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For Parents

We have identified several resources to assist parents and caregivers in starting conversations about risks related to substance use, and how to communicate clear expectations for their children about acceptable and unacceptable behavior.

SAMHSA Talk They Hear You Underage Drinking Prevention Campaign helps parents and caregivers start talking to their children early about the dangers of alcohol. For campaign information, parent conversation starters, and the Talk They Hear You app, go to

National Institute of Drug Abuse for Teens website provides the latest facts on how drugs affect the body and the brain. The website includes information for teens, teachers, and parents

National Institute of Drug Abuse Shatter the Myths answers teens’ most frequently asked questions about drugs and abuse with scientific facts and engaging images. Download a copy at:

Marijuana: Facts Parents Need to Know has tips for parents on how to tell if their child is using marijuana and how to talk about the issue with their teen in a climate of heated public debates over legalization. Download a copy at:

Marijuana for Teens discusses the often confusing themes of health consequences of marijuana use in this age group, its effect on the developing brain, its addiction risk, and what we know about its potential as a medicine. Download a copy at:

Family Checkup: Positive Parenting Prevents Drug Abuse, National Institute of Health. The publication presents evidence-based information developed by the Child and Family Center at the University of Oregon. It highlights parenting skills that are important in preventing the initiation and progression of drug use among youth. Download a copy at:

Navigating the Teen Years: A Parent’s Handbook for Raising Healthy Teens, American Academy of Pediatrics. The booklet provides information and expert advice to help guide a teen to a healthy life. Download a copy at:

Keeping Your Teens Drug Free: A Family Guide, Office of National Drug Control Policy. The booklet discusses skills parents and caregivers can use to prevent illicit drug use among teens. It describes problems caused by marijuana, alcohol, and other substances, signs of drug use, and ways to enforce rules give advice and deal with teens caught using drugs. Download a copy at

US Drug Enforcement Administration & US Department of Education Growing Up Drug-Free – A Parent’s Guide to Prevention offers information to help parents raise drug-free children. The guide includes an overview of substance use, description of substances used by youth, risk factors, suggestions on talking to your children about alcohol and other drugs, and tips if you suspect your child is using drugs. Download a copy at

US Surgeon General’s Report on E-Cigarette Use Among Youth and Young Adults - Know the Risks Parent Tip Sheet helps parents talk with their teens about the potential health risks of e-cigarettes. Download a copy at

Drug Guide for Parents, Partnership for Drug Free Kids. A quick reference guide to the most common drugs used by teens, including what it looks like, dangers, signs of use, and essential facts to know. Download a copy at

National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators Abused Pharmaceutical Substances is a photographic reference for pharmaceutical drugs and the different drug categories.

NIAAA Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention for Youth are intended to help you conduct fast, effective alcohol screening and interventions. It also helps identify common obstacles to youth alcohol screening in primary care.

SAMHSA Underage Drinking Myths and Facts provides facts about alcohol abuse for youth.

Drug Facts Inhalants Provides an overview of inhalants, including types of products commonly inhaled effects on the brain, other adverse health effects, and potential for addiction. For information, go to

Drug Facts Synthetic Cannabinoids Explains what synthetic cannabinoids are and provides basic facts about methods of use, their growing popularity, and potential health effects.

Drug Facts MDMA (Ecstasy) Provides basic facts about MDMA, also called Ecstasy or Molly, including how it affects the brain, other health effects, and its potential for addiction.

Drug Facts Over the Counter Medicine A plain-language research summary describes how popular over-the-counter medications are misused and explain why this can be dangerous.

Drug Facts Prescription and Over the Counter Provides an overview of commonly abused over-the-counter (OTC) medications and prescription drugs—opioids, central nervous system depressants, and stimulants—and explains effects on the brain and reported use.

Drug Facts Heroin A plain-language research summary about heroin, including basic facts such as methods of use, its effects on the brain, other health effects, and treatment options.

Drug Facts Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Provides an overview of the effects of cigarettes and other tobacco products, including their impact on the brain, other health effects, approaches to smoking or nicotine cessation, and overall use among youth.

Drug Facts Electronic Cigarettes A plain-language research summary describes how e-cigarettes work, how safe they are compared to traditional cigarettes, and if they can help with smoking cessation.

Drug Facts Fentanyl Offers basic facts about the synthetic opioid Fentanyl, including how it is abused, its effect on the brain, and other health effects.