HC DrugFree

Directions Website Contact the organization

HC DrugFree HC DrugFree is a Howard County nonprofit organization with a mission of empowering the community to raise drug-free youth.

Researchers found that past-year nonmedical use of prescription opioids among adolescents has dropped significantly, fro...
10/08/2026

Researchers found that past-year nonmedical use of prescription opioids among adolescents has dropped significantly, from 8.0% in 2009–2010 to just 0.7% in 2021–2022.

However, for those teens who did misuse prescription medications in 2021–2022, their own leftover meds were the most common source: 26.7% for opioids and 40.0% for stimulants. Fewer adolescents are now getting stimulants from friends; the percentage fell from 55–58% (2009–2014) to 21.1%.

These findings highlight the ongoing need to monitor and securely store medications prescribed to adolescents. Always keep controlled meds locked away and out of reach, never share prescriptions, and make sure to safely dispose of unused medication through approved take-back or mail-back programs.

Read the full study:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12213164/

A large U.S. study followed 11,036 young people from ages 9–10 through ages 16–17. Although cognitive abilities generall...
10/06/2026

A large U.S. study followed 11,036 young people from ages 9–10 through ages 16–17. Although cognitive abilities generally improved as participants grew older, teens who began using cannabis showed slower gains in memory, attention, language, and processing speed. Recent THC exposure was also linked to poorer memory development over time.

The study found an association and does not prove that cannabis directly caused these differences. However, even modest changes may matter during adolescence, when the brain is still developing skills important for learning, decision-making, school performance, and everyday activities.

Starting open conversations early, sharing accurate information, and encouraging young people to delay cannabis use can help support healthy brain development and informed choices.

Learn more: https://today.ucsd.edu/story/largest-us-study-finds-teen-cannabis-use-linked-to-slower-cognitive-development

Feeling connected at school means knowing that adults and peers care about you, value you, and support your learning.Acc...
10/05/2026

Feeling connected at school means knowing that adults and peers care about you, value you, and support your learning.

According to the CDC, students who feel connected at school are less likely to experience poor mental health, substance use, and violence. They are also more likely to practice positive health behaviors, attend school regularly, achieve academically, and graduate.

These benefits can extend beyond the school years. Youth who feel connected at school are less likely to experience certain risks related to mental health, substance use, violence, and sexual health in adulthood.

This fall, we can help young people thrive by listening, including them, encouraging positive friendships, and ensuring every student has a trusted person to turn to.

Learn more: https://buff.ly/8AHG0B9

The most dangerous addiction isn't always a substance. It can be the habit of escaping difficult emotions.Whether someon...
10/03/2026

The most dangerous addiction isn't always a substance. It can be the habit of escaping difficult emotions.

Whether someone turns to alcohol, drugs, work, social media, or even relationships, the pattern can look the same: uncomfortable feelings → temporary relief → returning to the same emotions.

Healing starts by addressing what's underneath—not just the behavior itself. Building healthy coping skills, talking with trusted people, and seeking support can help break the cycle before it becomes a bigger problem.

đź’š Heal what hurts, not just what you use.

Puberty is a normal part of growing up, and it begins with signals from the brain. These signals start a chain of hormon...
09/27/2026

Puberty is a normal part of growing up, and it begins with signals from the brain. These signals start a chain of hormones that guide changes in the body. The brain also continues developing during puberty, which can affect mood, sleep, self-image, and relationships.

Timing varies for every young person. NIH identifies typical ranges of ages 8–13 for girls and 9–14 for boys, but development is not a race or a competition.

Puberty timing may be influenced by:
• Genetics and family history
• Stress and environmental factors
• Body composition
• Other factors scientists are continuing to study, including certain chemical exposures.

If signs of puberty appear unusually early, or if there are concerns about a young person’s physical or emotional development, speak with a healthcare professional. Trusted adults can help by talking about puberty before changes begin, avoiding comparisons, welcoming questions, and reminding young people that everyone develops at their own pace.

Read the NIH News in Health article: https://buff.ly/BtpQrAf

New FDA data show progress in youth to***co prevention but also highlight concerns that still deserve attention. In 2025...
09/24/2026

New FDA data show progress in youth to***co prevention but also highlight concerns that still deserve attention. In 2025, approximately 2.01 million middle and high school students reported using a to***co product on at least one day during the previous 30 days.

