Advice for Parents: Talk With Your Kids Before They Go Back To School

Posted on August 18, 2011

It’s getting to be that time again and, for some areas of the country, the time is already here. Kids are going back to school, entering high school or advancing into upper elementary grades. Now is the time to sit down and have open and honest conversations about substance abuse.

The Curse of Turning 9? Milestone Marks Start of Many Teen Issues

Posted on August 16, 2011

The average 9-year-old is busy with music lessons, team sports, sleepovers and mastering the fourth grade. What many parents don’t realize is that the average 9-year-old today is also facing what are usually considered “teen issues.” Research shows that by the tender age of 9, the seeds of emotional and behavioral problems are already beginning to blossom.

Talk with Your Kids About Underage Drinking

Posted on July 12, 2011

Parents may have difficulty talking with their children about any number of different subjects, including sex, money, and use of drugs and alcohol. Nevertheless, each of these is worthy of careful discussion – at the right place and time.

Parents: Give Your Kids Plenty to Do This Summer So They Don’t Abuse Alcohol and Drugs

Posted on July 11, 2011

When the lazy days of summer turn into every parent’s nightmare of children caught up in drug and alcohol experimentation, it’s often too late to get a handle on what could be prevented – with a little constructive effort ahead of time.

Smokeless Tobacco on the Rise with High School Boys

Posted on July 8, 2011

While overall tobacco use has decreased over the past several years due to smoking bans in public places as well as higher taxes on cigarettes, smokeless tobacco is becoming a more attractive alternative – especially among young boys. While most youngsters pick up smoking at age 14, the average age for kids to start using smokeless tobacco is only 12 years old.

Brief Talks with Teens May Reduce Marijuana Use

Posted on June 28, 2011

Nearly one-third of high-school students in the United States have smoked marijuana, and most say the drug is easy to find. Many people believe that marijuana isn’t dangerous or addictive. But researchers disagree.

How Childhood Maltreatment Results in Adolescent Cannabis Abuse

Posted on June 10, 2011

Trauma during childhood has been linked to many negative outcomes in adolescence and adulthood. Children who experience trauma are more likely to initiate alcohol and drug use before adulthood

Parents Make Similar Mistakes When Helping Teens Steer Clear of Drugs and Alcohol

Posted on May 25, 2011

Parents are still the most valuable resource for helping prevent teen drug use, and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry is sending out information to help parents sidestep the most common errors they might make when keeping their children away from alcohol and drugs.

Parental Role Critical for Reducing Alcohol Consumption

Posted on April 20, 2011

When it comes to raising teenagers, parents often do a complicated dance with their children in establishing boundaries for their independence.

Study Examines Roles of Friends in Teen Decisions to Take Risks

Posted on April 11, 2011

While everyone may have different levels of tolerance for risk, it is often apparent that teens are more resilient. When taking risks, teens also generally enjoy having company along.

According to a recent study, teens are five times more likely to be involved in a car accident when driving with a group as compared to driving alone. Teens are also more likely to commit a crime when among friends.