TEENS
YOUR LIFE, YOUR VISION: TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FUTURE
Empowering Ossining Teens to Live Substance Free
DID YOU KNOW?
Most Ossining teens don’t drink or use drugs. Check out our annual survey to learn more about teen substance use in Ossining—and why most of our students are choosing a substance-free lifestyle.
Learn MoreTEEN SUBSTANCE STATISTICS IN OSSINING
89%
89% of Ossining students do not smoke marijuana
84%
85% of Ossining students do not vape
85%
84% of Ossining students haven’t used alcohol in the last 30 days
92%
92% of Ossining students haven’t engaged in binge drinking
Ossining’s Summer Leadership Program (SLP)
Young leaders share their ideas around community, social unity and equity, mental health issues, and substance use prevention as part of the SLP. It is a chance to grow personally by developing leadership and job readiness skills, and also to create lasting linkages to the Ossining community at large. The foundation of the Program is part of a national movement called “PILOT”:
- Positive Relationships
- Improved Skills
- Linkages across Schools, Work, Families, and Communities
- Opportunities to Contribute and Belong
- Trustworthy and Safe Settings
Ossining Youth to Youth (Y2Y)
Ossining is proud to participate in Youth to Youth (Y2Y), an international, community-based drug prevention and youth leadership program. Y2Y celebrates youth empowering youth through meaningful activities designed to create positive change in their communities and in their lives.
It sets the standards for youth development and substance use prevention across the US and around the World. Ossining teens have participated in Youth to Youth since 2013.
Learn MoreGET THE FACTS: THE TRUTH ABOUT DRUGS
ADDICTION
Addicting substances hijack the brain and motivate people to use these substances again and again even though they are risking or already experiencing significant harm. Over time, changes occur in the brain driving continued misuse. This is especially dangerous during adolescence, a time when the brain is developing rapidly. Learn more about the true nature of addiction, including how to recognize, treat, and prevent it.
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MENTAL HEALTH
Adolescence can be a challenging time. During your teen years, it’s more important than ever to pay attention to mental health. Similar to physical ailments, many people experience mental health issues—conditions that affect their thinking, feelings, behavior or moods—and may abuse alcohol or drugs to cope with symptoms. Learn about how mental health is an important part of wellness, and the importance of asking for help if you need it.
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DANGERS OF NICOTINE & VAPING
Health experts are beginning to recognize the risks involved in vaping and nicotine use. Vaping exposes your lungs to harmful chemicals and can lead to a serious nicotine addiction. What does that mean for your physical and mental health? Discover the truth about nicotine—and learn why it’s time to ditch the vape.
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MARIJUANA
It’s important to understand that marijuana is a powerful drug, even though it is legal in many states. Like any other psychoactive substance, marijuana can severely impact your physical and mental health—especially as a teenager. Discover the serious impact this drug can have on your body, your mind, and your daily life.
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TEEN DRINKING & ALCOHOL
Most Ossining teens don’t drink alcohol—and they’re making the right choice. Alcohol can have a serious, long-term impact on developing minds and bodies. Learn more about the dangers of teen drinking and why your peers are happier without alcohol.
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MOST TEENS ARE NOT USING
It is a myth that all teens “experiment” with drug use. More than ever, young people are making “One Choice” not to use any substances. In fact, did you know that over 59% of high school seniors have not used any substances in the past month and over 31% haven’t used in their lifetime? Most addiction is rooted in the teenage years: 9 in 10 or 90% of all adults with substance use disorders began using one or more drugs like alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana before the age of 18. A key reason for this is the unique vulnerability of the still-developing teen brain to substance use. The earlier substance use is initiated, the more likely an individual is to develop a substance use disorder. And if teens use one substance, they are far more likely to use others as well. Promoting and encouraging the One Choice Message of preventing and delaying all adolescent substance use – can have a direct impact over time on the number of adults who develop a substance use disorder.
Learn MoreEXPLORE MORE
Stay Okay
Talking to your friend about mental health can be scary—but reaching out when you’re feeling down or when you see a friend struggling can make a huge difference. Seize the Awkward normalizes the mental health conversation for teens because truly, you’re not alone. Check out stories from stars like Billie Eilish, Noah Cyrus, Tyler Posey, and more about their commitment to seize the awkward and open up about their mental health struggles.
Go to Seize the Awkward
Stay Original
The more aware you are of the influences around you, the better prepared you will be to face them—especially the pressure to use drugs and alcohol. Above the Influence is committed to reminding teens that there’s more to life than the negative influences that surround them every single day. Discover what life is like above the influence.
Go to Above the Influence
Stay True
Get the facts about tobacco and the industry behind it. The Truth Initiative believes that this generation can finally end tobacco use as a whole—and that today’s teens have the power to build a happier, healthier future free of nicotine addiction. Reveal the truth about the tobacco industry and its impact.
Go to Truth Initiative
NEVER HESITATE TO DIAL 911 IF YOU ARE WITNESSING OR EXPERIENCING A DRUG- OR ALCOHOL-RELATED EMERGENCY.
The New York State 911 Good Samaritan Law allows people to call 911 without fear of arrest if they are having a drug or alcohol overdose that requires emergency medical care or if they witness someone overdosing.
DOWNLOAD THE GOOD SAMARITAN LAW FACT SHEET