S5 EP6: Available But Not Safe: Vaping, Marijuana & Youth Perception

Описание: Join hosts Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy for an eye-opening conversation on the growing dangers of vaping and high-potency cannabis among youth. This episode dives into how modern marketing targets teens, the science behind addiction, and the serious effects of nicotine and THC on developing brains.

Learn how today’s products are designed to hook young users, the hidden dangers of unregulated substances like Delta-8, and how to recognize when your child might be at risk. Most importantly, discover real strategies for having open, honest conversations that empower your kids to make healthy, informed decisions.

In this episode, Jodie and Amy are joined by Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse; Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher, Professor at Stanford University School of Medicine; and Katie Drew, Assistant Special Agent in Charge with the DEA. Together, they share expert insights on prevention, early intervention, and the vital role of communication in protecting young minds.

Key Moments:
02:13 – The DEA’s Role in Vaping Prevention
03:26 – Understanding Vaping and Its Risks
06:27 – The Impact of Nicotine on Young Brains
10:55 – Delta-8 and Unregulated Products
16:08 – The Dangers of Dabbing
18:43 – Brain Development and Substance Use
25:12 – Effective Communication Strategies for Parents
30:36 – Resources and Support for Parents and Educators

Watch now and learn how awareness, education, and open communication can help protect your teen’s health and future.

#AwkwardConversations #VapingAwareness #TeenHealth #ParentingAdvice #DrugPrevention #OnePillCanKill #DEA #ElksDAP #SubstanceMisuse #education

Catie Drew is a Senior Prevention Program Manager in the DEA’s Community Outreach and Prevention Support Section, where she leads national efforts to educate the public on drug prevention. She oversees the Operation Prevention curriculum in partnership with Discovery Education and manages the DEA’s prevention publications and outreach initiatives. With a background in environmental biology and museum education, Catie brings over two decades of experience in public education and communication, including roles with the Smithsonian Institution, the National Park Service, and NOAA.

Dr. Nora Volkow is the Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) at the National Institutes of Health. A pioneering research psychiatrist, she was among the first to use brain imaging to show how addiction changes the brain’s reward and self-control systems, establishing it as a brain disorder. Born in Mexico, Dr. Volkow has led groundbreaking work that continues to shape global understanding of addiction, earning recognition from Time, Newsweek, and Fortune as one of the most influential leaders in science and public health.

Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher is a developmental psychologist and Professor at Stanford University School of Medicine whose research focuses on how adolescents make health-related decisions and perceive risk. Her groundbreaking work has shaped national policies on youth tobacco use and helped redefine how providers discuss risk behaviors with teens. As founder of Stanford’s Tobacco Prevention Toolkit, she has created widely used educational resources to prevent youth vaping and tobacco use. Dr. Halpern-Felsher’s research has been featured in the Surgeon General’s Report and continues to guide public health efforts across the country to better protect and educate young people.

Jodie Sweetin is an actress, author, and advocate best known for her roles on Full House and Fuller House. Her memoir, unSweetined, chronicles her journey through addiction and recovery, fueling her advocacy for substance use awareness. Instagram:   / jodiesweetin  

Supporting Organizations:
The Elks: With nearly one million members across 2,000 lodges, the Elks are dedicated to youth drug prevention through their Drug and Alcohol Prevention (DAP) program. They have donated over $3.6 billion to various causes, including the creation of the first VA hospital for veterans.
Elks Drug Awareness Program Website: https://bit.ly/44SunO6

DEA: Established in 1973, DEA enforces U.S. controlled substance laws nationally and internationally, with offices around the globe.
www.dea.gov

Resources/Links:
Resources and tip sheets with practical strategies for improving school nutrition environments.
Website: cdc.gov/healthy-schools/parents/resources.html
GetSmartAboutDrugs.com www.getsmartaboutdrugs.com
Hidden in Plain Sight Program https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/fil...
DEA on Instagram: www.instagram.com/deahq
Elks Kid Zone Website: https://bit.ly/3s79Zdt