Catalyst

Informed Families Catalyst

President’s Message: The Hidden Danger of Party Drugs

Posted by Peggy B. Sapp, President & CEO on March 8, 2025 at 4:30 PM

March is here, and it’s time to talk about something that’s putting young people at serious risk—dangerous party drugs being disguised as something else. A synthetic stimulant called N,N-dimethylpentylone is being sold as MDMA (also known as ecstasy or molly), but it’s far more harmful than people realize.

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Topics: President's Message, lock your meds, club drugs, safe parties, safe homes smart parties, alcohol, Informed Families, lock your meds pledge, alcohol use, summer, alcohol abuse, substance abuse, spring break

Spring Break Safety: How to Keep Your Teen Safe & Responsible

Posted by Informed Families on March 7, 2025 at 11:52 AM

As a parent, you can help your teen stay safe by having open conversations and setting clear rules. Informed Families’ Safe Homes, Smart Parties® campaign encourages parents to take simple steps to protect their teens.

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Topics: tips for talking with your kids about drugs, communication, Informed Families, drug prevention, alcohol use, mindfullness

Hidden in Plain Sight: Where Teens Find Prescription Drugs & Stay Safe

Posted by Informed Families on February 25, 2025 at 6:25 PM

When it comes to teen substance misuse, one of the most overlooked threats is right at home—prescription drugs hidden in plain sight. While most parents lock up alcohol or dispose of illicit substances, prescription medications are often left unsecured and easily accessible in familiar places around the house. Understanding where teens might find these medications and how to secure them is a crucial step in keeping your family safe.

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Topics: tips for talking with your kids about drugs, communication, Informed Families, drug prevention, alcohol use, mindfullness

Talking to Teens About Underage Drinking and Prescription Drugs: How to Start the Conversation

Posted by Informed Families on February 16, 2025 at 8:30 AM

Open and honest conversations about underage drinking and prescription drug misuse are crucial to help teens make informed decisions. Adolescents face numerous pressures from peers, social media, and misconceptions about the “safety” of alcohol and prescription medications. Parents, teachers, and mentors have the power to protect and guide teens by creating a supportive environment for these important discussions.

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Topics: tips for talking with your kids about drugs, communication, alcohol, Informed Families, alcohol use, dry january, mocktails, mindfullness

A Message from Our President: Simple Steps to Locking Your Meds

Posted by Peggy B. Sapp, President & CEO on February 11, 2025 at 1:28 PM

As parents, we have many responsibilities, but one of the most important is protecting our children from potential dangers—including prescription and over-the-counter medications. Medications, when used properly, help us stay healthy. However, in the wrong hands, they can lead to accidental poisoning, misuse, and serious consequences.

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Topics: President's Message, lock your meds, alcohol, Informed Families, lock your meds pledge, alcohol use, alcohol abuse

Locking Your Meds: Protect Your Family and Community from Misuse

Posted by Informed Families on February 4, 2025 at 12:26 PM

When we think about keeping our children and communities safe, we often focus on external threats. But sometimes, the biggest risks are closer to home—right inside our medicine cabinets. Prescription drug misuse is a growing concern across the country, and the solution starts with a simple step: locking up your medications.

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Topics: communication, alcohol, Informed Families, alcohol use, dry january, mocktails, mindfullness

How Families Can Support Each Other in Dry January

Posted by Informed Families on January 27, 2025 at 4:02 PM

Participating in Dry January as a family is a powerful way to kick off the new year with healthier habits and stronger connections. By committing to a month without alcohol, families can support each other, grow closer, and discover new ways to have fun together. Here's how families can make the most of Dry January while building a foundation for a healthier lifestyle.

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Topics: communication, alcohol, Informed Families, alcohol use, dry january, mocktails, mindfullness

Mocktails & Mindfulness: Enjoy the Fun Without the Alcohol

Posted by Informed Families on January 22, 2025 at 11:52 AM

Who says alcohol has to be the life of the party? Whether you’re a teen exploring ways to have fun responsibly or an adult looking to make healthier choices, one thing is clear: alcohol doesn’t need to be part of the equation to enjoy yourself. From game nights to family gatherings, staying sober doesn’t mean missing out on fun.

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Topics: alcohol, Informed Families, alcohol use, dry january, mocktails, mindfullness

Real Stories, Real Impact: How Dry January Changed Lives

Posted by Informed Families on January 15, 2025 at 10:41 PM

Every January, millions around the globe embrace the challenge of giving up alcohol for 31 days, known as Dry January. This growing movement isn’t just about abstinence—it’s about resetting, reflecting, and building healthier habits. From better health to stronger family relationships, the benefits are transformative. In this post, we’ll explore real stories of change and share tips on how you can start your own Dry January journey.

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Topics: alcohol, Informed Families, alcohol use, dry january

A Message from Our President: Dry January and a Healthier You

Posted by Peggy B. Sapp, President & CEO on January 9, 2025 at 8:08 PM

Happy New Year,

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Topics: President's Message, alcohol, alcohol use, alcohol abuse

About Us

We teach people how to say no to drugs and how to make healthy choices. To reduce the demand for drugs, Informed Families has focused its efforts on educating and mobilizing the community, parents and young people in order to change attitudes. In this way we counteract the pressures in society that condone and promote drug and alcohol use and abuse. The organization educates thousands of families annually about how to stay drug and alcohol free through networking and a variety of programs and services .

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