COVID-19 presents a rapidly changing situation for families and young people. Fear and anxiety can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in especially children and teens. A few of the many things teens might turn to in stressful situation includes the use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.
On April 5th, 2020, we hosted an important conversation on prevention related to the current COVID-19 crisis. Our leading expert, Dr. Ruben Baler, shared the latest research-based knowledge about the health effects and consequences of drug use and addiction, and helped answer the many questions parents had about the impact of drug use on health, and how to best support their teenager at home.
These are very confusing times, so now, it is more important than ever that we, as parents, support our children, and guide them through their critical development years as best as we can.
Dr. Baler, Scientist on the Neurobiology of Drug Abuse & Addiction, National Institute on Drug Abuse
The webinar was moderated by Actor, and Mentor Ambassador, Dolph Lundgren, who is also a father of two daughters. Mr. Lundgren stated that he learnt a lot himself, and brings with him important information which he can implement in his own family.
I am also a parent, not just an actor. And it’s a tough job being a parent, especially in times like today, when everything is uncertain.
Dolph Lundgren
If you were not able to participate, please find the recording of the webinar below. Find more information about our Parent Seminars here.
This event was hosted during the National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week®.
National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week® links students with scientists and other experts to counteract the myths about drugs and alcohol that teens get from the internet, social media, TV, movies, music, or from friends. It was launched in 2010 by scientists at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to stimulate educational events in communities so teens can learn what science has taught us about drug use and addiction. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism became a partner in 2016, and alcohol has been added as a topic area for the week. NIDA and NIAAA are part of the National Institutes of Health.