GROWING UP

DRUG FREE

A PARENT’S GUIDE TO PREVENTION

GROWING UP DRUG FREE

A PARENT’S GUIDE TO PREVENTION

U.S. Department of Justice

Drug Enforcement Administration

and

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Safe and Healthy Students

2017
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration • U.S. Department of Education

This publication was funded by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) under contract number DJD16-HQ-P-0531, and in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education. The content of this publication 

does not necessarily represent the positions or policies of the Drug Enforcement Administration or 

of the U.S. Department of Education, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial products, or 

organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. government. This publication also contains hyperlinks and 

URLs for information created and maintained by private organizations. This information is provided for 

the reader’s convenience. Neither the Drug Enforcement Administration nor U.S. Department of Education 

is responsible for controlling or guaranteeing the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of 

this outside information. Further, the inclusion of information or a hyperlink or URL does not reflect the 

importance of the organization, nor is it intended to endorse any views expressed, or products or services 

offered. All URLs were last accessed in March 2017.

Drug Enforcement Administration

Chuck Rosenberg

Acting Administrator

U.S. Department of Education

Betsy DeVos

Secretary

This publication is in the public domain. Authorization to reproduce it in whole or in part is granted. 

While permission to reprint this publication is not necessary, the suggested citation is: Drug Enforcement 

Administration and U.S. Department of Education, Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent’s Guide to Prevention, 

Washington, D.C., 2017.

Copies of this publication are available online at the DEA website for parents, educators, and caregivers at 

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Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent’s Guide to Prevention | i

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................1

SECTION 1: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ........................................................................... 2

Are Drugs and Alcohol Really a Problem for Young Kids? .................................................2

Since I am an Adult, is it Okay for Me to Use? .........................................................................2

Will My Children Think I Am Too Strict if I Tell Them Not to Smoke, Drink, 

and Use Drugs? ....................................................................................................................................2

Will My Kids Listen? ............................................................................................................................2

What if My Child Already Smokes, Drinks, or Has Tried Illegal Drugs? ..........................3

SECTION 2: WHAT SUBSTANCES DO KIDS USE? .............................................................4

Nicotine.................................................................................................................................................. 4

Alcohol ................................................................................................................................................... 4

Inhalants ................................................................................................................................................. 4

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications ........................................................................................ 4

Prescription Medications ..................................................................................................................5

Opioids, Including Heroin .................................................................................................................5

Marijuana and Marijuana Concentrates .......................................................................................6

Synthetic Cannabinoids (also known as “synthetic marijuana”).......................................7

Stimulants...............................................................................................................................................7

Drug Identification Chart .................................................................................................................8

SECTION 3: WHY DO KIDS USE DRUGS OR ALCOHOL? ............................................... 14

Risk Factors .........................................................................................................................................14

Protective Factors .............................................................................................................................14

Define Rules and Consequences .................................................................................................15

Carve Out Individual Time .............................................................................................................15

Provide Positive Role Models .......................................................................................................15

Promote Healthy Activities ............................................................................................................16

Get Involved ... in Their Social Life ..............................................................................................16

Get Involved ... in Fostering a Healthy School ........................................................................16

Get Involved ... in the Community ............................................................................................... 17

SECTION 4: HOW DO I TALK TO MY CHILD ABOUT DRUGS? .......................................18

4 Suggestions for Talking to Preschoolers ..............................................................................18

5 Tips for Talking to Elementary School Students (6–10 years old) ..............................19

7 Ways to Talk to Middle School Students (11–14 years old) ............................................20

8 Tips for Talking to High School Students (15–18 years old)........................................... 21
ii | U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration • U.S. Department of Education

Conversation Starters ..................................................................................................................... 22

Family Checkup: Positive Parenting Prevents Drug Abuse.............................................. 22

Why You Should Talk With Your Child About Alcohol ....................................................... 23

DOs and DON’Ts When Talking with Kids about Drugs or Alcohol .............................. 23

