For Parents/Caregivers
Resources For Parents/Caregivers
Involvement and support of parents/guardians, caregivers, and other adults are critical in preventing youth substance use. Adults can significantly reduce the likelihood that youth will use substances by setting clear expectations and having early, frequent, and open conversations about the risks of alcohol and other drugs.
Having conversations with your child about youth substance use can feel hard. If they know that you have done your research it may make the conversation easier. Teen substance use and the types of products that are available have changed dramatically since the parents of today were teenagers.
Make sure that you know the facts. Learn more by exploring the resources below.
Resources for talking with youth about substance use:
General Information About Substances
The Latest Information About Drug Use, Health, & The Developing Brain
Tobacco/ Nicotine
- How to Talk to Your Kids About Vaping
- For Parents- Make Smoking History
- Talk with Your Teens about E-Cigarettes
Alcohol
- Fact Sheet | Parenting to Prevent Childhood Alcohol Use
- Make a Difference: Talk to Your Child About Alcohol
- Talking to Your Kids About Alcohol (for Parents) – Nemours KidsHealth
- Talking With Your College-Bound Young Adult About Alcohol | SAMHSA Publications and Digital Products
Marijuana
- Want to know more? Some FAQs about Marijuana | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
- Marijuana Talk Kit (PDF) – Partnership to End Addiction
Prescription Medication (misuse)
Opioids
Overdose deaths remain a leading cause of injury-related death in the United States. The majority of overdose deaths involve opioids.
