New National Report Exposes Surprising Realities of Teen Substance Abuse

Posted on June 15, 2010

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has combined data from several national polls to create one comprehensive report on all substance abuse activity among American adolescents.

Students in Wales to be Educated on Substance Abuse and Crime

Posted on November 9, 2009

In Wales, students are being educated on the harsh realities of addiction and crime in a project involving former drug dealers and addicts. The pilot program, called the Choose Life Program, is targeting 13- and 14-year-olds at Ysgol Gyfun Llangefni on Anglesey, and it aims to highlight the links between drugs and alcohol and crime.

Substance-Abusing Teens More Likely to Engage in High-Risk Sexual Behaviors

Posted on October 19, 2009

A diagnostic test developed and employed at Children’s Hospital Boston called CRAFFT allows primary care physicians to accurately screen teens for high-risk drug and alcohol use in minutes. Now, a new study has established that the test can also identify teens who are more likely to be engaging in high-risk sexual behaviors.

Illicit Drug Use among Teens Down; Prescription Drug Abuse Up

Posted on August 11, 2009

Although fewer 8th, 10th, and 12th graders are reporting illicit drug use, more adolescents are abusing prescription drugs.

The University of Michigan’s “Monitoring the Future” study surveyed 48,025 students from 403 secondary schools. The researchers found that the use of OxyContin, a powerful painkiller, was slightly higher this year for all three grades. At least one in 20 high school seniors has tried the narcotic in the past year.

It’s All Your Fault! What to Do If Your Teen Blames You for Their Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Posted on June 19, 2009

The signs are unmistakable – your teen comes home intoxicated or high from drugs and shows physical and mental signs of alcohol or drug abuse, or both. These include slurred speech, dizziness, clumsiness and unsteadiness, redness in the eyes, flushed face, numbness or tingling in extremities, sore or upset stomach, weight loss, and blackouts.

They’re also easily agitated, irritable, and angry and have a low threshold for violence. They may even weep excessively or have frequent emotional outbursts. They want to sleep all the time, or can’t sleep through the night without alcohol or pills. They start missing school or can’t keep up with their homework. Pretty soon, they just give up and spiral into even more drinking and drugs.

End-of-the-Year Parties: Talking to Teens about Being Safe

Posted on May 29, 2009

Parties and celebrations abound as the school year nears it close, and your teen is undoubtedly going to attend at least some of them, including Prom and graduation parties. While you can’t be there to hold your child’s hand and ensure his or her safety, you can sit down with him or her and talk about playing it safe.