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How to Prevent Rx Drug Abuse & Overdoses in Ventura County Apr 14, 2023

Just in time for Spring cleaning, the DEA's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is coming up on Saturday, April 22nd. To help reduce Rx drug misuse, abuse, and overdoses, Rx Take Back Day encourages the public to remove expired, unneeded, or unwanted medications from our homes as a measure of preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting.

In...

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Discussing Alcohol With Your College Student Sep 02, 2022

The following article is an excerpt from The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility’s webpage about Discussing Alcohol with Your College Student, found hereWe thought this was an important and informative resource to share with our community.

We know many college students make responsible decisions about alcohol consumption. In fact, according to the 2018 Monitoring the...

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The Red Flags of Teen Depression Aug 10, 2022

From the Prevention Action Alliance’s Know! newsletters. View all of their newsletters here.

It’s January; the start of a new year, new habits, and new resolutions. That’s easier said than done for many people, adults and teens alike. All the hustle and bustle can worsen the symptoms of those who already suffer from anxiety and depression. And for others, the holidays can...

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Spotlight on Vaping and Marijuana Jul 28, 2022

Did you know? Answer these questions about vaping.

Let’s test your knowledge:

1. True or False: It is just water vapor in vapes.
2. True or False: The liquid in vapes does not contain any harmful chemicals.
3. True or False: Vaping helps people quit smoking tobacco.

To take our full Marijuana Vape Quiz, click here

What is vaping?

Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling the...

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Prescription Drug Use, Abuse, and “Borrowing” Drugs Jul 13, 2022

What are prescription drugs?

Also known as:

Opioids: Happy Pills, Hillbilly Heroin, OC, Oxy, Oxycotton, Percs, and Vikes

Depressants: A-minus, Barbs, Candy, Downers, Phennies, Reds, Red Birds, Seeping Pills, Tooies, Tranks, Yellow Jackets, Yellows, and Zombie Pills

Stimulants: Bennies, Black Beauties, Hearts, Roses, Skippy, The Smart Drug, Speed, and Vitamin R, and Uppers

Prescription drugs are...

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What is Seasonal Depression? Jul 13, 2022

Written by a Senior at CSUCI. 

As fun and exciting as the seasonal activities can be, many people experience what is called seasonal depression. This is a real thing, and actually very common, with over 3 million diagnoses per year. Also known as ‘Winter depression’ or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), some symptoms may include, “oversleeping, appetite changes,...

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Tips for a Fun (and Safe) Halloween Jul 06, 2022

From pedestrian deaths to drunk driving, tricks and treats and spooky parties, Halloween can be a fun but dangerous time for teens. Here are some tips for both parents and teens for how to have a safe and fun Halloween!

Tips for Parents

  1. Behavior – Halloween is a fun night but occasionally teenagers can behave differently at night, and with their friends. Discuss appropriate behavior in...
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The Importance of Coping Mechanisms Jul 06, 2022

By Amanda Mathis, a local college student

Mental health and well-being plays an important role in one’s life, as well as how we deal with stressors and trauma that can negatively impact us. There are all kinds of possible variations when it comes to how individuals manage painful or difficult emotions, and what they do to regain a better mindset when times get rough. The more coping...

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Impaired Driving in California: Fast Facts and How to Prevent Teen Car Crashes Jul 06, 2022

Fast Facts

  • Drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher (i.e., drunk drivers) are considered alcohol-impaired by law. 
  • About one in three traffic deaths in the United States involve a drunk driver. 
  • Thanks to dedicated efforts, rates of drunk driving and alcohol-involved fatal crashes have gone down in recent years. 
  • Still, drunk drivers got behind the...
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Ventura County Responds to the Opioid Crisis Jul 06, 2022

Use of Ventura County’s Prescription Drug Disposal Program

Ventura County is actively engaged and committed to preventing Rx/OTC drug misuse and abuse. One of the ways the County works to address the issue locally is by reducing access, especially to teens. VCBH Alcohol and Drug Programs, in collaboration with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, established a countywide Rx disposal...

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The LGBTQ+ Community and Substance Use Jun 20, 2022

The LGBTQ+ community suffers from high rates of substance use. Up to 30% of the LGBTQ+ community struggles with substance use compared to 9% of the general population. Why is this? Some factors include their experiences of bullying, hate, discrimination, stigmatization, rejection by those around them including their family and/or peers, isolation, and other extreme stressors. LGBTQ+...

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Summer Activities for Teens: Tip for Parents Jun 10, 2022

While the summer months bring sunshine and freedom for teens, it can be challenging for parents to find healthy activities to keep their teens engaged and away from parties and risky behaviors. Summer means more freedom, and many homes with little or no supervision. This can create situations where drug and alcohol experimentation take place. 

During the summer months, car accidents spike...

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