Worth the read

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On platforms like TikTok, substance use is increasingly finding its way into the spotlight. What may appear at first glance to be harmless trends, coded hashtags, or fleeting videos can expose young people to risky behaviors, normalize drug use, and create pathways to communities that exist far beyond the screen. For parents, caregivers, and anyone invested in the well-being of young people, understanding this evolving digital landscape has never been more important. 

 Most days, I write for my community. The recovery community. I write for those that need inspiration and encouragement. But this conversation was a good reminder that occasionally I can speak to the other side as well, because it’s good to educate everyone in the room. 

 While conversations around menopause have become more common in recent years, one important piece of the story often remains in the shadows: its connection to substance use and recovery. As women navigate the hormonal, emotional, and social changes of midlife, many find themselves searching for relief from anxiety, insomnia, chronic stress, or emotional overwhelm. For some, that search can lead to increased alcohol or substance use, while for others in recovery, it can present unexpected challenges to maintaining wellness. 

Every week, more than a dozen U.S. teenagers lose their lives to fentanyl. James Fishback reports on the unwitting victims - and the parents they've left behind.

A must watch. This podcast provides clarity & understanding into the world of trauma. Whether personally or professionally, it will help guide you and make you see things perhaps a bit more clearer and with more sensitivity.