Why is the High a Lie? It may make you feel good for the moment, but you are poisoning yourself. Heroin can cause severe and immediate harmful effects on your body including overdosing and death.

Free Workshop Monday April 1, 2013 6:30-8:30 p.m. Newhall Library Active Parenting of Teens This program teaches how to effectively handle family problems through clear, honest communication and respectful discipline. Special attention will be given to teen drug use, sexuality, and violence, providing you with helpful prevention guidelines. Location: Old Town Newhall Library – Community Meeting Instructor: Teresa Romero: For more information call (661) 259-0750

In the last three years heroin has claimed the lives of dozens of Santa Clarita sons and daughters. Most heroin fatalities in Santa Clarita have occurred with young adults in their early or mid-twenties who experienced escalating drug use in their teens and, through prescription medication abuse or other circumstance, found their way to heroin. Heroin use in suburban communities, such as Santa Clarita, has been referred to as a pandemic by some experts. At Heroin Kills speakers will shed light on the issue of heroin in the Santa Clarita Valley and provide tools and resources to families before it is too late. Check back for times and location.  

http://actionfamilycounseling.com/facilities/the-action-zone-santa-clarita

Monday, October 1 6:30-8:30 p.m. Learn how to offer care and support to young people caught in the web of self-destruction. Discussion will include how to offer effective support for substance abusers, self-injurers, destructive relationships, and eating disorders. Learn strategies from a certified addiction specialist and family counselor. This workshop will also feature a panel that includes an addict, a family member, and others who can share their experience, strength, and hope. Location: Santa Clarita Activities Center – Canyon Rooms A & B, 20880 Centre Pointe Parkway, Santa Clarita, CA 93150 Instructor: Steve Marckley

Wednesday, October 3 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Depression is a real problem that both children and adolescents manage on a daily basis. The causes range from environmental factors to heredity. This workshop will help caregivers identify the signs of depression, and teach strategies to manage and alleviate some of the symptoms, focusing on improving the family as a whole. Location: Santa Clarita Activities Center – Canyon Rooms A & B, 20880 Centre Pointe Parkway, Santa Clarita, CA 93150 Instructor: Chris Jones

Tuesday, November 13 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. As a caregiver, have you ever asked yourself any of these questions? How would I know if my child was using drugs or alcohol? What are the signs and symptoms? What are the most commonly used drugs kids take and what are their effects? Why would they be using drugs? How and where can I get help? Answers to these questions will be discussed as well as the warning signs and symptoms of use and abuse. Location: Santa Clarita Activities Center – Santa Clarita Rooms, 20880 Centre Pointe Parkway, Santa Clarita, CA 93150 Instructor: Cary Quashen

In August of 2011 the City of Santa Clarita, along with community partners held a special symposium to raise awareness for the growing problem of heroin in Santa Clarita. One year later the problem still exists and it’s deadly. On August 29 there will be a special presentation where the City, along with public safety and public health officials, will update what is happening with the local problem of heroin. The presentation is free and open to the public. Parents are encouraged to attend.  Click on the image below for more information including time and location.

This workshop will define what stress and anxiety is and what it looks like in children and adolescents.  Different assessment techniques will be presented, and general techniques and interventions will be discussed that will help in lowering stress effects.  Participants will learn about progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, and meditation.  This event will take place on Wednesday, February 22th from 6:30- 8:30 p.m.  at the Santa Clarita’s Activities  Center.  For additional information call (661)250-3708.

Many adolescents today are participating in some type of risky behavior, such as drugs, sex, self-injurious behavior, peer pressure, and bullying. Teens seem to be testing parental limits more than ever. In this workshop, parents will learn how to effectively communicate and set limits with their teens and reduce these risky behaviors. Learn specific strategies to help you support your teens as they face the difficult challenges of adolescence. This event will take place on Monday, February 13th from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the City of Santa Clarita’s Activities Center. For additional information call (661)250-3708.