Parents' Information
Preventing the initiation of substance use is an important way parents can support children’s long‑term health and success. Youth are exposed to alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, and other substances at much younger ages than many adults realize—often through media, social platforms, peers, and everyday environments. Early exposure can normalize use and increase curiosity, even before children fully understand the risks.
Research shows that the earlier substance use begins, the greater the likelihood of negative outcomes later on, including addiction, mental health challenges, and academic difficulties. Open communication, clear expectations, and strong, supportive relationships can significantly reduce a child’s risk of early use. By starting conversations early and staying engaged, families can help young people make healthy choices and build strong foundations for the future.
- Be the Wall
Information about the teen brain, talking with teens, party tips, and other parenting resources. - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Free Mind
Provides parents with information on teen substance use, its connection to mental health, and ways to support healthy coping and communication. - Get Smart About Drugs
A Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) resource for parents, educators, and caregivers. - National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – Prevention
Research‑based information for parents on how substances affect the developing brain, risk and protective factors, and evidence‑based prevention strategies. - Operation Parent
Empowers parents to have open, ongoing conversations with children about substance use, mental health, and other risk behaviors through webinars and parent handbooks. - Partnership to End Addiction
Offers practical tools, articles, and parent coaching to help families prevent and address youth substance use, with a strong focus on early intervention and parent‑child communication. - SAMHSA – Evidence‑Based Practices Resource Center
A searchable library of proven prevention programs and strategies that parents and communities can trust. - SAMHSA – National Helpline
Free, confidential, 24/7 support for parents seeking information, resources, or referrals related to substance use or mental health concerns. - SAMHSA – “Talk. They Hear You.”® Parent Resources
Helps parents start and continue age‑appropriate conversations about alcohol, vaping, marijuana, and other drugs using fact sheets and conversation guides. - Strengthening Families Program (SFP)
An evidence‑based family skills program shown to reduce youth substance use by improving parenting skills, communication, and youth resilience.