SAFFORD — Graham County Substance Abuse Coalition has two events this week, both aimed at helping parents talk with their children.
The first is Take a Stand, Wednesday, May 1, from 6-8 p.m. in the Safford Library Annex.
“We want to build a culture in our home where we can talk about anything,” said speaker Chris Smith, with Our Family Brand. “I think the hardest part is without the judgment. Because if we can do the best we can as parents to not judge our kids, they’ll share more with us.”
In addition to Chris and his wife, Melissa, speaking on parents’ communicating with their children, Kristen John and Chris Taylor will talk about their struggles with addiction and continuing effort to achieve and maintain sobriety, and Matt Harrington will talk about how to handle the difficult conversations by tackling issues head-on.
On Thursday, May 2, from 6-7 p.m., in the programming room at the Safford Library’s main branch, Laura Stack, of Johnny’s Ambassadors, will educate parents on the impact marijuana has on the developing adolescent brain, especially the marijuana of today.
“She talks about how, back in the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and even up until recently, a marijuana joint had 3- or 4-percent concentrate of (THC),” said Melissa Williams with the Graham County Substance Abuse Coalition. “With the edibles, and the concentrates and the high-potency marijuana (today), it’s like 95-percent concentrate of THC. It’s so very high.”
Also discussed will be the link between marijuana use and mental illness among adolescents, as well as the connection between marijuana use and teen suicide.
For those who cannot attend in person, Thursday’s presentation will be live-streamed. Click here to register.
