student and faculty/staff members and Clubs in over 50 schools in Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, and California.

Source: FDA, Healthline

The post Tobacco Use: What, How, & Stopping It first appeared on Drug Free Clubs of America.

Social media has become a massive part of our society, our lives, and how we navigate. Let’s just say social media is a big deal. And for teens, this is also their primary source for social connections and staying in the know. So, teens are constantly on their phones and on different social media platforms, which can have a heavy effect. Let’s look into it a little bit further.

A 2018 Pew Research Center survey found that roughly 95% of teens claim they have or have access to a phone, and nearly 90% of teens access the internet at a minimum, several times a day.

With those numbers, it’s easy to see that social media use is on the rise. You can connect with friends, find local events and activities, and share pictures of your latest adventure. You can also find a sense of belonging, express yourself authentically, and, in turn, even make a living.

But with all these peaks in social media, there are also downfalls. Heavily edited pictures may contribute to self-image concerns, limited face-to-face interactions may create feelings of loneliness, or the pressure of social media can influence levels of stress and anxiety. Concerns about poor sleep quality and minimal hours of sleep also exist. Constant access and frequent use can be linked to how a teen’s brain is developing, potentially impacting their learning, behavior, ability to control impulses, and emotional regulation.

Whether a parent, teen, or advocate, there are things to consider to stay healthy and balanced. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Monitor Social Media Use: Monitor your daily social media use, set screen time goals, and block or delete social media apps or accounts, if necessary. Consider following influencers or accounts committed to living a drug-free lifestyle.
2. In-person Connections: Set time aside to spend quality time with friends and family face-to-face.
3. Set Boundaries: Create boundaries around social media use and social activities.
4. Engage in Healthy Activities: Continue to participate and prioritize hobbies, exercise, sports, or other preferred activities.

Phones and social media affect how we navigate and view our world and it’s important to be aware of both benefits and concerns. Sharing this with those we know only helps to spread the word and keeps the conversation going.

Drug Free Clubs of America is on a mission to reduce the impacts of drug use on youth. Across the nation, drug and alcohol use is on the rise among teens. We provide students with practical tools and techniques to navigate peer pressure and choose a healthy lifestyle. Partnering with schools and communities, we offer preventative programming to meet students where they are. Through randomized drug testing, educational resources, a positive outlet, and a supportive community, we are changing school cultures and reducing alcohol, marijuana, vaping, and other detrimental activities among our members and the entire school body. Drug Free Clubs of America has over as over 7,000 active student and faculty/staff members and Clubs in over 50 schools in Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, and California.

Source: https://www.pewresearch.org and www.yalemedicine.com

The post Social Media and Teens: The Rise & The Downfall first appeared on Drug Free Clubs of America.

Peer pressure, the desire or need for independence, and the search for new challenges are just a few reasons why underage drinking is attractive to teens. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports that:

1. Roughly 46% of 16-17-year-olds, 25% of 14-15-year-olds, and 9% of 12-13-year-olds reported using alcohol at least once.
2. Alcohol is a factor in the deaths of approximately 4,300 people under 21 in the United States per year.
3. 17% of high school students in 2017 reported riding in a car driven by someone who had been drinking.

Warning Signs

Teenagers are expected to experience various behaviors and emotions as they navigate their pre- and teen years. However, determining if a teen’s behaviors are typical or if something may be up and out of the norm can be challenging. The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Addiction (NIAAA) shared a few things to look for if suspecting use:

1. Differences in mood or attitude
2. Dips in grades or behavior
3. Signs of rebellion
4. Different social groups
5. Fatigue
6. Low motivation
7. Seeing or smelling anything
8. Difficulty remembering
9. Change in speech

Trying to Stop It

Preventing underage drinking isn’t a one-stop shop. It requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach with engagement from teens, parents, educators, and the community.

