Substance Abuse and Teens
54 Articles & Excerpts
What is Meth?
by SAMHSA
Created in neighborhoods across the country, methamphetamine (meth) is American's homegrown drug epidemic. It's sweeping the Nation from the California coast to the eastern seaboard. Meth is leaving a path of destruction, particularly among small towns
Underage Drinking and Brain Damage
by SAMHSA
Youth often is thought of as a time for trying new things, but trying alcohol at a young age can be riskier than you might think. More than two decades of research from the American Medical Association (AMA) shows that alcohol causes severe and possibly
Preventing College-Age Alcohol Abuse
by National Institute of Health
Young adults going off to college can expect to be exposed to many new experiences. Unfortunately, one of them may be heavy drinking. Alcohol abuse is now a widespread problem on the nation's college campuses.
Mom, My Friend Is Using Pot
by SAMHSA
What do you, as a parent, do when your teen comes to you with this story? It's more common than you might think. In 2003, 282,000 youths aged 12 to 17 used marijuana daily or almost daily.
Teens: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
by SAMHSA
f you tell your child not to drink and drive but you do, you are really saying "this is ok." Even if you don't do it often, and even if it's a small drink, you are sending a risky message. Teenagers do try to be like the adults in their lives
Imposter Drugs
by SAMHSA
Imposter drugs are legal drugs that have effects and side effects similar to illegal drugs. Currently, there are imposter drugs for most types of illegal drugs, such as marijuana, LSD, cocaine, ecstasy, speed, GHB ('date rape drug'), and many others.
How Early Are Kids Starting Their Drug Use?
by SAMHSA
It's sometimes hard for adults, especially parents and caregivers, to imagine that children are using drugs. The fact is, however, that some young people are using tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs by age 12, sometimes even earlier.
Building a Grand Relationship Helps Keep Youth Drug Free
by SAMHSA
America's grandparents believe they are sharing a number of roles with parents in raising their grandchildren. More than half believe they are making a very important contribution to the lives of their grandchildren, according to a broad new look
Teens: Who's Using Marijuana?
by SAMHSA
Marijuana has long been the most frequently used illegal drug. But what about today's youths - how many of them are using marijuana? How young are they when they start using the drug? Are some youths more likely than others to use marijuana?
High School Success Helps Keep Teens Drug Free
by SAMHSA
High school can be an ongoing lesson in time management as students try new activities and meet new people. They often juggle busy schedules and may want to push schoolwork aside to do other things.
Parents Need Facts About Ecstasy
by SAMHSA
Ecstasy is far from being a risk-free part of a teen's social life. Dangerous as well as illegal, ecstasy has sent increasing numbers of people to emergency rooms while posing longer-term risks to the brains and bodies of those who use it.
Ketamine: The K That Kills
by SAMHSA
Ketamine is a substance that veterinarians use to medicate animals. But did you know that more and more young people have been using this drug illegally to get high? Ketamine, often referred to as Special K and also known as Vitamin K, Kit Kat, Keller
Tenns: A Prescription for Danger - Use of Painkillers
by SAMHSA
The latest threat in teen drug use may be lurking in your medicine cabinet. Young people's abuse of prescription drugs has surged compared to their use of illegal drugs such as marijuana and ecstasy.
Adolescent Drinking: Psychosocial Processes of Risk and Protection
by National Institute of Health
Psychosocial research on adolescent drinking includes studies of personality and the impact of particular personality traits on drinking risk, expectancies (that is, the effects someone expects after drinking alcohol), and cognitive development.
Elementary School Success Helps Keep Kids Drug Free
by SAMHSA
Children in elementary school learn that part of being a success is doing well in the classroom. But there's another benefit to school success: Kids who do well in school are more likely to be drug free.
Parents, Parties, and Preventing Underage Alcohol Use
by SAMHSA
Would you let your teenage son drink beer at his best friend's birthday party? Would you let your daughter attend a graduation party where wine would be available to underage kids? What if a parent were chaperoning these events?
Prosecuting Parents for Underage Drinking
by SAMHSA
Between graduation parties, end-of-school celebrations, and summer gatherings, your teen's calendar is likely to be full of festive events this month. You and your teen might be planning a party of your own.
Teen Girls Drink More Than Boys
by SAMHSA
Alcopops combine a sweet flavor with the kick of malt liquor to create a taste that often appeals to teens. The alcohol industry calls them 'flavored malt beverages' or 'low-alcohol refreshers.' These drinks often contain more alcohol than most beers
Teens: Who's Using Alcohol
by SAMHSA
Have you ever wondered how much drinking today's youth actually are doing? Well, a nationally representative sample of 13,627 public and private high school students from all 50 States and the District of Columbia has provided us with some answers.
Ecstasy May Be the Drug of Choice for Lonely Teens
by SAMHSA
Over the past decade, ecstasy has become a drug of choice among teens and young adults. It is one of several club drugs, so called because they were once used mostly at dance clubs, bars, and all-night dance parties known as raves.
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