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A PARENT’S TOOLKIT FOR UNDERSTANDING SUBSTANCE USE THROUGH THE MIDDLE SCHOOL YEARS IN THE TRI-COUNTY REGION: MONTEREY, SAN BENITO, SANTA CRUZ

According to local data, middle school youth growing up in Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties have easy access and opportunity to use drugs and alcohol. While middle school use is still relatively low, exposure to drugs is occurring at younger ages. As parents and caregivers, we have an important role in helping our pre-teens and teens navigate the challenges of their middle school years and beyond. Where do we start? Know the facts, communicate openly, and listen to what our kids have to say. Keep reading to learn more.

BETWEEN GRADES 7 AND 9, THE NUMBER OF TRI-COUNTY KIDS WHO HAVE USED SUBSTANCES TO GET HIGH INCREASES BY

186%