Created by Step Up youth 2025
Substance Abuse Poetry
Free Mind Campaign
Drugs and your body have a toxic relationship. They can damage your organs, twist your mental health, and make you feel like a stranger in your own skin. Ditch the drama and learn more about drugs’ toxic behaviors at cdc.gov/FreeMind.
#FreeMind
#OverdoseAwareness
Don’t smoke to win!
Euphoria…but at what cost?
Teenage drug abuse has historically been glamorized in the media as high-status, fun, and rebellious. Teens tend to feel like they gain freedom and social value by using illicit drugs. However, many TV shows and movies fail to accurately show the devastating effects of drug use — such as addiction, damaged relationships, decreased focus, high expenses, and overdose.
Posted by Yanyan
It’s okay to ask for help!
If you are struggling with substance abuse, addiction, mental illness, or any other hardship, remember that there is always someone out there willing to support you. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength!
SAMHSA’s National Helpline for substance abuse and behavioral health assistance: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Posted by Yanyan
Tele’s Recovery Story
“I have been able to accomplish a lot in my recovery,” says Tele, who has been in recovery for four years after starting to misuse prescription opioids at age 13. “I just want to be happy. And I want to thrive in my life.”
Tele shared with the CDC that in high school, he struggled with anxiety and depression despite being well-liked, athletic, and high-achieving in school. He turned to prescription opioids and eventually heroin for the “numbing effect” of the drugs. After getting arrested for driving while impaired, he sought treatment for his addiction and hopes that he can help reduce the stigma surrounding opioid use disorder.
Posted by Yanyan
SOURCE: https://www.cdc.gov/rxawareness/stories/tele.html
I Used To Be…
Runaway Postcard: Alone
Runaways: "why are these girls here?"
Most runaways are girls. Why are these girls here? They may be here because they have been victimized or abused. Most girls who have been victimized fear the shame that will be brought upon them and their families, so they keep it a secret or runaway. Many sad stories have been told about girls running away because they were abused and raped. So what can we do to help them? How can we help them? How can we stop the abuse and rapes?
Runaway: "why run here?"
Why sleep here? There are other places where youth runaways could go. They could go to a shelter home, a friends house but why out here in the streets or door steps of another persons? Some teens may just be looking for a place to stay because they feel like they have no other places to go because of the troubles their in and how frighten they are because of the situation.