Understanding the complexity of influencers on teens, from genetics and personality to social environments is crucial for effective prevention. It’s not just about lecturing; it’s about empowering teens with the skills and tools needed to navigate the challenges associated with alcohol. This knowledge prepares teens to make healthy choices and influence others not to drink as well.

For schools, creating dynamic, engaging programs like Drug Free Clubs of America empowers students to make the right decision (even when it seems too hard), encourages active participation, and fosters skills like self-esteem and critical thinking. These programs are pivotal in helping teens make informed, confident decisions.

Families can help prevent underage drinking through open dialogue about alcohol, clear guidelines, and consistent support. Leading by example and being actively involved, parents can reinforce and guide their teens toward better decision-making.

Community members can help prevent underage drinking through their support of local events and initiatives promoting drug-free lifestyles. Special rewards and incentives can reinforce teens’ decisions to avoid alcohol (and drugs) in a fun and rewarding way.

A Tip for Parents

NIAAA supports that teens with actively involved parents are less likely to drink alcohol. It’s about cultivating an environment of trust and guidance rather than mere rule enforcement. Demonstrating positive behaviors and being actively involved are powerful ways to reinforce these messages.

Not sure where to start? Download our free guide–10 Tips for Talking to Your Child About Substance Use–to begin the conversation today! Follow us on Instagram or Facebook for informative content, prevention resources, the latest facts, and more ways to guide your teen.

Drug Free Clubs of America is on a mission to reduce the impacts of drug use on youth. Across the nation, drug and alcohol use is on the rise among teens. We provide students with practical tools and techniques to navigate peer pressure and choose a healthy lifestyle. Partnering with schools and communities, we offer preventative programming to meet students where they are. Through randomized drug testing, educational resources, a positive outlet, and a supportive community, we are changing school cultures and reducing alcohol, marijuana, vaping, and other detrimental activities among our members and the entire school body. Drug Free Clubs of America has over as over 7,000 active student and faculty/staff members and Clubs in over 50 schools in Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, and California.

The post Teen Use of Alcohol first appeared on Drug Free Clubs of America.

1. Summer Job: Working and earning money helps teens gain confidence, make new friends, and expand their social groups. The responsibility of maintaining a job helps teens develop a sense of responsibility and can make a huge difference in maturity and logical decision-making.
2. Volunteer Work: Providing help for others is fulfilling and rewarding in more ways than one. Food banks, animal shelters, local parks, and Habitat for Humanity are just a few to consider in the volunteering journey. Volunteer Match is a website featuring volunteer opportunities all across the country.
3. Organized activities: Athletic camps, academic camps, and extracurricular clubs have many benefits. They keep teens busy while building and fostering social and leadership skills, promoting friendships, boosting confidence and self-esteem, and encouraging enjoyment. Find the things they love.
4. Family time: Vacations, family dinners, weekend getaways, shopping trips, sporting events, or game nights are ways to bond with teens and create core memories. These activities provide both quality time and structure for long summer days.

Teenagers who share that they are “frequently bored” increase their likelihood of getting drunk, using illegal drugs, and smoking by 50%, according to a study by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse. Adults are the first line of defense in reducing the chances that teens will take their first drink or use other substances. Agreeing on expectations, setting the right example, engaging in open dialogue about alcohol and drug use and their dangerous consequences, and promoting a busy lifestyle for them are all critical in helping to maintain drug-free lifestyles.

Drug Free Clubs of America is on a mission to reduce the impacts of drug use on youth. Across the nation, drug and alcohol use is on the rise among teens. We provide students with practical tools and techniques to navigate peer pressure and choose a healthy lifestyle. Partnering with schools and communities, we offer preventative programming to meet students where they are. Through randomized drug testing, educational resources, a positive outlet, and a supportive community, we are changing school cultures and reducing alcohol, marijuana, vaping, and other detrimental activities among our members and the entire school body. Drug Free Clubs of America has over as over 7,000 active student and faculty/staff members and Clubs in over 50 schools in Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, and California.

The post Staying Safe by Staying Busy this Summer first appeared on Drug Free Clubs of America.