Worried someone you know is using substances or might have a substance use disorder? Check out this infographic from SAMHSA about how to start a conversation. It isn’t always easy but these talking tips can help!

Tip of the Week: Alcohol suppresses training hormones for up to 4 days. You may show up to practice but there will be little improvement or gains.

Many athletes tend to underestimate the way in which alcohol use, even a few drinks, can nullify your hard work by erasing the effects of your workouts, reducing your endurance and compromising your mental game. Alcohol affects your ability to learn new plays and strategies; it decreases your aptitude for muscle development and recovery and negatively impacts your nutrition and endurance.

SAMHSA encourages parents to talk with their college-bound young adults about alcohol use. If you are a parent, a high school or college administrator, or an organization serving parents and teens, please download these free materials and share them with other caring adults.

Thank you to Dr. John Duffy who helped us host a virtual community forum held on September 24th. The author of “Parenting the New Teen in the Age of Anxiety” highlighted tips from his book and provided support for talking with teens during COVID-19 about their concerns and stress. No video is available for this session, so take a listen!

Keeping kids safe from underage use of alcohol and misuse of prescription pain medications is a concern for parents. Parents and children are encouraged to communicate with each other early on and frequently in this public service announcement from SAMHSA’s “Talk. They Hear You.”