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Substance Use

For Parents of Grades 7-12

Did you know...
Parents are still the number one influence on their children through the teen years as much as the early years? Our focus is on prevention, not intervention. Nearly half of all new drug users are under the age of eighteen, and we want to shift this trend and prevent early use of harmful substances. Check out the facts below to partner with us to educate your child as we navigate through these important developmental years.

A teen’s brain is in a developmental stage and does not reach full maturity until around age 25.

Alcohol use at an early age is associated with other forms of drug use and abuse.1

More than 90% of people who have an addiction started use before they were 18 years old.2

As of February 2020, the CDC confirmed 2,807 lung injury cases or deaths associated with using e-cigarette or vaping products.3

The fastest-growing drug problem in the U.S. is prescription drugs, most of which are found in family medicine cabinets.4

Alcohol increases the risk of being physically or sexually assaulted among youth who abuse alcohol.5

Research indicates that 1 in 6 marijuana users who begin before age 18 will become addicted.6

Although there is a downward trend in cigarette use, there is an increase in vaping marijuana.

1National Helpline: SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020, April 30).
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2Addiction Statistics - Facts on Drug and Alcohol Use. (2020, May 20).
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3Outbreak of Lung Injury Associated with the Use of E-Cigarette, or Vaping, Products. (2020, February 25).
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4Teen Prescription Drug Misuse and Abuse. (2020, May 4).
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5Guarnotta, E. (2019, November 4). The Role of Drugs and Alcohol in Sexual Assault.
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6National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020, April). Is marijuana addictive?
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Parent Tips

Quality Time
Share some quality in-person time with your teen.

Ask Specific Questions
Ask specific questions about their day but convey curiosity and interest – do not make it feel like an interrogation.

Meet the Parents
Get to know your teen’s friends’ parents.

Check Digital Activities
Check online and phone activities. Be aware of your child’s digital interactions.

Connect
Connect with the school, especially if concerns arise.

Meet the Friends
When your teen’s friends are over, be sure to meet them and check in on them periodically.

Resources

SAMHSA Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services 
Information about various substances; specific guidance for families - with links & resources

Treatment Referral Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP
Refers callers to treatment facilities & support groups treatment centers locator.

Kids Health from Nemours 
Parent information about many types of drugs including drug testing, intervention, prevention tips, etc.

National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens 
Site contains guides including drug facts, family conversation tips, prevention strategies, current data on vaping & other drugs.

Alateen
1-800-352-9996
Fellowship of teens whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking.