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  • Home
  • About
    • Be The Exception Video Preview
    • Programs >
      • 2019-2020 School Program Options
      • Positive Potential >
        • Curricula Preview & Outcomes
      • Thrive
      • Horizon
      • Liv.True Mentoring >
        • Liv True Volunteer Applications
      • RELENTLESS
  • Events
    • Lunch Tables
    • LCJC Supply Drive
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • Parenting Corner
    • PATH Facts
    • Additional Resources >
      • Articles
      • Books
      • Videos
      • Resources By County
      • Relationships Matter
      • FAQ's
  • Newsletters
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  • Donate
    • PATH Cares Project
    • Volunteer
    • NAP Tax Credits
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Blog

Being Present is the best present

12/23/2014

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As children get older many parents believe their child would like to spend more time with their friends, watching Netflix, or texting instead of talking. However, research proves the opposite. It is very important to take advantage of school holiday breaks to invest in your teenager. Here are a few things you may not know about the benefits of spending time with your teen.

Talking with your children helps their grades. If grades are important to you than you need to spend more time talking with your child. It's proven parents who communicate regularly with their children do better academically. Put the iPhone down and invest in a conversation.

Eating dinner together lowers risk of violence in your teen. This doesn't have to be a “Christmas Dinner” every night. The pressures of two income households and single parent families make this table dinner difficult, but not impossible. The plates can be paper. The meal can be sandwiches. The cups do not have to match. It's about the people around the table engaging in a meaningful conversation. This is especially important in single parent households. Even if it's fast food...eat it together!

Teens who have parents present are less hostile. Pass on the party. They need you. Holiday parties for the office, church, volunteer committees, school events, concerts,  and other holiday obligations can leave families reeling from December to January. There is no rule saying you have to attend every party and family function. This can lead to many nights of teenagers home alone and unsupervised. Teenagers who spend more time alone are more likely to become hostile. They might act like they don't want to spend time with you, but trust me because THEY DO! Your time spent with them now will emotionally pay off in dividends.

It can be very easy to get lost in the hustle bustle of the holiday, but this week look for ways to engage your teen in conversation. Make sure you make an effort to eat together even if it's in the car on the go. Please do not forget your teen needs your supervision, your conversation, and your engagement in the time you are spending with them. Make this holiday break the best yet!

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Red Alert: 10 Things You can't afford to miss About Synthetic Drugs

12/16/2014

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Synthetic drugs are becoming an increasing problem in America. It is important to educate yourself on this issue and be aware of the vulnerabilities for which unassuming teenagers can be at risk.

Here 10 things you need to know about the latest deadly synthetic drug called 25I-NBOM and 2C-C-NBOMe.


  1. The name is complicated. 25I-NBOM and 2C-C-NBOMe won't exactly be showing up in your teen's text messages. These drugs are commonly sold as “LSD” or “Acid.”
  2. Teens don't know what they are buying. Teenagers are not always searching for these dangerous synthetic drugs. They are more commonly trying to buy LSD or Acid. The buyer is usually unaware what they are getting. This deadly mix of chemicals are extremely harmful and believed to be harmless when purchased.
  3. These drugs kill. These drugs are not tested before they are sold and consumed. Synthetic drugs are sold to look like other drugs. LSD has not had a documented overdose and is not poison to the body- although it does have many other harmful affects. Synthetic drugs look like LSD so the drug user thinks they are taking something which is not deadly. However, these drugs are extremely deadly and are poison to your system powerful enough to kill.
  4. Dangerous drug is sold everywhere. These drugs are not hard to purchase. They can be bought locally. The trend is growing so rapidly due to the new synthetic drugs on the market.
  5. 25I-NBOM and 2C-C-NBOMe are illegal. For now. In 2013 the drug was added to the controlled substance list. The drug will be illegal until 2014, but you need contact your state and federal government representatives.
  6. These drugs are new trend. Red Alert. There have been several hundred more synthetic drugs in circulation just in the last couple of years. There needs to be a lot of conversation with teens about this growing trend. They need to understand this issue is real and real close to home.
  7. Synthetic drugs are sold everywhere. According to CNN, in 2009 there were only a few synthetic drugs. In 2012 there were over 158 and it has grown to over 300 known synthetic drugs. This means there are more out there and we have little information about them.
  8. Teenagers are in need of supervision. Parents need to supervise their teenagers activities. There needs to be supervision where your teen will be if you are not going to be there. It is important you are getting to know their friends and having open conversations about the choices your teen makes when they are with their friends. If you find drug paraphernalia in your child's belonging begin this conversation immediately and be sure they know the dangers of what is available. Parental involvement plays a vital role in drug use. The strongest declines in drug use occur when more parents and guardians talk to their kids about the risks of drug use.
  9. This is not a “harmless” drug. Although the drugs may look the same as "Acid," they are a different recipe and extremely toxic to the body. The days of natural drugs are over. There is no guarantee the pill, acid hit, or marijuana is not laced with something synthetic.
  10. Synthetic drugs are chemically made. These drugs are generally made by an underground chemist and there are no regulations. There is nothing natural in their make up. They are not tested on anyone. Unfortunately, we learn about them usually when it is much too late.

