April 19, 2022
April is Alcohol Awareness Month and the theme this year is... “Changing Attitudes: It’s not a rite of passage”. The focus is on prevention, particularly among youth, and the role parents can play in giving kids a better understanding of the impact that alcohol can have on their lives. When teens begin drinking at an early age, they increase the chance of becoming addicted to or continuing to abuse substances later in life.
As parents, it can be easy to look the other way when we have been raised to think that drinking is a rite of passage. It can be tempting to want to be the cool parent by serving alcohol to your teens and their friends, however, this sends the message that underage drinking is acceptable. Parents can also be held accountable for "social hosting" and knowingly allowing minors to consume alcohol.
Parents and adults have an impact on the way our youth think about alcohol. Drinking can be recreational and fun but it can also be a coping mechanism. For many adults, the habit of winding down from a long day with a glass of wine can be a way to block out stresses, numb feelings, and escape. Adults model this coping strategy to our youth which can influence their choices when it comes to drinking.
Join in the prevention efforts by choosing an alcohol-free weekend during the month of April and then gauge how you felt over the 3 days. Sometimes when you are used to drinking daily, you may feel more moody and tired but as your body detoxes, you may start to feel more motivated and notice you have more energy.
Parents, youth (ages 12-25), and those working with youth are invited to our virtual Youth Substance Use Wellness Workshop on Sunday, April 24th. Learn...
- to recognize the differences between recreational use and addiction.
- to be an ally to your peers in recovery.
- the negative effects of binge drinking, vaping, and JUULing.
- how self-medicating can mask the symptoms of mental illness.
- about local support resources.
- UCSB students will share personal stories of recovery and sobriety.
- REGISTER > Spanish interpretation provided.
View helpful substance use resources > youth substance use stats >
Thank you,
YouthWell Team
Rachael, Elise, Ashley
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS • SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
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MAY 5 & 21 • 9AM-2PM
Youth Mental Health First Aid
FREE 1-day training for parents, teachers, providers, and community members.
UPCOMING CLASSES...
monthly
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WEEKLY • MON 5-7PM •
THURS 7-9PM • SAT 6-9PM
Trans Adult Support Group
This is a weekly support group for people of all gender expressions that are 18+. The meetings are held online and on WED from 4-6pm a discord meeting is held.
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WEEKLY • TUES • 5:30-7PM
Parenting Together
Weekly virtual group classes designed to help parents navigate the challenges of raising adolescents. Participants can join a group at any time and will receive support from the class facilitator and other parents facing similar challenges.
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MAY 15 • 5PM-6:15PM
Keep Our Kids Safe: Prevent Human Trafficking in SB
1 hr virtual workshop for parents, youth, (14+) & those working with youth. Learn reality of human trafficking in SB County, survivor stories, myths & realities, to recognize warning signs & respond.
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TUES • April 26 • 4-5PM
Healthy LGBTQIA+ Relationships
This workshop will focus on what healthy relationship looks like for LGBTQIA+ folks, as there are unique issues and dynamics that are a part of LGBTQIA+ relationships that are not discussed when the focus is on straight/cisgender relationships.
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TUES • WEEKLY • 6PM-7:45PM
Parent Project Senior
For parents of children/teens 11-17 years old. Free virtual 10-week program working with both parents & teens on guiding teens through “rites of passage”. Spanish and English options are available.
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Free Meditation App
Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness is providing the HEADSPACE APP for residents in Santa Barbara County.
Click on the image or scan the QR code to get access.
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Online YOUTH & FAMILY MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS RESOURCE DIRECTORY can be viewed in English and Spanish. Find services for youth, through age 25, including support groups, treatment programs, crisis hotlines, and aftercare resources. PRINT HANDOUT
Find BOOK LISTS to help you on your journey and handouts that help to manage self-care, improve communication, and recognize the signs of emotional distress. Find TIPS for choosing a program, screening tools, questions to ask a therapist, and more to help you navigate.
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