Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria

09/25/2026

Homecoming weekend is here! 🎉

We hope Alexandria's young people have a fun, safe, and memorable weekend with their friends.

Parents and caregivers: keep the conversation going and remind your teen that they can come to you if they need help.

Because even when it doesn't seem like it…

They hear you.

09/24/2026

Sometimes the most important thing you can say before a big night is simple:

“If you ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe, call me. I'll come get you.”

Let your teen know that asking for help is always an option.

Have the conversation before they need it.

09/24/2026

One of the most important conversations before Homecoming is about the ride home. Talk with your teen about their plans and what they’ll do if plans change.

Make sure they know they can call you if they need help getting home safely.

Their safety comes first.

09/23/2026

Plans don't always go exactly as expected. Before Homecoming, talk about what your teen should do if plans changes, someone brings alcohol, they feel uncomfortable, or they simply want to leave.

Make a plan together—and make sure your teen knows how to reach you.

A little preparation goes a long way when it matters most.

09/23/2026

Peer pressure can be hard to handle in the moment. Before Homecoming, talk with your teen about what they could say or do if someone pressures them to drink alcohol.

Practice a response together, talk about how they could leave an uncomfortable situation, and let them know they can reach out to you if they need help.

They don't have to figure it out alone.

09/22/2026

Rain or shine, celebrate National Recovery Month at Ben Brenman Park tomorrow, Wednesday, September 23, from 3 to 6 p.m. Enjoy free food trucks, music, games, swag, speakers, and a chance to connect with your community. Learn more at alexandriava.gov/opioids.

09/22/2026

Homecoming is coming up. Instead of lecturing your teen about what not to do, try asking what they would do.

“What would you do if someone offered you alcohol at Homecoming?”

Listen to their answer, talk through a few possibilities, and help them think about how they’d handle it before they're in the moment. A small conversation can make a big impression.

Talk early. Talk often. They hear you.

09/17/2026

Homecoming is around the corner. Before the plans, parties, and celebrations begin, take a few minutes to talk with your teen about alcohol.

You don't need to have one big, serious conversation. Start with a question. Listen. Talk about your expectations.

Even when it doesn't seem like it, they hear you.

Check out these “Talk. They Hear You.”® campaign resources to help you start—and keep up—the conversation about the dangers of drinking alcohol and using other drugs at a young age.

09/16/2026

Join Parents Against Va**ng e-cigs and Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher of Stanford REACH Lab for a free webinar on Thursday, September 17, at 6 p.m.

Learn what parents need to know about youth va**ng, ni****ne harms, industry marketing, and prevention. Register here: bit.ly/4hxdkKS

09/16/2026

If you don't allow underage drinking, you're not alone.

Most parents don't allow their teens to drink alcohol. It's okay to be clear about your expectations.

Before homecoming, talk with your teen about what you expect and why. Hearing it from you can make a difference.

Together, we can keep our youth safe.

Check out these “Talk. They Hear You.”® campaign resources to help you start—and keep up—the conversation about the dangers of drinking alcohol and using other drugs at a young age.