DRUG FREE MCKINNEY
March 2024
National Drug and Alcohol Fact Week: More About Alcohol
Research indicates that alcohol use during the teenage years can interfere with normal adolescent brain development and increase the risk of developing alcohol use disorder. In addition, underage drinking contributes to a range of acute consequences, such as injuries, sexual assaults, alcohol overdoses, and deaths—including those from motor vehicle crashes.
Alcohol is a factor in the deaths of thousands of people younger than age 21 in the United States each year. This includes:
- 1,573 from motor vehicle crashes
- 998 from homicides
- 177 from alcohol overdose, falls, burns, and drowning
- 649 from suicides
Knowing these facts about the dangers of alcohol use can help youth make better decisions and live healthier lives. Be sure to check out more about alcohol and other drugs here!
National Drug and Alcohol Fact Week: More About Marijuana
The amount of THC in marijuana has been increasing steadily over the past few decades. For a person who's new to marijuana use, this may mean exposure to higher THC levels with a greater chance of a harmful reaction. Higher THC levels may explain the rise in emergency room visits involving marijuana use. The popularity of edibles also increases the chance of harmful reactions. Edibles take longer to digest and produce a high. Therefore, people may consume more to feel the effects faster, leading to dangerous results. Higher THC levels may also mean a greater risk for addiction if people are regularly exposing themselves to high doses.
Compared to those who don't use marijuana, those who frequently use large amounts report the following:
- lower life satisfaction
- poorer mental health
- poorer physical health
- more relationship problems
People also report less academic and career success. For example, marijuana use is linked to a higher likelihood of dropping out of school. It's also linked to more job absences, accidents, and injuries. Share these facts with the adults and youth in your sphere of influence!
WHO IS BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS?
WE ARE DEFENDERS OF POTENTIAL
We partner with parents, guardians, volunteers, donors, companies, and others in the community and hold ourselves accountable for each child in our program. Big Brothers Big Sisters helps children realize their potential and build their futures. We nurture children and strengthen communities.
Drug Free McKinney is proud to partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters to support and encourage the youth in our community to live their best lives and achieve their greatest potential. Please consider being involved with this organization and share their contact information!
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day: April 27th
Spread the word! Dispose of unwanted medications on April 27th from 10 am - 2 pm at McKinney Police Department! Find other locations here !
Follow us on Instagram @mckinneydrugfreeyouth
Contact Us:
Email: karin@drugfreemckinney.org
Website: drugfreemckinney.org
Facebook: facebook.com/drugfreemckinney
Twitter: @drugfreemcktx