Substance Abuse and Teens

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?

Too Many Kids Are Wasting Their Breath on Inhalants
by SAMHSA
What do nail polish remover, lighter fluid, a can of whipped cream, and glue have in common? They are just a few of the hundreds of everyday products that can be abused to get high. Curious youths often try inhalants because they are cheap, legal

Youth and Their Use of Illegal Drugs
by SAMHSA
You may have heard about the war on drugs, the soaring use of club drugs, or strong new versions of older drugs. Or, maybe you haven't heard much lately about drug use. Either way, it can be hard to get a clear picture of illegal drug use among young

Teens: Safe Riding, Safe Driving
by SAMHSA
Motor vehicle crashes are the number one killer of youth ages 15 to 20. If you're the parent of a teen, it's likely that drunk and drugged driving is at the top of your list of concerns for your child.

When Your Child Needs Substance Abuse Treatment
by SAMHSA
It's hard for most parents to believe that their child might be caught up in substance abuse and in need of professional help. Don't feel bad if you didn't see the warning signs until your child was in trouble or until someone told you about a drug proble

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.

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.

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

Rules for Your Children: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drugs
by SAMHSA
Talking to your children about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs is an important step in keeping them safe and healthy. However, many parents neglect to take the next step: making sure that their children have clear rules about alcohol

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.

Divorce Counseling May Prevent Teen Substance Abuse
by SAMHSA
Most children of divorced parents in the United States (40 percent of all children) adjust well to their parents' split. But 20 to 25 percent of children have trouble dealing with their parents' divorce.

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.

Cigarette and Marijuana Smoke Hurts Young Lungs
by SAMHSA
Fewer teens are smoking cigarettes, but new tobacco products are clouding the picture. Tobacco companies say fruit- and mint-flavored cigarettes are aimed at getting adult smokers to switch brands. However, these products have sparked claims that tobacco

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.

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?

Females Follow Unique Substance Abuse Path
by SAMHSA
Differences between the sexes is an age-old topic. Yet, when it comes to alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drug use, a new study shows that we have a lot to learn. Young females have been catching up to young males in their use of harmful substances.

Steer Your Teen Away From Marijuana
by SAMHSA
If you're the parent or caregiver of a teen who has reached driving age, you may hear this request more often than you would like. But a recent study might make you stop and think before you hand the keys to your teen driver.

Drug Facts and Teen Drug Use
by SAMHSA
Parents worry about their child being offered drugs from a stranger on a street corner or a friend at a party. But a child can get deadly drugs from a person you might never suspect-you. The over-the-counter (OTC) drugs you use to soothe a cough or clear

Is Your Teenager Smoking: Parenting Can Mean Prevention
by CDC
If your teenager is smoking or chewing tobacco, it will be up to him or her to quit. But you can help. Here's how: Try and avoid threats and ultimatums. Find out why your child is smoking.

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.