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North Coastal Prevention Coalition Serving the cities of Carlsbad, Oceanside, and Vista | |
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"420 Remix- A Celebration of Sober and Drug-Free Life Choices"
April signals the coming of spring-time, school-breaks and the promise of warmer weather. Unfortunately, April also signals the time for the unofficial pot-smoker’s holiday: “4/20” or April 20th. Though the origin is not clear, “420” is a popular reference for marijuana use, well-known by many teenagers, but not necessarily by their parents. While parents may not believe their teens are exposed to marijuana, data show the opposite. By the time they are high school juniors, approximately 40% of teens have tried marijuana, and 20% report using it in the past month (California Healthy Kids Survey, 2005, Tri-City region). More youth in San Diego County smoke marijuana than cigarettes, and 85% of high school juniors report that marijuana is fairly or very easy to obtain (California Healthy Kids Survey, 2005). Furthermore, driving while high is a serious risk underestimated by teens and adults. Marijuana is the second most frequently found drug, after alcohol, in drivers involved in motor vehicle crashes. While most teens do not use marijuana, it is important for parents to have accurate information and to discuss this subject with their children. Studies show that parents have enormous influence on their teens’ behavior. Parents’ disapproval of youth alcohol and/or drug use is a key reason children choose not to drink or to use drugs. Teenagers whose parents talk with them about the dangers of drugs and communicate a clear ‘no use’ message are 42% less likely to use drugs than those whose parents don’t, yet only one in four teens report having these conversations. Community involvement is another way to combat teen marijuana use. The North Coastal Prevention Coalition is collaborating with many community agencies to host anti-420 events called “420 Remix – A Celebration of Sober and Drug Free Life Choices.” What began several years ago on the Carlsbad Village Academy campus as an effort to prevent teens in recovery from relapsing on April 20, has expanded to large scale events to provide an alternative activity for students and to counter the pro-marijuana influences that are common in mainstream media and in our communities. While some people may use April 20 as an excuse to get high, we encourage you to use it as an opportunity to discuss marijuana and other drug use with your children. If you would like additional information, please contact the North Coastal Prevention Coalition at 760-407-1220 x150 or Jovonne Dempster, Prevention Specialist, at 760-107-1220 x146.
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