top of page
Empowering Piedmont Blog: Your Guide to Substance Misuse Prevention
Empowering Piedmont is committed to substance misuse prevention by offering valuable knowledge and support. Join us to access resources, strategies, and inspiring success stories. Together, we can make a difference and foster a community where prevention and recovery thrive.


The Dangers of Toxic Positivity: Why Your Brain Needs Negative Emotions to Function
I used to be that person who'd tell friends, "just think positive," whenever they shared their struggles with me. I thought I was being helpful, but I was actually practicing toxic positivity without even knowing it. If you're someone who's been told to "stay positive" during tough times, or if you've caught yourself dismissing your own negative emotions, this post is for you. I've learned that the "just think positive" mentality isn't just unhelpful—it can actually harm your
EP Leadership
Nov 1611 min read


Understanding Teen Gambling Exposure in Children's Lives
Common Ways Children Encounter Gambling Today Today's children are exposed to gambling influences in ways previous generations never experienced. The digital revolution has created new pathways for gambling content to reach young audiences, often disguised as harmless entertainment. Video games have become a primary gateway through loot boxes and similar mechanics. These systems, where players spend real or virtual currency for random rewards, mirror slot machine psychology.
EP Leadership
Nov 28 min read


Mental Health Disorders and Substance Misuse: A Closer Look
Mental health and addiction are deeply intertwined issues that affect millions of people worldwide. Understanding the connection between mental health disorders and substance misuse is crucial for effective treatment and support. This article explores the relationship between these conditions, highlights common types of mental disorders, and offers practical advice for managing and overcoming these challenges. The Link Between Mental Health and Addiction Mental health and add
EP Leadership
Oct 303 min read


The Link Between Mental Health and Substance Misuse
Mental health and substance misuse are deeply interconnected issues that affect millions of people worldwide. Understanding this link is...

Jonathan Murray
Oct 63 min read


Why Media Literacy Matters More Than Ever for Drug Prevention
Parents, educators, and youth workers face a tough reality: today's teens consume over 9 hours of media daily, and much of that content...
EP Leadership
Sep 2814 min read


Proven Methods for Preventing Substance Misuse
Substance misuse is a serious issue that affects individuals, families, and communities worldwide. Preventing substance misuse requires a...

Jonathan Murray
Sep 223 min read


1 in 4 Teens Consider Suicide. Here's How to Help
Teen suicide rates are climbing, and the statistics are alarming: 1 in 4 teens consider suicide, making it the second leading cause of...
EP Leadership
Sep 1443 min read


Addressing Alcohol Use Disorder in Modern Society
Alcohol dependency is a complex issue that affects millions of people worldwide. In modern society, the challenges related to alcohol...
EP Leadership
Sep 74 min read


Understanding the Scope and Impact of Youth Gambling Problems
The Alarming Reality of Youth Gambling Prevalence Rates Higher in Youth Problems with Gambling Than Adults (4-8% vs 1%) When examining...
EP Leadership
Aug 2414 min read


Bullying and Youth Mental Health: What Every Adult Should Know
Why this matters Bullying isn’t “kids being kids.” It’s a public health issue that can derail a young person’s mental health, academics,...
EP Leadership
Aug 105 min read


Addressing Mental Health Disorders in Substance Misuse
Mental health and substance use disorders often go hand in hand, intertwining the complexities of addiction with the challenges of...
EP Leadership
Jul 274 min read


Comprehensive Insights into Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol addiction impacts millions of people worldwide, leading to a myriad of physical and mental health issues. Understanding the...
EP Leadership
Jul 204 min read


Innovative Strategies for Substance Misuse Prevention
Substance misuse is a growing concern around the world, affecting individuals and communities. As society struggles with the rise of...
EP Leadership
Jul 133 min read


Understanding Vape Addiction: The First Step to Breaking Free
Recognizing the Physical Signs of Nicotine Dependence Breaking free from vape addiction starts with recognizing what's happening in your...
EP Leadership
Jun 2214 min read


Empowering Communities Through Substance Use Advocacy
In recent years, substance use advocacy has emerged as a crucial movement aimed at reshaping the way communities address addiction and...
EP Leadership
Jun 223 min read


Understanding the Importance of Supporting Individuals Facing Addiction
Addiction affects millions of individuals, families, and communities worldwide. It can stem from various factors, including social,...

Jonathan Murray
Jun 134 min read


Substance Use Disorder vs Alcohol Substance Use Disorder: Understanding the Spectrum
Have you ever wondered why the term "alcoholism" has largely been replaced by "alcohol use disorder" in medical circles? The language we...
EP Leadership
Jun 113 min read


Understanding the Role of Education in Preventing Addiction
Education plays a vital role in preventing addiction, offering individuals the tools they need to understand and resist the pressures...

Jonathan Murray
May 254 min read


How Communities Can Support Individuals Facing Addiction
Every day, individuals struggling with addiction face numerous challenges that can feel overwhelming. The journey to recovery is often...
EP Leadership
May 185 min read


Your Influence Matters More Than You Think: How Parents Shape Young Adults’ Choices About Alcohol
As our kids grow into young adults, it can feel like they’re pulling away. They become more independent, spend less time at home, and...
EP Leadership
May 153 min read
bottom of page
%20(1).png)