Central MetroWest Substance Awareness & Prevention Collaborative
Uniting communities through connection and collaboration to prevent youth substance use and misuse, foster a culture of wellness, and ensure every young person has the support they need to thrive.
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of youth haven’t vaped or used alcohol in the last 30 days
%
of youth haven’t used cannabis in the last 30 days.
%
of students report having a supportive adult in their lives.
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Uniting Communities through Connection & Collaboration
Whether you’re a parent or caregiver, or youth looking for guidance, an educator seeking resources, or a community member eager to create change, CMSAPC brings seven communities together to build a healthier, united region.
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Support for parents, caregivers, and youth
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Educational resources for educators
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Community health and prevention programs
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Opportunities to lead local change
Explore Our Local Coalitions
Ashland
Hudson
Marlborough
Natick
Northborough
Southborough
Westborough
View All Communities
Youth Substance Use Prevention Resources
Community Events
View our Events Calendar to stay informed about workshops, training sessions, and wellness activities happening across Central MetroWest.
Follow Us & Join the CMSAPC Online Community
Many people assume that once a child becomes a teenager, their brain is nearly fully developed. But brain science tells a different story. The human brain continues to develop into the mid-20s, especially the parts responsible for decision-making, reasoning, emotional control, and long-term planning.
During adolescence, two major brain systems are growing and changing:
Limbic system 🧠
Controls: Emotions, rewards, motivation
Timeline:Develops rapidly in early adolescence
Prefrontal cortex 🧠
Controls: Judgment, planning, impulse control
Timeline: Still developing until around age 25
This mismatch in development explains a lot of common teen behavior: big emotional reactions, risk-taking, and feeling invincible.
The brain is built to explore and learn during this time, but it’s also more vulnerable to substances like cannabis.
👏🏼👏🏼Hey everyone! I wanted to share a great community resource: Central MetroWest Substance Awareness & Prevention Collaborative
Their campaign Talk Early, Talk Often is all about supporting parents and other members of the community in having honest conversations with kids and teens about cannabis.
Check out their page and explore their great substance abuse prevention resources on Facebook and Instagram!
Website: cmsapc.org
Instagram: @cmsapc_ma
#TalkEarlyTalkOften #PreventionMatters
If you’re a parent, caregiver, or trusted adult in a young person’s life, you’ve probably wondered: When should I start talking to them about cannabis?
Maybe you’re not sure how to bring it up without sounding preachy. Maybe you don’t want to come across as overreacting or push them away. Or maybe you’re wondering if they’re even old enough to have that conversation yet.
Here’s the truth: talking early and talking often is one of the most protective things adults can do for young people.
These conversations are not just important, they’re backed by science.
EN 
ES 
PT