Drugs are becoming more easily accessible than ever before. They're becoming stronger and much harder to contain. The topic of drugs is becoming ever more prevalent in the state of New Jersey due to the new marijuana legalization laws. There is a topic circulating among teens that weed is natural and non-addictive. Studies are finding none of this to be the case. Back in the 1970's the THC levels found in marijuana were around 6-10%. We are now finding levels between 80-100% in traditional marijuana. This doesn't include vape pens, wax, or oils. These all have to be man made by extracting THC from the marijuana plant which is by no means natural. Although New Jersey is looking to set the legal buying age to 21, it won't stop those under 21 from getting it. This could become more dangerous for our young people as they may go to other resources like dealers or "black market" to buy. Around the tri-state area, officials are finding traces of heroin, fentanyl, or synthetics such as K2 laced into the herb and oils they sell on the street.

States like Colorado and Washington were reporting a 300% increase in car crashes within their first year of legalization which has only increased since. They are now also finding high increases in hospital visits, and rehab intakes. Today's weed is by no means natural or safe. Today's weed definitely fits the model of a gateway drug. On top of marijuana legalization, there's also the never-ending supply of synthetic drugs. Synthetics are typically made with household chemicals so as chemicals are being banned or have limits set on how much you can buy, a new version has already been created using something else. There are some tips on how to talk to your kids about drugs at the bottom of this page. You can also visit the Talking with Your Teen page to use something like a table talk to have a family discussion about drugs.

If you feel that your child or another family member may be dealing with a drug problem or addiction, please look through the resources I have listed below:

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
This website contains information specific to parents and educators. There's resources on drug facts through science-based findings and studies as well as resources on how to hold conversations with your children about drugs and drug use.

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Similar to the link above, this link contains information specific to parents with teens.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association (SAMHSA)
This website contains information for parents dealing with an at-risk child, a child abusing substances, or need information dealing with mental health.

Sunshine Behavioral Health
Sunshine has put out a great resource for parents about teen vaping. This includes facts and figures, ways to tell if your child may be vaping, and how to get them to stop if they are.

Natural High
Natural High is a unique drug prevention program that focuses on positive actions and consequences. They bring the concept of natural highs to our young people through quick "storyteller" videos done by musicians, athletes, actors etc. and followed with activities and questions about what you watched. The idea is to get kids to engage in activities that they thoroughly enjoy, that keep them grounded, and, mostly importantly, bring them joy naturally.

Reach NJ
This is a NJ-specific website to assist NJ residents in finding drug-related treatment and services for themselves or loved ones.

Drug Free
This website gives a national toll-free helpline number that specifically helps parents with teens who are battling addiction. This helpline first began taking calls in 2011 and is staffed by trained professionals that will connect you to the help you need.

NJ Department of Human Services
This is a comprehensive collection of resources specific to NJ residents, caregivers, and advocates. This is also linked on my homepage. For addiction-specific information, scroll to page 59 and 62. Here is a link to the document in Spanish.