March 2019
March 2019
Spring Break and Alcohol
Spring break is supposed to be all about fun and getting away from our day to day responsibilities. However, spring break is also known as a time that teens and college students can get involved with alcohol and drugs as they may find themselves in unfamiliar situations that may include risky behaviors. This makes it even more important to talk to your high school—and college students- about the dangers of underage drinking. Studies have shown that drinking by college students increases dramatically during spring break. Make sure your son or daughter knows how you feel about underage drinking but also that you are a safe person to call if they find themselves in an unsafe situation.
Keep in mind that it is illegal to serve minors alcohol in all 50 states. 
For more information on how to have these delicate conversations with you kids, visit TalkSooner.
Vaping and ....Spring Break??
Spring break can be a time of great family fun, making memories that can last a lifetime. But making memories means a lot of time spent together, and not much spent alone. If you notice that your youth is exhibiting some of these symptoms, it may be more than just family time overload--it could be a sign that they have been vaping:
--Jittery or has a hard time relaxing
--anxious or "moody"
--depressed or angry
--trying to sneak off alone
--physical complaints like headaches, sweating, cramps or insomnia
Vaping may cause a very swift acting addiction to nicotine, as a vape pen is able to deliver much more concentrated nicotine with every hit. And since your youth is out of their regular routine--and unable to vape--their need for nicotine maybe showing itself in these withdrawal signs. Or it could be something else--the only way to find out is to have a conversation and talk.
Spring Break is also a great time for that too.
For more information on youth and vaping, go here Be sure to like the OSAP facebook page as we'll be releasing some helpful videos next week.
National Take Back Day
April 27

The next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, April 27.With all Meijer pharmacies serving as permanent drug drop off locations, getting rid of your unwanted/unused/expired medications has never been easier. Do your part to help stop the
opioid/prescription drug epidemic and get some spring cleaning done at the same time!

Take ALL your unused medications to the nearest drop off. You can find a list here
Safe Prom Virtual Town Hall
Join us for our first Virtual Parent Town Hall! Prom season starts right after spring break, and for parents it can be an important time to talk to your teens about your expectations for them for Prom Night, as well as what your family values are. We'll have a number of local leaders talking about how to talk to your kids about Prom and taking your questions. We'll also share our Safe prom efforts for this year and where you can find our messages for youth.
Join us on April 26th here on our facebook page to hear about current youth trends and how to talk to your kids about Prom. Be sure to post your questions on the OSAP page before the event so we can be sure they get answered.
Did you know that March is Parenting Awareness Month?
We are excitedly getting ready for Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month in April. We have expanded our efforts this year, and there's even more ways for you to get involved. Check out our Appreciate your Child Calendar! it's full of community events and activities for you to do with your child. Thank you for joining us in building strong childhoods. 

Ottawa Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition
Contact Leigh Moerdyke at [email protected]

http://www.arborcircle.org/community-youth-development http://www.arborcircle.org/community-youth-development


Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/OSAPCoalition
Talk Early. Talk Often. Learn How.  www.talksooner.org