By Colleen Sharlow and Heather Ward With so many traumatic events going on in the world and in our nation, it is easy to overlook some serious issues that are still happening, even if they have not made the headlines in the news or social media. One of these issues is teen dating violence. Recently we recognized February as National Teen Dating Vio...

What are the most basic skills youth need to succeed - not just to avoid trouble as they grow up, but to really thrive? It turns out an organization called the Search Institute has been quietly doing research on this very subject for decades.Through surveys of millions of children and youth from varied backgrounds all over the world, common buildin...

So you are not sure how to prevent drug or alcohol use? Or what to do if you suspect or have discovered substance use? The information and resources you seek are close by. We all know that the teen and young adult years are confusing, complicated and formative. Understanding what's happening socially and developmentally — and how it can intersect w...

At Wellspring Center for Prevention we aim to serve as a resource to individuals, families, and organizations that have been impacted by substance abuse. Through our phone help line and online self-help tool, our Preventionists can help you or your loved ones find an appropriate addiction recovery program, and gain the necessary knowledge and tools...

Alcohol and drug use is often a complicated subject to approach with your children. Many parents question the best method for teaching their kids about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, but having a healthy talk at home is usually the best way to broach the topic.  Keep in mind that your children are attending sporting events, going to parties, participating in school dances, and more likely than not, the topic of drug or alcohol use is likely to come up among their peers. This is why keeping the communications channels open with your children is paramount. The goal of any conversation about drugs and alcohol is that your kids will learn what is appropriate and what is not appropriate for them. Hopefully, any situations they encounter will open the door to a wider conversation. How to talk to your kids about drugs and alcohol Here are some tips for discussing...

Social media is in the eye of a national discussion. Congress is holding hearings. The heads of primary social media outlets are in the news daily, for good and for bad. And the word Algorithms has joined the daily vocabulary of many. It is about time. You may not know this, but research has shown that there is an undeniable link between social med...

The teenage years can be some of the most challenging and overwhelming years of your child's life. While you might assume your child is safer while at home with you, the freedom from school and other responsibilities can lead to increased peer pressure and experimentation. Here's your go-to guide to safety for your teens. Lock up any dangerous...

Decision-making affects everyday life. We learn these skills over time — from the people around us. Kids, who begin life acting on impulse, need help from adults to develop healthy decision-making habits. Here's why it's important to help kids develop decision-making skills at an early age. What are decision-making skills? Decision-making is more t...

Every September we acknowledge National Recovery Month. This is a national observance designed to educate Americans that substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with a mental and/or substance use disorder to live a healthy and rewarding life. The 2021 National Recovery Month theme is "Recovery is For Everyone: Every Pers...

Peer pressure is a common issue in childhood, and it starts earlier than many parents realize. Though there are both positive and negative types of peer pressure, it's important children learn strategies to help them navigate uncomfortable or unfamiliar situations. Here are five ways to help your child handle peer pressure. 1. Focus on developing t...