January is National Birth Defects Awareness Month

While there are many causes of birth defects, those related to substance misuse are preventable.  The CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities states that Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) are a group of conditions that can occur in a person whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. These effects can include physical problems and problems with behavior and learning. FASDs are preventable if a woman does not drink alcohol during pregnancy.

There is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy or when trying to get pregnant.

There is also no safe time to drink during pregnancy.

February is American Hearth Month

While nutrition and exercise are important, substances like alcohol and nicotine affect heart health, too. Learn about managing your risk:

Poison Prevention Week is March 21-27  and

March 22-28 is Drug and Alcohol Facts Week

What do Drug and Alcohol Facts and National Poison Prevention Week have in common?  Poisoning can occur from more than household chemicals.  Cigarette ashes, drink remnants and vape pod liquid can be poisonous, too, especially to children.  Test your knowledge about these and other substances.

Bounce Back Better: How Everyday Choices Impact Your Resilience

We may think "healthier living" is all about eating habits and moving more, and these definitely matter when it comes to managing stress.  But our substance use choices, including how much and how often we use alcohol, nicotine, and other drugs, are equally important.

While many believe substances like these help them cope, research shows the opposite is true.  Drinking and drug use -- even tobacco use -- have been shown to worsen anxiety, depression, and other problems.  Substances including tobacco can also interfere with medications, including those prescribed to address mental health conditions.