Please be sure to educate yourself on the growing trends of drugs in circulation and how they are being sold. Parents and Caregivers should find a way to keep teenagers busy so there is not hours, days, and weeks of idle time left unsupervised during the holiday. Talk about these trends and information in the car, at dinner, or while on the way from place to place. These conversations and information could save a life. Empower yourself and your family by knowing what is out there and how to protect your kids!
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The not so happy holidays

12/5/2014

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Suicide is a topic many are uncomfortable discussing, especially this time of year. Social norms dictate that we should be happy and full of holiday cheer during the holidays. However, for many, depression and suicide are a real problem during the winter months. The holidays can aggrandize feelings of loneliness and depression. While others are out celebrating and gathering with family members and friends, those who struggle with thoughts of suicide might spend this time reflecting more in depth about their emotions. 

If you know someone or you yourself are struggling with thoughts of suicide here are six practical ways to help:

  • Reach out. There are many resources out there for free who are waiting to help you or a loved one. There are suicide prevention lines who offer counseling from licensed professionals who can help direct you on where to go next.
            -- Most schools and colleges offer counseling for free to students.
            -- Churches will generally offer free services and spiritual insight.
            -- YOU are not alone. Even if you simply contact a friend or family you trust.
                Together you can make a plan to stay safe!

  • Get "creative" with your time. Sometimes just getting in touch with your creativity can help you get in touch with good memories and keep your mind looking forward to what's new. Paint a picture. Write a song. Learn to knit. Draw in a sketch book. Work on a puzzle.
  • Steer clear of isolation. When you are struggling with harming thoughts being alone can be one of the worst things for you. Call someone you trust. Go see a movie in public. Join a group at church or school. Go to a holiday party.
  • Add a new tradition. One way to overcome bad memories is to make new ones. The holidays is a great time to bring a new tradition into the mix. Instead of using last year's fake tree, go chop down a new one. Instead of cooking a traditional Christmas dinner, cook a Mexican feast with a pinata. Have a “white elephant” gift exchange instead of stressing over buying gifts. Switch it up.
  • Give. Giving can be the best distraction to negative thoughts. Even if money is tight there are plenty of ways to give without money. Volunteer. Cook a meal for someone. Re-gift a coat to someone in need.
  • Get Training. Attending a suicide prevention training can make a huge difference in your own life or the life of someone you care about. A Positive Approach to Teen Health is hosting safeTALK: Anyone Can Save a Life. To learn more about this lifesaving training or register CLICK HERE.

If you or someone you know is struggling and needs immediate help, you call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
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    A Positive Approach to Teen Health (P.A.T.H) is a 501(c)3 organization that reaches seven counties throughout Northwest Indiana.  Since 1993, A Positive Approach to Teen Health has been working to empower teens to make healthy choices regarding drugs, sex, alcohol, and violence. 

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