A Parent’s Guide to Prevention
A starter kit to support parents/caregivers in understanding, addressing, and preventing youth substance use
Understanding
Youth may use substances for various reasons, including:
- Curiosity
- Peer Pressure
- Stress and Emotional Struggles
- Rebellion
- Performance Enhancement
Common Substances:
Alcohol, tobacco/vaping, marijuana, prescription drug misuse, illicit/illegal drugs like fentanyl*
*Fentanyl is a deadly synthetic opioid being laced in illicit drugs that’s 50X more potent than heroin
Source: National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics
Addressing
TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN
“I practice absolute transparency. I had a meth addiction in my youth, and I want to be honest about my past; I want to answer questions honestly and have my kids be honest with me.”
Parent of teen
RECOGNIZING SIGNS
OF SUBSTANCE USE
- Behavioral Changes: Sudden shifts in mood, increased secrecy, or changes in social circles
- Physical Symptoms: Bloodshot eyes, unusual smells, or lack of coordination
- Academic Issues: Decline in grades, missing school, or loss of interest in activities
- Health Problems: Frequent illness, unexplained injuries, or significant changes in weight or sleep
Increase in opioid overdose deaths among 15-24 year-olds since 1999
Prevention is Key
Effective Prevention Foundations: Education, Coping Skills, Support
Resources
- SAMHSA
- Institute of Digital Media and Child Development: Children and Screens
- The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)
- Hidden Risks in Popular Child and Teen Apps: Guidance for Online Safety and Legal Awareness
- Operation Parent Webinars
- Operation Prevention
- Partnership to End Addiction
- DEA: One Pill Can Kill
- SAM: Smart Approaches to Marijuana
- Get Smart About Drugs: Tools to Talk
- Culture-Based Prevention Resources
- CMC: Foundation for Change: Evidence-Based Tools for Substance Use
Building Resilient Youth Newsletter
Building Resilient Youth is dedicated to preventing youth substance use, reducing overdoses, and promoting healthy futures.
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Youth-Related Headlines
This webpage is supported by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award funded by ONDCP. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ONDCP, CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.