SECTION 5: WHAT IF I THINK MY CHILD IS USING DRUGS? ........................................24

How to Proceed ................................................................................................................................24

Substance Use Disorders...............................................................................................................24

Screening and Treatment ..............................................................................................................24

Recovery .............................................................................................................................................. 25

SECTION 6: RESOURCES ...................................................................................................26

For Youths ...........................................................................................................................................26

For Parents..........................................................................................................................................26

REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................29

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ........................................................................................................32
Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent’s Guide to Prevention | 1

INTRODUCTION

Parenting can be the greatest job on earth—and 

the toughest. You want your children to be 

healthy, but you worry what they will do 

when faced with the decision of whether to try 

drugs or alcohol.

This guide offers information that can help you raise 

drug-free children. You may read it from front to back 

like a book, or pick a topic from the Table of Contents 

and go directly to that page. This guide includes:

■ An overview of substance use among young

people, with a special focus on how it affects

academic performance;

■ Descriptions of some substances young people use;

■ A look at risk factors that may make kids more

vulnerable to trying and using alcohol, tobacco,

or other drugs, and protective factors to offset 

those risks;

■ Suggestions for how to talk to children about

alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, regardless of

their age; and

■ Tips on what to do if you suspect your child is

using alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.

Please note that “substances” or “drugs” in this guide 

refer to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs collectively.

Section 6 of this guide lists places where you can 

find more information about drug and alcohol abuse 

prevention. In Section 2, you can learn about specific 

substances.

On these pages, we refer to children, adolescents, kids, 

youngsters, and young people without regard to age. 

Until they become adults, they are all children who 

need healthy adult role models. This guide is for all of 

the caregivers in your child’s life. We hope you share 

it with your child’s older siblings, aunts and uncles, 

family friends, stepparents, grandparents, extended 

family members, and others who have the power to 

influence your child.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE

 VISIT THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES:

● United States Drug Enforcement

Administration: www.dea.gov

● Get Smart About Drugs:

www.getsmartaboutdrugs.com

● National Institute on Drug Abuse:

www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/prevention

● National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and

Alcoholism: www.niaaa.nih.gov

● Substance Abuse and Mental Health

Services Administration:

www.samhsa.gov/prevention
2 | U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration • U.S. Department of Education

SECTION 1: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Arecent report showed 

that in 2015, about 2.2 

million young people 

aged 12 to 17 were current (i.e., 

past 30 days) users of illicit 

(illegal) drugs.1 This substance 

use can lead to a variety of 

problems that may result 

in the escalation of use to a 

substance use disorder and 

place them at risk for other 

related health consequences.2

As parents, we want to raise 

healthy, drug-free children 

who learn and succeed in 

school and life. One way to 

do that is to keep their brains 

healthy. Those young brains 

continue to grow and develop 

into young adulthood. The 

front part of the brain (called 

the prefrontal cortex) helps 

us make good decisions and 

control our emotions and 

desires. Introducing drugs or 

alcohol to the brain when it 

is still developing may cause 

serious changes that can last 

a long time.3

 For example, 

problems with learning can 

develop that can make it hard 

to concentrate and can cause 

sleep disturbances.4

Students who use substances 

have a higher risk of failing or 

dropping out of school.5 Failing 

to graduate can then lead to 

unemployment.6 Plus, once 

students develop a substance 

use disorder, changes in their 

brain circuits compel them to 

look for and use alcohol or 

drugs even though it can be 

devastating for them and for 

those who love them.7

Bottom line: healthy students are 

better learners.8

ARE DRUGS AND ALCOHOL 

REALLY A PROBLEM FOR 

YOUNG KIDS?

In 2016, the University of Michigan 

released findings from the 

Monitoring the Future Survey, 

a national survey of students in 

the 8th, 10th, and 12th grade. The 

results showed that:

■ The majority of students (two

out of three) said they drank

alcohol (more than just a few

sips) by the end of high school.

