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Greenwich Together Newsletter | Happy November! As we embrace the season of gratitude, our coalition continues to focus on promoting mental wellness and preventing substance use across our community. This month, we’re thankful for the partnerships, volunteers, and youth who help drive our mission forward. Join us in celebrating meaningful awareness efforts, community connections, and opportunities to make a positive impact together. |
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What is Blackout Wednesday?
As we head into the holiday season, there’s one night parents especially of teens and college students should keep on their radar: Blackout Wednesday (sometimes called “Drinksgiving”). That’s the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and it’s become one of the biggest drinking nights of the year.
Why is it such a big deal? When students return home for the holiday and teens are out of school, bars across the country get crowded — and alcohol misuse among youth goes up. According to MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), the risk of drunk-driving crashes rises by as much as 40% during the holidays, including Thanksgiving Eve (“Drinksgiving” / Blackout Wednesday).
Here’s what parents can do to help prevent risky drinking:
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Talk Before They Go Out. Have an open, non-judgmental conversation about what they might face — from peer pressure to consequences.
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Set Clear Expectations. Be honest about your concerns and what behaviors are acceptable (or not).
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Plan a Safe Ride. Encourage trusted rideshares, public transport, or a designated sober driver if they plan to be out.
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Watch for Warning Signs. Excessive drinking, blackouts, or “just one more” attitudes can all be dangerous.
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Be a Supportive Presence. Let your teen know you're there to help, not just to punish — especially if things feel risky.
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Debunk the “teach them at home” myth. Research shows that letting teens drink at home doesn’t necessarily teach moderation — in fact, it can lead to more binge drinking later.
Blackout Wednesday might feel like just another night to celebrate, but as parents, staying informed and having honest conversations can make a real difference.
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Mark your calendars!
Greenwich Together, Catalyst CT | The Hub, Stamford Prevention Council, and Liberation Programs are partnering to bring you Laura Stack’s powerful presentation, “The Dangerous Truth About Today’s Marijuana.”
🗓 January 13, 2026
⏰ 7:00 PM
💻 Virtual event
🔗 Registration information coming next month
| | | Greenwich Together offers Narcan (naloxone) trainings to the community upon request. These trainings teach participants how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and confidently administer Narcan — a safe, easy-to-use medication that can reverse an overdose and save a life. With opioid risks impacting communities nationwide, it is vital for more people to be prepared to respond in an emergency. | |  | Greenwich Together offers QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention trainings to the community upon request. QPR equips participants with the skills to recognize the warning signs of a mental health crisis, ask the right questions, offer hope, and connect someone to help. Much like CPR, everyone can benefit from being trained these simple, evidence-based steps can save a life. | | | |
Kratom: What Youth & Families Should Know
What it is: Kratom comes from the leaves of a Southeast Asian tree (Mitragyna speciosa). In lower doses it may act as a stimulant, and at higher doses the active compounds can behave in an opioid-like fashion.
Why it’s risky:
- It is unregulated in many places, meaning potency, purity, and contamination are big unknowns.
- It has been linked to serious health effects including dependence, withdrawal, hospitalizations, and even death — especially when mixed with other substances.
Why youth might try it: Because it’s sometimes marketed as an herbal supplement, “safe,” natural, available online or in stores, and maybe perceived as less “scary” than known illicit opioids. That can give a false sense of safety.
What you can do:
- Start open, non-judgmental conversations with young people: “Have you heard about kratom? What do you know about it?”
- Emphasize that “natural” doesn’t automatically mean safe — lots of plants (and supplements) carry risk.
- Point out the importance of knowing exactly what a product contains, how much, and the risks of mixing with alcohol or other drugs.
- Encourage safe behavior: if someone has used it and is exhibiting symptoms like severe drowsiness, slowed breathing, confusion, vomiting, seek medical help.
- Provide resources: local prevention coalitions, counseling, school health services — and help youth develop resilience and skills for dealing with peer pressure, stress, experimentation.
| | | | Understanding Sports Betting and Protecting Against Gambling Harm | Join the Connecticut Clearinghouse for an educational virtual forum on December 4, 2025, from 2:00–3:00 PM on Zoom. Dr. Jeremiah Weinstock, Professor of Psychology at Saint Louis University, will explore the growing landscape of sports betting, types of bets, responsible gaming features, and strategies for addressing problem gambling. | | | The Power of Connection: A Parent's Greatest Protective Tool | |
Tuesday, December 2 at 1:00 PM EST
Parent-child connection is key to healthy development and family wellbeing. Susan Caso will share how genuine connectedness protects kids from mental health challenges, substance use, and the pressures of growing up in a digital world. Learn practical ways to foster open communication, build trust, and strengthen bonds so children feel safe, seen, and supported.
| | | | Greenwich Together | One Salem Street | Cos Cob, CT 06807 US | | | | |
