Let's Talk Newsletter
Download a printable version of the Winter 2023 Newsletter (in English and Spanish)
You Can Spanish Resources
As we all come back from the holiday break and settle back into the routine of work and school days, it is important we continue to check in with our children.
Great news! The summary page on the You Can website has now been posted in Spanish. www.youcanwa.org/
What You Should Know About Marijuana
- Marijuana today contains 4-10 times more of the major psychoactive ingredient THC than it did a decade ago.
- THC can be measured in the blood several days or weeks after a chronic user’s last joint.
- When marijuana is smoked, the effects are felt within minutes, reach their peak in 10-30 minutes, and may linger for 2-3 hours.
- Smoking 5 joints per week may expose a person to as many cancer causing chemicals as smoking a full pack of cigarettes each day.
- Short Term Effects: Faster heartbeat and pulse rate, bloodshot eyes, dry mouth and throat
- Long-Term Effects: Altered sense of time, reduced ability to concentrate, acute panic reaction, impaired or reduced short-term memory, tolerance withdrawal addiction
What can parents do?
- Talk and listen to your child about the dangers of drug use and start early. Even a child in elementary school is able to engage in conversations about staying healthy. Share your love by keeping your child safe.
- Learn the facts about the harmful effects of drugs. Discuss the effects on the brain and body and correct any wrong beliefs your child may have, such as, “Everybody is doing it.” Discuss legal issues, too.
- Provide guidance and clear rules about not using drugs.
- Get involved in your child’s life and encourage participation in family, school, and volunteer activities. Time together helps your child feel valued, safe and connected.
- Monitor your own substance use. A parent’s actions truly speak louder than words.
- Know your child’s friends and their families. Remind your child that true friends support each other’s values.
- Know your child’s location at all times.
- Help your child learn different ways to resist negative peer pressure, such as saying, “No thanks, my parents would get really mad at me.”
- Trust your gut. If you suspect drug or alcohol use, talk with your child about your concerns. Contact a substance abuse specialist or your child’s school counselor. This will remain confidential
Learn more at:
Youth Mental Health First Aid
This course is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers and others how to help an adolescent (ages 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMFA) is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. The ESD 123 is providing these courses for free to our community.
For the most recent upcoming YMFA Trainings visit www.esd123.org/learn.
Featured Local Resource:
The Support, Advocacy & Resource Center's mission is to provide crisis services, support, and advocacy to victims, non-offending family members, and others who are impacted by crime. SARC is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)3 agency. Services are free and confidential. They strive to create and maintain a community without violence through prevention-based education.
Contact SARC at:
www.supportadvocacyresourcecenter.org
24-hour phone: (509) 374-5391
1458 Fowler Street, Richland, WA 99352
This newsletter is a product of the ESD 123 Student Support Department. For more information or access to additional resources please visit www.esd123.org/services/student-support