ScituateFACTS

10/16/2026

Your teen just told you they drank. What do you say? 🤔

Your first reaction can set the tone for what happens next. Instead of reacting with anger or judgment, try to keep the conversation open.

Swipe through for some “Say This, Not That” examples to help you respond with curiosity, calm, and support. 💙

You don’t have to have the perfect response - you just have to keep the conversation going. 💬

10/15/2026

If your friend is struggling, you don’t have to have all the answers.

You can listen. You can check in. You can encourage them to talk to someone they trust. And if you’re worried about them, you can ask for help, too. 💙

10/14/2026

Talking with your teen about alcohol, drugs, and peer pressure doesn’t have to be one big, serious conversation. It can start with small, everyday moments that build trust and keep the door open.

Start early. Keep the conversation going. Ask questions. And listen.

Because sometimes, the most important thing you can do is simply keep talking.

10/14/2026

Changes in mood, friendships, routines, school, or behavior can have many causes - but they can also be signs that someone may be struggling with substance use.

The goal isn’t to make assumptions. Notice the changes. Start a conversation. Listen without judgment. And know when to reach out for support.

You don’t have to have all the answers to let someone know you’re there. 💬🫶

10/13/2026

“For alcohol, we talk a lot about how people should use less frequently, moderate, reduce the intensity of their drinking sessions. For cannabis, harm reduction strategies could include encouraging patients to wait until they’re 25 years old to initiate use, to use less often, and to look for products that are lower in THC and higher in cannabidiol, or C*D, the other, less potent, primary component in cannabis that does not produce a high. Lapham also mentioned the importance of screening for CUD, particularly for young adult patients."

Read full article here -

This Medical News article discusses the increase in routine cannabis use among younger adults, which corresponds with a decrease in regular alcohol use.

10/12/2026

Protect your peace, Scituate!

Your mental health matters, and you don’t have to carry everything at once. Take a moment to slow down, step away from the stress, and make time for something that brings you joy. ☀️

Give yourself permission to rest, recharge, and do something you love. You deserve it. 💙

10/10/2026

October 10, 2026, is World Mental Health Day. 💙

This year’s theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” highlights the importance of listening to and learning from people with lived experience.

Mental health conversations matter - and creating space for honest, personal experiences can help build greater understanding, connection, and support. 🫶

This World Mental Health Day, let’s listen, learn, and make space for every voice.

10/10/2026

Cannabis can cause psychosis, and most people have no idea. Here’s what the research shows:

🔹 Cannabis-induced psychosis is a recognized psychiatric diagnosis. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis) can trigger hallucinations, paranoia, and disorganized thinking (American Psychiatric Association, DSM-5-TR).

🔹 In a study across 11 sites in Europe, people who used cannabis daily had about 3 times the odds of a psychotic disorder compared with people who never used. For daily use of high-potency cannabis (10% THC or higher), the odds were nearly 5 times higher (Di Forti et al., The Lancet Psychiatry, 2019).

🔹 Among people treated for cannabis-induced psychosis in Denmark, an estimated 47% were later diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder within 20 years (Starzer et al., American Journal of Psychiatry, 2018).

🔹 A Danish study of 6.9 million people estimated that up to 30% of schizophrenia cases in men aged 21 to 30 might have been prevented if they had not developed cannabis use disorder, meaning problematic, compulsive cannabis use (Hjorthøj et al., Psychological Medicine, 2023).

Important context: most people who use cannabis will not develop psychosis. The risk is highest with daily use, high-potency products, starting at a young age, and a family history of psychosis.

If you or someone you love has paranoia, hallucinations, or confusion after using cannabis, talk to a doctor. This post is for education and is not medical advice.

I’ll keep spreading the word. If you’re with me, share this post.

10/09/2026

Before you drink, take a moment to ask yourself…

You don’t have to drink just because someone else is. It’s okay to pause, ask questions, and make the choice that feels right for you. 🤍

10/09/2026

High marks for this group!

Invitation to Change: Support & Skills Group

Are you supporting a loved one who is navigating substance use or other harmful behaviors? You don't have to navigate it alone.

Beginning October 8, 2026, Cassandra Toppi and Annmarie Shafer will lead a 15-week online Invitation to Change (ITC) Support & Skills Group for family members and loved ones.

This group offers practical, evidence-based tools to help participants:

• Strengthen communication
• Reduce conflict
• Respond more effectively to a loved one's substance use or other harmful behaviors
• Support their own well-being
• Connect with other families who understand

📅 Thursdays
🕕 6:00–7:15 PM ET
💻 Online
🌎 Open to anyone
🔄 Rolling admission

Start Date: October 8, 2026

Spots are currently open. Learn more about the group and register here: https://itc.cmcffc.org/group-details?recordId=1RVvwHeuoOMIKW

Please share this post with anyone who may benefit from support, practical skills, and connection while navigating a loved one's substance use or other harmful behaviors.