Author Archives: TCYSAPC

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Travis County Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition

Travis County eyes sites for permanent mental health diversion center, sites in downtown Austin and Del Valle under evaluation

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Kratom poisoning calls climb in Texas as the state fails to enforce ban on the synthetic version

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Only 54% of U.S. adults drink alcohol, a record low – poll shows what’s behind the decline

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3 ways to start a conversation with your teen about mental health and drug use

Talking to your teen about mental health and drug use can feel challenging — one wrong move and the conversation ends as soon as it begins. But it is possible, and taking that leap can make all the difference in your teen’s life. As a parent or caregiver, it’s important

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SAMHSA: Treatment Gap for SUDs Widens in Adults, Remains High for Youth

The treatment gap for American adults with substance use disorders (SUDs) who did not receive treatment widened slightly from 94.7% in 2023 to 95.6% in 2024.  That’s according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) annual survey and report, released on July 28. But for

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Teen Tobacco Product Use Linked to Worse Mental Health

Compared with adolescents who were nonusers, those who were ever dual users had the highest odds for symptoms of depression, anxiety, and for overall psychological distress.  Adolescents who use tobacco products are significantly more likely to report symptoms of depression and anxiety than teens who do not use tobacco

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Texas Senate passes full THC ban ….. again!

July 30, 2025 –  The Texas Senate has passed Senate Bill 5, a full ban on THC, in a 21-8 vote. The bill is very similar to SB 3 from the regular session, which Gov. Greg Abbott ultimately vetoed, saying it would not hold up in court. That version

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New study sheds light on ChatGPT’s alarming interactions with teens

How to write the best ChatGPT prompts and get personalized AI responses?  The complete guide!ChatGPT will tell 13-year-olds how to get drunk and high, instruct them on how to conceal eating disorders and even compose a heartbreaking suicide letter to their parents if asked, according to new research from a watchdog group.  The Associated Press reviewed more than three hours of interactions between ChatGPT

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SAMHSA Survey Shows Four Years of Mental Health, Substance Use Trends

The 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows that key substance use and mental health outcome measures are improving, but experts say there is still significant work to do.  Over the past four years, most key mental health and substance use outcome measures—such as suicide attempts among adolescents

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Vodka in your energy drink? Massive energy drink recall — Here’s what Texans need to know

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U.S. CDC launches new campaign to address youth substance use, mental health issues

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 5  — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Tuesday announced the launch of a new nationwide campaign aimed at addressing youth substance use and mental health challenges.  The campaign, titled “Free Mind,” targets youth aged 12 to 17, along with their parents and … Continue to full story .......

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Top 7 Teen Substance Use Trends Parents Need to Know in 2025

Talking to Teens About Drugs and Substance UseTeen substance use trends are always changing, and staying informed can help parents have better conversations with their kids. The good news? Teen substance use is at an all-time low! According to the Monitoring the Future survey, fewer teens are drinking, vaping, or using drugs compared to previous years.1

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