Tag: substance abuse

3 Key Differences in How Addiction Affects Women
May kicks off National Women’s Health Month. Data shows women make up 65 percent of total opioids prescriptions, and younger ages are not immune to opioid addiction with or without a prescription, either (1). As GameChangers, it’s a perfect opportunity to look at how substance abuse affects girls, teens, and women. Let’s explore key differences and how they affect those struggling with addiction.

3 Key Differences in ... Continue Reading »

6 signs you could benefit from talk therapy
At GameChanger, we believe prevention and early intervention are keys to curbing the opioid crisis. Considering youths and teens struggling with mental health illnesses are twice as likely to develop addiction, prevention often starts with reaching out for professional help (1). But how can you tell if you need it— and where do you find it? Let’s discuss six signs you could benefit from talk therapy and where to start ... Continue Reading »

Is Addiction Hereditary?
Research suggests as much as half of a person’s risk for developing addiction depends on genetics (1). If nearly 50 percent of addiction risk boils down to biology, does this mean addiction is hereditary and unpreventable? Not entirely. Let’s explore “addiction genes,” why substance use is more than your DNA, and what you can do to prevent it.

Are there Addiction Genes?

When scientists refer to “... Continue Reading »

Mental Health Matters in Addiction Prevention: 5 Ways to Care for Yours
Poor mental health can leave you feeling anxious, sad, or low in energy— but did you know it can also be a precursor to developing an addiction? In fact, research shows those with mental illness are twice as likely to have a substance use disorder (1). So how exactly can youths and teens take charge of their mental wellness to lower their risk for addiction? Let’s talk about five basic ... Continue Reading »

Common Overdose Signs & Symptoms
As the Mountain State faces some of the highest opioid related deaths in the nation, it’s not a matter of “if” you’ll witness the grips of addiction or overdose—it’s a matter of “when”. Addition does not discriminate. And regardless of age, gender, race, or status, anyone can become addicted to opioids. That’s why it’s important for children and teens to understand how to identify ... Continue Reading »

Welcome Back! I want to share exciting developments.
Hey Everyone! Welcome back to Kim’s Prevention Korner! If you missed my first update, be sure to go back and check it out! It tells a little bit about me and about our pilot schools. I’ve been really busy out in the schools since my last post, but I wanted to share with you some exciting developments. GameChanger is launching an education program endorsed by the United States ... Continue Reading »

Kim Legg is the Director of Prevention at GameChanger. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Marshall University’s College of Liberal Arts as well as a Master’s Degree in Psychology and Education Specialist Degree in School Psychology from Marshall Graduate College. She has 11 years of experience as a School Psychologist in both Wayne and Cabell Counties. She works directly with the Prevention Education Staff at The Hazelden-Betty Ford Foundation on the Implementation of the GameChanger Prevention Education Programming Model in West Virginia Schools. 

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February is Heart Health Month—Let’s Talk About Your Heart on Opioids
As February marks “Heart Health Month,” you’ll see plenty of tips for eating well, exercising regularly, and living in ways that keep your heart healthy and strong. But according to the American Heart Association, there’s another factor at play that hinders your heart health— opioid use. How exactly do opioids impact the heart? Let’s take a closer look. 

Opioids can throw off your heart’... Continue Reading »

Chance’s Story of Hope
From the outside looking in, 24-year-old Chance Ward is living the life of successful, young adult. But what many don’t know is the road it took to get there was filled with obstacles, loss, and growth along the way.  “Addiction completely took over my life,” says Chance. “But today I strive to be a better person than yesterday, and I constantly remind myself to never look back. One step ... Continue Reading »

Preventing Teen Substance Abuse Through the Holidays
The holiday season is supposed to be joyful, butstudies reveal that the holiday season is a risk factor for teen and adolescent substance misuse, with relapses occurring frequently as the year comes to an end (1). There are several reasons contributing to the use of drugs and alcohol over the holiday season according to nationally certified School Psychologist and Gamechanger’s Director of Prevention, Kim Legg. “One of the reasons first ... Continue Reading »

Holiday Blues? 5 Ways to Keep Spirits Up This Holiday Season 
While holidays are marked by joy and celebration, nearly 90 percent of Americans admit to feeling higher stress and lower mood during the season (1). And as it turns out, youths and teens are not immune to the same feelings of loneliness, and sadness as the year comes to an end. According to nationally certified School Psychologist, Kim Legg, the same stressors that impact adults’ moods during the holiday season can affect ... Continue Reading »
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