06/26/2026
June 26 is International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
This day raises awareness about the dangers of drug use and why prevention matters, especially for youth.
During the teen years, the brain is still growing and developing, which makes it more vulnerable to the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol. Substance use can affect memory, focus, emotions, and decision-making. It can increase anxiety and depression and make it harder to cope with life’s challenges in healthy ways.
Substance use doesn’t just affect your health; it can affect every part of your life. It can impact school, sports, friendships, family relationships, and future goals. What may start as curiosity, stress, or pressure to fit in can sometimes lead to addiction, risky choices, legal trouble, and consequences that can follow you for years.
Choosing to stay drug-free is choosing to protect your future. It means protecting your mind, your health, your goals, and the opportunities ahead of you. Every healthy choice you make today helps build the life you want tomorrow.
For parents and caregivers, prevention starts at home. Having open conversations, building trust, and creating a safe space for your child to talk can make a lasting impact. If you are looking for support, guidance, and practical tools to strengthen family communication and help your child make healthy, drug-free choices, we invite you to check out Pohai Makua and follow our page to learn more about upcoming classes and resources. You can also register for our upcoming classes here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VNVNDXT
Your future is worth protecting. Choose wisely. Choose you.