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
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Youth Substance Use Prevention Resources
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View our Events Calendar to stay informed about workshops, training sessions, and wellness activities happening across Central MetroWest.
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Some adults avoid talking about cannabis because they think bringing it up will make kids curious, or they hope schools will handle it. Others fall into “lecture mode” and hope that telling teens what not to do will be enough.
The problem is, most teens shut down when they feel judged or lectured. They want to be heard, not talked at.
Young people are more likely to make safe, healthy decisions when they feel connected to a caring adult who listens, understands, and supports them. Connection increases protection.
Instead of one serious and uncomfortable “drug talk,” what works best is a series of small, casual conversations over time that:
💬 Show you’re open to talking
💬 Reinforce real facts, not fear or myths
💬 Build trust and keep communication flowing
💬 Set clear expectations and boundaries
💬 Help youth practice decision-making skills
Cannabis affects areas of the brain related to learning, memory, coordination, and emotional processing. Because the adolescent brain is still wiring itself, exposure to cannabis before age 25 may interfere with development in ways that affect long-term health.
Some research has linked early and frequent cannabis use in youth to:
❗ Increased risk of anxiety and depression
❗ Difficulty with attention, memory, and academic performance
❗ Impaired decision-making
❗ Higher risk of addiction later in life
That’s why timing matters. Talking early allows adults to help young people build healthy decision-making skills before peer pressure, curiosity, or misinformation set in.
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