Substance Abuse and Teens

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

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.

Weighing the Options: Planning a Defense
by SAMHSA
You've done all the right things as a parent-you've talked to your child about the risks of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drug use. You've discussed the media messages. You're involved in your child's life and working hard at being a good role model

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

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.

How Can I Protect My Teen from Underage Drinking?
by SAMHSA
Teens say that parents are the number one influence in their lives, and you have everything you need - right now - to help protect your teen from underage drinking. Don't wait for a better time; this is the best time!

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.

Parents, Practice What You Preach
by SAMHSA
Whether you are an occasional user or just have a drink or two with dinner, your tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drug use affects your children. Of course, your use or addiction does not, in itself, cause your child to become addicted

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

Youth Alcohol Use Prevention
by National Institute of Health
Designing effective interventions for adolescents with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) presents several challenges, not the least of which is the accurate diagnosis of these disorders. Diagnostic criteria for AUDs have been derived largely from clinical

Discussing Drinking: A Back-to-School Conversation You Need to Have
by National Institute of Health
As college students arrive on campus this fall, it's a time of new experiences, new friendships and making memories that will last a lifetime. Unfortunately for many, it can also be a time of excessive drinking and dealing with its aftermath-vandalism

Wiggly Alcohol Tempts Teens
by SAMHSA
Remember when your mother gave you jiggly, slippery gelatin desserts? Most of us have fond memories of those brightly colored treats. But times have changed, and a different kind of gelatin may be offered to your child.

Avoiding Adolescent Alcohol Abuse
by National Institute of Health
You've tamed the tantrums, prevailed through Pampers® and potty training, and took on the role of tooth fairy many times, but that was a few years ago. Now you're faced with a new challenge: dealing with your child's early adolescence (ages 10-14)

Drugs are a Drag: Help Your Child Avoid Drugs of Abuse
by National Institute of Health
Kids heading back to school need to keep healthy if they're going to do well in the classroom and on the playing field. That means sleeping well, eating right, getting exercise and avoiding drugs of abuse.