Hello and welcome

Welcome to the Straight Up blog! We are excited about this opportunity for teens and young adults to share their view points, opinions and experiences and to help facilitate important community dialog around the issues of underage and binge drinking and impaired driving. Read More »

Posted in announcement, parent, resource | Tagged , | Comments closed

“Be the DD” Campaign spreads designated driver awareness to Thousand Oaks

The popular “Be the DD and Win” campaign, which started in downtown Ventura in 2011, has expanded its reach to Thousand Oaks recently. The Prize Posse, who promote awareness and appreciation of designated drivers at nightspots, has given away pamphlets, candy, and wristbands, as well as big-value prizes, to participating entrants — who are the Designated Drivers for their group. Read More »

Posted in announcement | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Definitions

Tears:

Tears don’t always mean you’re upset. They’re not always signs of giving up. The tears that pour from my misty eyes could be hope; Hoping that maybe, just maybe, one day you’ll stop. Read More »

Posted in essay, youth author | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Marijuana use on the rise, again

According to the Associated Press as reported by The Partnership at Drugfree.org, 27% of teens have recently reported using marijuana in the past month, an 8% increase since 2008. Read More »

Posted in adult author, article | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

April 28, 2012: “Drug Take Back” Day

Read More »

Posted in adult author, announcement, event | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Out of sight, out of mind — the impact of alcohol on a family

The young asian girl

Haydence is a Ventura County high school student. You can find her blog here.

This may be the hardest thing I’ll have to do in my life. My actions may be considered “wrong” to you or to our society. And yet, I still feel complete injustice because I’m doing this for myself. I am making sure that I am safe. Read More »

Posted in essay | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

April is Alcohol Awareness Month – Focus on the Issues of Underage Drinking

This month, National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD) celebrates the 26th Anniversary of Alcohol Awareness Month with the theme, “Healthy Choices, Healthy Communities: Prevent Underage Drinking.”

NCADD President/CEO, Robert J. Lindsey said, “We chose a theme that will allow NCADD’s National Network of Affiliates and other NCADD Alcohol Awareness Month supporting organizations across the country to address this critically important public health issue through a broad range of media strategies, awareness campaigns, programs and events in their local communities.” Read More »

Posted in announcement, resource | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Community comes together to address issues around heroin, Rx drugs


Conejo Valley Community Forum
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
6:30 PM – 9:00 PM Read More »

Posted in event | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Community Collaborator: Saving Lives Camarillo

Straight Up Ventura County has been teaming up with Saving Lives Camarillo, a coalition dedicated to reducing “alcohol, tobacco, and other drug problems among Camarillo youth using media advocacy and proven public health and safety strategies that reduce availability.” Read More »

Posted in adult author, resource | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Reflections in the aftermath

the unmade bed

This true story was written by a high school student. She lives in Ventura County.

When I was 12 years old, in 7th grade, I met this girl named Leta. We were best friends after like a week of knowing each other. She taught me to sneak out, to have sex, and to drink. I really liked to drink. I thought it would solve all my problems and I knew I felt so much better when I was drunk. Read More »

Posted in essay, youth author | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

New drug, new symptoms

There is increasing awareness — and increasing concern — surrounding the rise in popularity of synthetic marijuana. The healthcare community is stepping up its efforts to educate themselves and the public about synthetic marijuana and the dangers in using it. Read More »

Posted in resource | Tagged , , | Leave a comment