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.
%
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.
%
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
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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.
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Many adults compare today’s cannabis to what they experienced years ago but the reality is, the landscape has changed significantly. Today’s cannabis products are often much more potent, with higher levels of THC than in past decades. That increased potency can raise the risk of negative effects, especially for young people and developing brains.
Another common misconception? That cannabis isn’t addictive. While not everyone who uses cannabis develops a problem, cannabis use disorder is real and some individuals can experience dependence and other negative health effects.
In some cases, high-potency use has also been linked to more serious short-term effects like nausea, anxiety, or confusion. That’s why honest, up-to-date conversations matter.
When adults understand how cannabis has changed, they’re better equipped to guide young people with accurate information, not outdated assumptions.
You don’t have to have all the answers. One of the biggest reasons adults avoid talking about substance use?
They’re not sure what to say… or they’re worried about saying the wrong thing.
But here’s the truth: it doesn’t have to be perfect. What matters most is that you start the conversation and keep it going.
The Talk Early. Talk Often. message is simple for a reason:
✔ Start early
✔ Keep showing up
✔ Be honest and age-appropriate
Because even when it doesn’t seem like it… young people are listening. What you say does matter. And you’re not in this alone. There are resources. There are other parents. There are community partners who want to support you in having these conversations.
It’s okay to learn as you go. It’s okay to not get it perfect. Trying, and staying connected, goes a long way.
💬 What’s one conversation you’ve been meaning to start with your family?
It’s something we hear all the time, from both teens and adults: “Everyone is doing it anyway…”
But it’s not true.
Data from the MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey shows that the majority of young people are not using substances. In fact, roughly 75% of high school students report not drinking alcohol in the past month and similar patterns exist for cannabis, nicotine, and other substances.
So where does the misconception come from? Perception.
Young people often overestimate how many of their peers are using and that perceived pressure can make it feel like they need to “keep up,” even when most of their peers aren’t using at all.
Adults fall into this trap too. But when we correct the narrative, it changes everything:
✔ Less perceived pressure
✔ More confidence to say no
✔ Healthier decision-making
The truth is powerful and sharing it matters.
💬 Did this stat surprise you?
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