August 2024, Issue 8

Today's Marijuana: More Potent, More Dangerous

Please watch this 2-minute video

Even if college is a few years away, listen now & be prepared

If you have kids going to college soon, you don’t want to miss this podcast with excellent guidance for all parents, caregivers, grandparents, aunts and uncles of kids who are getting ready for this big transition, as well as the kids themselves. Click here.

Local area receives TWO new prescription drop boxes!

New prescription drop boxes have been installed in the area to promote safe disposal of medications. Residents can now drop off their unused or expired prescriptions at:



• Walmart at 5320 10th Ave. S.
• Cascade County Sheriff's Office at 3800 Ulm North Frontage Road

These additional locations will reduce prescription drug abuse and ensure proper disposal.

How to support someone who wants to break up with their vape

• Suggest a break-up letter-Write about why they want to quit & their goals.
• Be patient & positive-Celebrate wins, stay encouraging & be a good listener.
• Offer distractions-Plan activities, start new hobbies or exercise together.
• Share resources-Suggest nicotine replacement, support groups or helpful apps.
• Highlight benefits-Talk about health improvements & financial savings.
• Be supportive-Listen, reassure them that setbacks are normal & offer comfort.

Click here to learn more.

Missoula Introduces Montana's First Narcan Vending Machines

to Combat Opioid Overdoses

In a groundbreaking effort to address the opioid crisis, Missoula has installed Narcan vending machines throughout the city. These machines provide free access to the life-saving medication naloxone (Narcan), which can reverse the effects of opioid overdoses. This initiative aims to reduce the number of overdose deaths and ensure that this crucial antidote is readily available to those in need. Click here to view this news story.

Scientists Find New Drug to Help Combat Fentanyl Overdoses

Researchers have identified a new compound, named Compound 368, that can work in conjunction with naloxone to enhance its life-saving power and overcome its limitations. The recent flood of fentanyl into America—a synthetic opioid designed for severe and chronic pain relief that is 50 to 100 times more potent than heroin—has hampered many life-saving efforts of first responders. Click here to read more.

New Vapes Introduced to Evade Regulation

Reynolds American has introduced a line of fruity, disposable e-cigarettes claimed to be nicotine-free. This move is a blatant attempt to evade FDA regulation and deceive kids into thinking e-cigarettes are safe. With appealing flavors and designs mimicking popular brands, these products target young users and aim to create future nicotine addicts. The FDA must strengthen enforcement to address these new products and remove unauthorized nicotine e-cigarettes from the market. Click here to read the entire op-ed.

"How & when do I talk to my kids about alcohol & drugs?"

Hear from experts and parents on how to talk to your child about substance use, and give them the tools they need to make healthy decisions. Click here to view this 7:41 minute video.

Teens Who Use Cannabis Are 11 Times More Likely to Develop Psychotic Disorders

A recent study reveals that teenagers who use cannabis are at a significantly higher risk of developing psychotic disorders that affect brain function by altering thoughts, beliefs, or perceptions. These disorders can manifest in various ways, such as delusions that someone is spying on them or following them, auditory hallucinations, or the sensation that others are manipulating their thoughts. The findings underscore the critical need for increased awareness and preventive measures to protect the mental health of young people. Click here to read more.

Increased Cannabis Use Connected to Youth Self-Harm

Cannabis use among youth is linked to increased self-harm, as it can worsen mental health issues like anxiety and depression. The drug's effects can impair judgment and mask deeper emotional problems, leading to a higher risk of self-harming behaviors. Click here to read more.

Cannabis-induced psychosis cost their sons their lives

This article highlights the tragic consequences of cannabis-induced psychosis, sharing the stories of two young men whose lives were lost due to the condition. Their parents advocate for greater awareness and caution, particularly as cannabis becomes more potent and widely available. One mother emphasizes the severe risk, stating, "You're playing Russian Roulette with your brain." The piece underscores the urgent need for education and preventive measures to address the mental health impacts associated with cannabis use, particularly among youth​. Click here to read more.

8 Things to Know About Gas Station Heroin

Tianeptine, also known as "Gas Station Heroin," is an unapproved antidepressant in the U.S. that first gained market approval in France. Unlike traditional antidepressants, tianeptine functions similarly to an opioid, leading to increased abuse and calls to poison centers. The drug has been linked to several deaths, prompting 12 states to ban its sale. Despite the lack of FDA approval, it remains available in the U.S. Click here to read more.

FREE No Smoking, Vaping or Marijuana signs

These 5" x 7" window signs are ideal for your business or organization entrance doors. Ensure that your staff and customers are aware of the regulations. This will greatly reduce the likelihood of having to confront individuals who breach the law on your premises, a situation that is not enjoyable and can be volatile.

Click here to order your FREE signs.

Note: This is a new sign vendor. You will need to create an account, but it's pretty straightforward to get through the steps to order FREE signs.

We're excited to announce the July 2024 episode of the What's Trending? podcast on 89.9 KGPR!

Proudly backed by Great Falls/Cascade County Crimestoppers, join us as we delve into the latest trends in drug and alcohol usage in Great Falls and Cascade County.

This insightful 8-minute episode is packed with important information and updates relevant to our community.



Click here to listen now!