If marijuana is legal, does that mean it’s safe? What’s a skittles party? What’s up with these spicy social media challenges?
Today’s adolescents seem to have their own code, one that’s unbreakable for adults. Teenage jargon and ever-changing technology present challenges for parents, educators, mentors, coaches and clergy trying to spot signs of substance abuse. An upcoming, free webinar sponsored by three local groups aims to help adults learn to keep up with the trends in substance abuse, spot warning signs and act quickly to intervene.
High in Plain Sight will be held virtually twice on Feb. 22. It will help parents, caregivers, school administration, law enforcement, treatment providers, counselors and interested community members learn more about drug trends. Rappahannock Area Community Services Board, The Community Collaborative for Youth and Families, and Be Well Rappahannock will sponsor the webinar, which features Jermaine Galloway, an 18-year veteran of law enforcement who travels the country educating communities about the latest trends in substance abuse. Also known as Tall Cop, Galloway is internationally known as an expert in teen drug and alcohol trends.
This online workshop is especially timely as the Virginia General Assembly considers legalizing marijuana. It will cover alcohol and drug clothing, alcoholic energy drinks, alcopops, alcohol and drug concealment methods and containers, drug paraphernalia, drug related music and groups, logos, stickers, new technology, youth party tendencies, party games, non-traditional alcoholic beverages, social networking sites, synthetic drugs, OTC drugs, inhalants, concentrates, e-cigarettes, and popular party drugs.
“We all have a role to play in keeping our community healthy,” said Michelle Wagaman, prevention services coordinator for Rappahannock Area Community Services Board. “Knowing what is happening in our community is an important first step to preventing substance abuse among youth.”
For details, contact Wagaman at mwagaman@rappahannockareacsb.org or 540/374-3337, ext. 7520. Register online for one of two sessions. For the 1 p.m. session, register at http://bit.ly/3oEZDuZ. For the 6:30 p.m. session, register at http://bit.ly/39plTCB.