Teens
ALCOHOL
Young People versus Adults. What’s the Difference?
Drinking is more harmful to teens than adults because their brains are still developing and lifelong damage in brain function can result. According to research, young people who begin drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who begin drinking at age 21.
Tips for Teens: The Truth About Underage Drinking
Check out this fact sheet that explores the effects of alcohol use and debunks common myths surrounding it.
Why Do Adolescents Drink, What Are the Risks, and How Can Underage Drinking Be Prevented?
A comprehensive overview of adolescent drinking: risks, harms and prevention strategies.
Know The Buzz College Edition
This edition was made specifically with our college population in mind. Great resources for students to learn about effects of alcohol on your mind and body as well the ripple effect that underage drinking brings with it. There are also RIC and local resources.
MARIJUANA
Adolescents and Marijuana.
An excellent, quick-read overview of the scope of teen marijuana use and how it affects memory, school performance and behaviors, impacts a teen’s performance — from the University of Washington’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute.
How does marijuana use affect school, work, and social life? A summary of studies from the National Institutes of Health about how marijuana impacts many areas of a teen’s life. Does marijuana use affect driving? The answer is yes and inexperienced teen drivers — many of whom think that “weed makes you driver safer” — place themselves, their passengers and other drivers at exceptionally high risk. You’ll find the evidence is this NIH Research Report.
Teen ‘self-medication’ for depression leads to more serious mental illness. Research shows that some teens are using marijuana to alleviate feelings of depression when, in fact, using marijuana can compound the problem.
Tips for Teens: The Truth About Marijuana
Check out this fact sheet with some honest answers to questions about marijuana and teens.
Marijuana Anonymous
Most people may not know that, much like Alcoholics Anonymous, Marijuana Anonymous can help people stay Marijuana Free. Check out the link below for a meeting site (virtual and in person).
VAPING
Teens and Vaping.
You’ve probably seen people vape at school, on social media, or maybe even in your friend group. It’s often marketed as safer than smoking and “just flavored vapor,” but that’s not the full story. Most vapes contain nicotine, a highly addictive chemical that can mess with your brain while it’s still developing—impacting your memory, focus, and ability to handle stress.
Even if a vape says it’s nicotine-free, studies have found that many still contain it. On top of that, you’re inhaling things like heavy metals, toxic chemicals, and ultrafine particles that can damage your lungs.
Vaping can go from “just trying it” to needing it to feel normal—fast. The earlier you start, the harder it is to stop. Knowing the facts puts the power in your hands. You don’t need a vape to fit in or cope. You’ve got options, and you’ve got a future
History of Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping
Watch this video to learn more about the history of smoking and how it has evolved to today’s electronic cigarettes and vaping.
Vaping: The Hit Your Brain Takes
This video dispels common misconceptions about vaping and simplifies the science behind the actual risks of e-cigarette use among adolescents.
OPIOIDS
Opioids and Teens: Stay Informed and Safe.
Opioids like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl are powerful painkillers—but misusing them, even once, can be deadly. Fake pills often contain fentanyl, which is extremely strong and can cause overdose.
You can’t tell a fake pill just by looking. One pill from a friend, a party, or social media could be all it takes.
Never share or take prescriptions that aren’t yours. Using medications without a doctor’s guidance is risky and can lead to addiction or overdose. Illicit drugs and fake pills often contain unknown, dangerous substances.
Opioids affect your brain and can quickly lead to addiction. That’s why fentanyl is the leading cause of drug-related deaths in teens.
The good news: there are safe ways to manage pain and stress. Talk to someone you trust, seek professional help, or find healthy outlets. Support is available—and it works. Know the risks, make smart choices, and protect your future. You deserve to stay safe.
Sidelined: An Athlete’s Guide to Youth Injury and Pain Management
Student athletes are at an increased risk for substance use and misuse. Learn how to keep yourself and your teammates safe and healthy during your sports season.
Don't Share, Show You Care
Just because it’s prescribed to you doesn’t mean it’s safe for someone else. Sharing prescription meds—even with friends—is dangerous and illegal. Learn why it’s not worth the risk.
Beware of Counterfeit Pills
The DEA warns teens about fake prescription pills laced with deadly fentanyl and methamphetamine. These look like real medications but can cause serious overdose or death. Learn how to stay safe, recognize risks, and say no.
RECOVERY
Recovery Happens Here
Struggling to stop using marijuana, alcohol, nicotine, or other drugs on your own?
The Jim Gillen Teen Center is an environment that celebrates, and helps facilitate recovery through dynamic programming, shared lived experience, and peer support.
MENTAL HEALTH
Mental Health Coping Cards.
This set of eight cards offer helpful coping techniques to help with a variety of conditions such as Anxiety, Fear, Phobias, Feelings of Being Overwhelmed, Anger Management and more.
Do you Know the Five Signs?
If you or someone you love is going through a mental health or substance use crisis, there is information, there is compassion. There is help. Call 401-414-LINK (5465)
Refusal Skills
So, what do you do when someone pressures
you to try alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs?
Peer Pressure: What is It and How to Deal With It
Peer pressure can take many forms, from drugs to relationships to fashion. In this video, teen ambassadors share how they faced it and what they did.
GET INVOLVED
Leadership Opportunities for SPC Teens
Become an advisor to the Coalition. Teach us what you think works (and doesn’t work) when it comes to keeping your friends, brothers and sisters, drug-free. Join the SPC Regional Prevention Coalition. Contact Pattie Sweet for more information at psweet@tricountyri.org
Join Your Schools Peer to Peer Education Programs
ATI – Above the Influence is a program that’s attracting thousands of teens across the country who want to take a stand against bullying, alcohol and marijuana use, and just “following the crowd.” It’s a program that helps you become the kind of person you want to be.
VAASA – Varsity Athletes Above Substance Abuse (VAASA) is a peer leadership program in which high school varsity athletes pledge to remain alcohol and drug free. The athletes are trained to address younger students as positive role models.
SADD – Students against destructive decisions. SADD empowers teens to successfully confront the risks and pressures that challenge them throughout their daily life.
Want to get involved? For more information, please contact your local prevention coalition coordinator.
Find your local coordinator’s contact information here.