One of the cornerstones of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey is encouraging communication among families. Our research has shown that parents who talk to their children for at least 15 minutes a day have children who are 67 percent less likely to experiment with drugs and alcohol. 

The most effective way to prevent substance use disorder is to address issues before they arise. It is through that communication that parents and caregivers can create an open dialogue about substance use prevention.

Unfortunately, there may times that children might exhibit a new behavior or start doing things that seem out of character. To help parents get better answers to their questions about their children’s behavior the Partnership to End Addiction has created a risk assessment tool designed to help parents identify behaviors that could lead to increased risk for developing addiction or substance use disorder.

Everyone who completes the assessment receives a report highlighting their child’s risk factors along with the resources that they can use to mitigate those potential risks.

I also wanted to make you aware that Drugs Don't Work in NJ will be hosting a FREE webinar at 1 p.m. Thursday, February 10, titled, “How to Address Marijuana in the Workplace.”  If you are a New Jersey business leader who is interested in maintaining a safe, healthy and drug-free workplace, we encourage you to participate.  If you have any questions, please contact Bill Lillis, Drug-Free Workplace Coordinator, at bill@drugfreenj.org or 862-253-6808.

Be well.