E-cigarettes remained the most commonly used product, with 1.44 million students reporting current use. Among current youth e-cigarette users, 27.5% used them daily, and 41.2% used them on at least 20 of the previous 30 days.

Approximately 460,000 middle and high school students reported current nicotine-pouch use. Among current youth users, 90.8% used flavored pouches. Although overall to***co, e-cigarette, and cigarette use declined from 2022 to 2025, continued prevention remains important. Sharing accurate information, beginning conversations before use starts, supporting to***co-free schools, and reducing youth access and exposure can help keep this progress moving forward.

FDA findings: https://buff.ly/Gdh7a8r

Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, or CHS, is a condition involving cycles of severe nausea, repeated vomiting, and abdomina...
09/21/2026

Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, or CHS, is a condition involving cycles of severe nausea, repeated vomiting, and abdominal pain associated with prolonged, frequent cannabis use.

CDC analyzed emergency department data from January 2023 through May 2026 and identified 199,565 visits involving CHS. Higher proportions were observed among people ages 15-24 and among females. CDC cautions that the increase may partly reflect improved recognition and coding rather than a sudden rise in CHS. However, the findings suggest its impact may have previously been underestimated, particularly among younger populations.

Greater awareness, preventing or delaying cannabis use, and honest conversations with healthcare professionals can help reduce harm and improve recognition of CHS. Read the CDC report: https://buff.ly/xCT7Aio

Connection can make a meaningful difference in a young person’s well-being.The Maryland 2024–25 Youth Risk Behavior Surv...
09/17/2026

Connection can make a meaningful difference in a young person’s well-being.
The Maryland 2024–25 Youth Risk Behavior Survey shows encouraging signs: many students would feel comfortable asking a trusted adult for help. At the same time, nearly 1 in 3 middle and high school students reported feeling persistently sad or hopeless.

These results remind us that prevention starts with trusted relationships, early conversations, and making support easier to reach, while we continue building access to mental health resources so every young person can thrive.

Read the full Maryland Department of Health results:
https://buff.ly/VMqzdQm

Researchers followed 602 residents living in Oxford House recovery homes for two years. Of those residents, 273 had a su...
09/14/2026

Researchers followed 602 residents living in Oxford House recovery homes for two years. Of those residents, 273 had a supportive family relationship, and they experienced better recovery outcomes over time than those without that support. Recovery scores also increased from 2.60 to 2.81 during the study, with recovery measured using a combination of factors including quality of life, self-esteem, stress, sense of community, and wages.

Family connections play a major role in recovery. Across related studies, family members accounted for 49% to 70% of the most important people in residents' support networks.

Oxford Houses are peer-run recovery residences where residents commit to abstinence, share household responsibilities, and support one another. Support can come from a trusted friend, a caring family member, a peer who listens, or a welcoming community. Building these healthy connections early may help people talk openly about challenges, seek help when needed, and reduce the risk of relapse.

Learn more about the study: https://buff.ly/ukWS7jm

Emerging substance alert 🚨 : What is 7-OH❓️ 7-OH is an opioid-like chemical sometimes marketed as “natural” or “enhanced...
09/07/2026

Emerging substance alert 🚨 : What is 7-OH❓️

7-OH is an opioid-like chemical sometimes marketed as “natural” or “enhanced kratom.” Concentrated products may be sold online and in stores, and can look like familiar items such as gummies or candy.

The DEA has filed its intent to temporarily schedule certain highly concentrated/synthetic 7-OH products and related substances.

Read labels closely, avoid products containing 7-OH, and keep Poison Help (1-800-222-1222) handy. If someone is unresponsive, call 911.

Keep medications in a secure location, out of the reach of children, teens, and pets. Storing medications safely can help prevent accidental poisoning, misuse, and diversion. If medication is no longer needed or has expired, dispose of it properly through a drug take-back program or other approved disposal method.

Learn more:
FDA: https://buff.ly/pyvQwS5
DEA: https://buff.ly/fkaA3zO

Address

5305 Village Center Drive #206
Columbia, MD
21044

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when HC DrugFree posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to HC DrugFree:

Shortcuts

Share