Adults
Understanding the impact drugs and alcohol will have on youth and the community is essential. Learning about drugs, the trends and the effect on the adolescent brain, as well as how to prevent and intervene with a teen that may be using is vital.
+ Expand all
SAMHSA’s “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign aims to reduce underage drinking and substance use among youths under the age of 21 by providing parents and caregivers with information and resources they need to address alcohol and other drug use with their children early.
Research suggests that one of the most important factors in healthy child development is a strong, open relationship with a parent. It is important to start talking to your children about alcohol and other drugs before they are exposed to them—as early as 9 years old.
Click Here for parent resources to help you start—and keep up—the conversation about the dangers of drinking alcohol and using other drugs at a young age.
Click Here for the "Talking to Kids About Alcohol and Other Drugs: 5 Conversation Goals" flyer.
Click Here for the "Talk, They Hear You Mobile App" flyer.
Expert Views: E-Cigarettes, a new online resource from the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse to help parents discern fact from fiction about e-cigarettes, vaping and tobacco replacement products.
E-Cigarette Use Among Youth and Young Adults Fact Sheet and Frequently Asked Questions
National Institute on Drug Abuse is a leader in research and information on drugs of abuse for professionals, parents, educators and youth.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) is the most comprehensive online resource covering all aspects of alcohol abuse and alcoholism.
Alcohol and the Adolescent Brain publication.
For more information on alcohol and the brain, please visit: https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/niaaa-resources-alcohol-and-brain
El alcohol y el cerebro del adolescente
Para obtener más información sobre el alcohol y el cerebro, visite: https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/recursos-del-niaaa-sobre-el-alcohol-y-el-cerebro
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is a resource of general information about mental health and substance abuse issues.
Monitoring the Future provides information and research on current trends, behaviors, attitudes and values of American secondary schools students, college students and young adults.
The consequences of underage drinking can affect everyone regardless of age or drinking status. The Underage Drinking publication provided by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) provides information and resources for parents, caregivers and educators.
US Drug Enforcement Administration provides information about drugs of abuse.
Tips for Parents on Keeping Children Drug Free from the US Department of Education.
Partnership for Drug-Free Kids is dedicated to giving parents resources needed to help youth live healthy drug-free lives.
According to the CDC, binge drinking is a dangerous and costly public health problem. Find out how you can prevent it. Click Here for the Binge Drinking Fact Sheet.
Marijuana Talk Kit – What parents need to know to talk with your teen about marijuana. This talk kit is created to help families navigate through a changing marijuana landscape; one that includes new policies like legalization.
Drug Fact Sheet - Marijuana/Cannabis provided by The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA).
The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) launches "You Can Be The Difference" public awareness campaign to combat addiction amongst teen or young adults. Campaign offers resources for educators, coaches, families and features public service announcement by former professional football player Erik Coleman.
The Cannabis/Marijuana Awareness & Prevention TookKit - Theory-based and evidence-informed resources created by educators, parents, and researchers aimed at preventing middle and high school students’ use of cannabis/marijuana.
Preventing Marijuana Use Among Youth - An Evidence-Based Resource Guide Series provided by The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration (SAMHSA).
Operation Prevention, an initiative brought to you by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Discovery Education aims to combat the growing epidemic of prescription opioid misuse and heroin use by educating students about the science behind addiction and its impacts on the brain and body.
Now there are more ways than ever before to kick start lifesaving conversations in the classroom and at home. Check out some of the newest resources from Operation Prevention:
- The Science Behind Opioid Addiction Virtual Field Trip explored the science of addiction to help middle and high school students understand how prescription drugs and heroin affect the brain and body. During this powerful forum, students got the unfiltered facts about drugs and addiction and had their questions answered by leading experts.
- Elementary School Lesson: Joining the middle and high school lessons, Proactive Prevention, a new lesson and educator guide for an elementary school audience, explains how medications work in our bodies and why it is important to use them responsibly.
- Extended Parent Toolkit: Now available with discussion starters for elementary age students.
- Spanish Resources: Operation Prevention’s website, Parent Toolkit, and new learning module are now available in Spanish.
According to the 2012 National Prevention Council Action Plan, “preventing drug abuse and excessive alcohol use increases people’s chances of living long, healthy, and productive lives and improves quality of life, academic performance, workplace productivity... reduces crime and criminal justice expenses; and reduces motor vehicle crashes and fatalities.” Effective, evidence-based interventions can be employed before young people become involved with substances. Parents, schools and communities can take an active role in preventing substance abuse.