Show Notes:

 

• Nita Brady, author, speaker, and founder of Beyond the Walls, shares insights on preventing drug abuse and addiction in children in an interview on Teen Drug Abuse Podcast
  
• Drug abuse is a growing problem among young children and parents should talk to their kids about the dangers of drugs
  
• Wingman books, written to prevent children from going down the drug path, provide discussion questions and lesson plans for teachers
  
• Nita’s book, Zeeko: The Bunny Who Lost His Way, discusses the effects of marijuana and brings up concepts of support, intervention, and sponsorship
  
• Parents should start the conversation about drug abuse at home and use books to make it easy
  
• School counselors can also use these books to help children affected by drug abuse in their families
  
• Marijuana can have negative effects on a child’s thinking, motivation, and may be a gateway drug leading to the use of other drugs
  
• Parents should educate themselves about icons used to represent different drugs on phones to protect their children
  
• Fentanyl, a highly dangerous drug often made in China and smuggled across the border, can be fatal and looks like candy, with the largest growing group of overdose deaths being under 14 years old
  
• Nita emphasizes the importance of educating oneself and communicating with children to help them feel empowered and supported
  
• Support groups can make a difference in children’s lives and Nita encourages people to care about these children and get them together to make a difference
  
• Nita promotes her books and website for more information and help
  

This episode features an interview with:

 

nita brady

Award Winning Author/Speaker/Founder/Director of Beyond the Walls

Nita Brady is an author, speaker, and founder of Beyond the Walls, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing drug abuse and addiction. She has over 30 years of experience working in the field of education, mental health, and substance abuse prevention. Her work includes conducting support groups for children dealing with addiction and incarceration of family members, as well as providing training for educators, counselors, and parents on drug abuse prevention.

Nita is the author of several books, including “Wingman”, a series of books written to prevent children from going down the drug path. Her book, “Zeeko: The Bunny Who Lost His Way”, discusses the effects of marijuana and the importance of support, intervention, and sponsorship. She believes that parents should start the conversation about drug abuse at home and use books like hers to make it easy.

Nita advocates for educating oneself and communicating with children to help them feel empowered and supported and encourages people to care about these children and get them together to make a difference.

Important Links and resources mentioned:

nitab.sos@gmail.com

Zeeko: The Bunny Who lost His Way by Nita Brady | Goodreads

http://wingmanbks4kids.com/

http://www.familyinmatesupport.com/

Signs of Drug Use Map: How to Recognize the Warning Signs of Teen Drug Abuse

Our Signs of Drug Use Map is a helpful tool for parents who suspect that their teen may be using drugs. This map highlights the common physical, emotional, and behavioral signs of drug use, helping parents recognize the warning signs and take action.

download it here