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In the struggle against teen drinking and substance abuse, there is a first line of defense. Parents. Kids listen to us. If we can get to them before their peers do, we have a far better chance to keep them safe. Kids don’t know necessarily where drinking should stop. Or that it ought to stop at all. But parents know. Teen drinking has to stop before it ever gets a chance to start. The drink stops here. With us. With you.
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The Teen Brain and Why Illicit Substance Use Prevention is Critical
Unlike our parents before us, we now have a much greater understanding of the teen brain, including the scientific reasons why adolescents push boundaries and struggle with impulse control, as well as the adverse impact today's high potency drugs and binge drinking behaviors have on the developing brain. Today's research tells us this: if we want our youth to reach their full potential and avoid alcohol and drug-related harm, the longer we can stave off alcohol and drug use the better. Note: this information does not apply to medically prescribed prescriptions for mental health issues.
Listen to the latest research on how marijuana and alcohol cause Check out this exceptional, interactive explanation of the teen brain (PBS,
permanent damage to the developing teen brain, lowering test scores (NPR) Frontline)
permanent damage to the developing teen brain, lowering test scores (NPR) Frontline)
Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction (NIH National Institute on Drug Abuse -- NIDA)
How to Talk with Your Kids About Drugs and Alcohol
Current research tells us that families and communities hold the key to substance abuse prevention. We know that families matter, and that families that talk early and often about drugs and alcohol have better outcomes and can reduce the likelihood that their kids will engage in risky behaviors. Additionally, if and when teens in these families do engage in risky behaviors, they are more likely to go to their parents for help.
Current research tells us that families and communities hold the key to substance abuse prevention. We know that families matter, and that families that talk early and often about drugs and alcohol have better outcomes and can reduce the likelihood that their kids will engage in risky behaviors. Additionally, if and when teens in these families do engage in risky behaviors, they are more likely to go to their parents for help.
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How talk with youth age 9-12
"For parents, this is a pivotal time in helping kids make positive choices when faced with drugs and alcohol." -Partnership for Drug-Free Kids
"For parents, this is a pivotal time in helping kids make positive choices when faced with drugs and alcohol." -Partnership for Drug-Free Kids
How to talk with youth age 13-18
"When it comes to drugs, teens are a savvy bunch. Drugs and messages about living drug-free have been part of their lives for years." -Partnership for Drug-Free Kids
"When it comes to drugs, teens are a savvy bunch. Drugs and messages about living drug-free have been part of their lives for years." -Partnership for Drug-Free Kids
These articles, advice, and videos will help you discover what's appropriate at each age, find outhow kids are influenced, and learn how to prevent your kid from starting harmful habits. (Common Sense Media)
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This is an informative, downloadable PDF with click throughs to helpful advice for parents (SAMSHA)
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A comprehensive family guide that you can download (Stop Alcohol Abuse)
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Drug facts for parents (National Institute on Drug Abuse)
Alcohol Rehab Guide : Information on Underage Drinking
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A downloadable marijuana talk kit to help parents discuss the drug with their children (Partnership for Drug-Free Kids)
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A comprehensive searchable drug guide also available as a free app. (Partnership for Drug Free-Kids)
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