Senator Schumer has proposed a bill to “de-schedule” marijuana, which would fully legalize and commercialize the drug with no restrictions on potency or packaging. That is very different from the way he had advertised his proposal, as decriminalizing. Learn more.
They’re going to prom and graduating! Now is the time for one of their most important lessons.
Prom! Graduation! These celebrations sometimes result in big, unsupervised parties. It’s important to take the time to talk to your teens about pressure and making good decisions before they celebrate. Get strategies for keeping them safe from drugs and alcohol. Learn what every parent needs to know.
Medicine is supposed to help you when you are sick… why is it dangerous?
Medicine abuse is a national epidemic. More Americans are abusing prescription medicine than ever, and like other types of drug use, problematic behavior often begins during the teen and young adult years. Learn more.
Irvington High School hosted its annual Senior Send-Off event on May 1 to celebrate its seniors’ accomplishments and “send them off” to their postsecondary experiences with a sense of Bulldog Pride. Held in the high school atrium, the seniors declared their plans through miniature pennant decorating, shared advice with younger students, wrote thank-you letters, decorated cupcakes and celebrated each other. “It was so nice to see the seniors come together for this event,” said Emily Colman, the high school’s school counseling chairperson. “We had a great turnout, and the students got to spend some quality time with each other before they all go their separate ways. We are so proud of each one of them and how much they’ve accomplished at IHS.” The Irvington High School Counseling Department and Irvington About Safe Kids sponsored the event, while senior Madison Clivilles baked the cupcakes. The Stop & Shop supermarket in Dobbs Ferry graciously donated additional cupcakes and supplies. |
On May 8, 2018, iASK CAB invited Dr. Dewey to present to the Irvington community. Attendees observed actual PET images, showing how alcohol and drug use affects the developing adolescent brain. The discussion included information about energy drinks, caffeine, vaping, marijuana, prescription medications and other drugs.
I keep hearing about fentanyl. What is it?
Deaths from fentanyl and other synthetic opioids (not including methadone), rose a staggering 72 percent in just one year, from 2014 to 2015. Government agencies and officials of all types are rightly concerned by what some are describing as the third wave of our ongoing opioid epidemic. Learn more.
Notice changes in your child’s behavior that might indicate signs of alcohol or other drug use, or other problems. Warning signs include: alcohol, smoke or other odors on your child’s or their friends’ breath or clothing; obvious intoxication, dizziness or unusual behavior; changes in dress and grooming; changes in choice of friends; frequent arguments; sudden mood changes; changes in eating and sleeping patterns; loss of interest in usual activities; and school problems. Free, confidential help is available. Call Irvington’s Student Assistance Counselor at 269-5469. Learn more.
Alcohol is legal… why can’t I drink it?
Teens try alcohol for a variety of reasons – to exert independence, escape from stress, peer pressure, rebellion and even boredom – but they tend to do so without fully recognizing alcohol’s negative effects or health risks. Learn more.
Help your teens avoid the serious unintended consequences that may result from binge drinking. Teach your children the signs of alcohol poisoning: breathing slowly; passing out; nausea; vomiting; vomiting while sleeping; cold, clammy, bluish or pale skin. If you think someone may have alcohol poisoning, call 911. Stay with the person until help arrives. Remind teens that the NYS 911 Good Samaritan Law protects them from prosecution for alcohol and drug related offenses if they call in an emergency situation.