Blog – The Center for Prevention & Counseling

Opioids – What you need to know

By Louie LavinSeptember 25, 2023feed, Seniors

Opioids are a medication that blocks pain; however, they do not aid in healing. Extremely powerful and highly addictive, opioids are overprescribed and responsible for 75% of US overdose deaths. Dependency can form within 3-5 days of use, even when legally prescribed. Adults ages 55 and older are at increased risk for developing medication dependency from post-surgical care and chronic pain management prescriptions. It is essential to be aware of the dangers of opioid medication use and talk with your doctor about alternative treatment plans.

Red Ribbon Week 2023

By Louie LavinSeptember 25, 2023feed, news, Youth

Red Ribbon Week begins Monday, October 23rd and this year’s theme is “Be Kind To Your Mind. Live Drug Free.” As we prepare for Red Ribbon Week, we are sharing ideas for daily activities, as well as social media posts to utilize within your school community. Remember to send us pictures of what your students are doing for Red Ribbon Week, we will be sending out emails to highlight your activities.

Week of Respect Toolkit – October 2nd-6th 2023

By Louie LavinSeptember 1, 2023Feed-text

Back to School – Get tips and tools to use to talk to your kids about substance use

By Louie LavinSeptember 1, 2023Feed-text, Youth

Heading back to school can be stressful. It is important for parents and educators to have resources at their fingertips. The Sussex County Prevention Hub is an initiative of the Coalition for Healthy and Safe Communities, a program of the Center for Prevention and Counseling. Our goals are to support the members of our community by providing a direct link to evidence-based support services, educational programs, and resources for all sectors.

College Bound? Conversations About Alcohol Are Essential

By Louie LavinAugust 23, 2023Feed-text

Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over

By Louie LavinAugust 23, 2023Feed-text

What’s Your Anti Drug Contest

By Louie LavinAugust 21, 2023feed, Youth

Tell Sussex County How YOU Stay Drug-Free! Send your entry and this completed form to us by If your submission is chosen, it will be published in the New Jersey Herald on (All entries have a chance to be published on social media throughout the year!) Monday, November 6th by 5pm (see details below).

What Makes You Happy PSA Contest

By Louie LavinAugust 21, 2023feed, news, Youth

If you’re in grades K-3, we want your story, artwork, poetry or photograph, which tells the world: What Makes You Happy? Send your entry and this completed form to us by Monday, November 6th by 5pm (see details below). If your submission is chosen, it will be published in the New Jersey Herald on December 10th! (All entries have a chance to be published on social media throughout the year!)

Plant the Promise

By Louie LavinAugust 21, 2023feed, news

Plant the Promise is a wonderful way to celebrate Red Ribbon Week. Students plant red flower bulbs during Red Ribbon Week in the Fall which bloom in the Spring, and serve as a reminder of the importance and the beauty of living a drug-free life. Additionally, it provides a chance to enjoy the outdoors, connect with nature, take a break from daily stress and see the rewards of something beautiful you’ve nurtured.

Summer Prevention

By Louie LavinJuly 13, 2023Uncategorized

Did you know that youth are more likely to experiment with alcohol and other drugs for the first time during the Summer? Alcohol and drug use among adolescents increases during the Summer months for several reasons including youth having more unsupervised free time and more social events taking place. School’s out for Summer. Keep your kids safe and drug-free. Check out some prevention tips below!