About 26 percent of them did

so by 8th grade. Nearly half of

12th graders and one in nine 8th

graders reported being drunk at

least once in their life.9

■ Almost half of 12th graders and

nearly one third of 10th graders

said they had used marijuana.10

Today, drugs cause a death in the 

United States every 13 minutes. 

More people die from accidental 

drug overdose in the United States 

each year than in motor vehicle 

accidents.11 The answer is yes—

drugs and alcohol can be a real 

problem for our youth.

SINCE I AM AN ADULT, IS IT 

OKAY FOR ME TO USE?

Your children look up to you, and 

they want to be like you. Send a 

healthy message to your children. 

If you are a smoker or have a 

problem with alcohol or other 

drugs, seek help. Your life may 

depend on it, and so may theirs.

WILL MY CHILDREN THINK 

I AM TOO STRICT IF I TELL 

THEM NOT TO SMOKE, 

DRINK, AND USE DRUGS?

Developing a strong bond with 

your children at an early age is 

important, but as the parent, it 

is your job to provide the rules, 

structure, and discipline to raise 

a healthy child. Be a parent, not 

a pal. Set rules and consequences 

for breaking those rules. Your 

children will surely test you by 

pushing the boundaries. This 

is to be expected. Stay strong 

and follow through with the 

consequences previously set.

WILL MY KIDS LISTEN?

Adolescents who have a good 

bond with an adult are less likely 

to engage in risky behaviors.12 Tell 

your children you don’t want them 

drinking or using drugs. Explain to 

them how you feel and what you 

expect from them. For example, 

you might say:

■ “I know you may be tempted to

try drugs, but I also know you’re

really smart. That’s why I expect

you to avoid drugs—no matter

what your friends do. Agreed?”

■ “It worries me to know how easily

you could damage your brain or

develop an addiction. Will you

promise me you won’t try things

just because the people you hang

out with try them?”

Spend time with your kids and 

learn what is going on in their 

lives. If they think you will be 

there for them, they will be more 

likely to talk to you about drugs 
Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent’s Guide to Prevention | 3

or situations that make them feel 

uncomfortable. This is especially 

important during times of 

change—such as a new school, a 

move, or a divorce—when they 

may feel anxious.13

WHAT IF MY CHILD 

ALREADY SMOKES, 

DRINKS, OR HAS TRIED 

ILLEGAL DRUGS?

If you learn that your child 

is using or has used alcohol 

or drugs, it is important to be 

prepared to respond.

Remember, preventing the first 

substance use can help prevent 

possible misuse, and preventing 

misuse prevents substance use 

disorders. But if you suspect 

substance use, be prepared to talk 

to your child, directly, to find out 

if he or she is using substances. 

Learn about resources you can 

access to help your child stop his 

or her substance use. Addressing 

the substance use and seeking 

treatment services, if necessary, 

can help your child stay on or get 

back on a positive development 

track. Remember, treatment works 

and you can help to change your 

child’s future!

Adolescents who have a good bond with an adult 

are less likely to engage in risky behaviors.
4 | U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration • U.S. Department of Education

SECTION 2: WHAT 

SUBSTANCES DO KIDS USE?

This section covers some 

commonly used substances 

and their risks. Learn 

more about these and others by 

reviewing the Drug Identification 

Chart at the end of this section. 

Also, see the DEA website for 

parents, educators, and caregivers 

at www.getsmartaboutdrugs.com.

NICOTINE

More than 3,200 people under 18 

smoke their first cigarette each day.14

More young people now use 

vaporizers and electronic cigarettes 

(often called e-cigarettes).15 We 

know less about the health risks of 

these products, but we do know 

that nicotine is highly addictive, can 

harm the developing brain, and that 

some flavors may be toxic to the 

lungs. Plus, exploding e-cigarette 

batteries have hurt youth.

For the health and safety of your 

child, set a good example. If you 

use tobacco products, seek help 

to quit. If your child uses, be firm 

but supportive: find resources 

to help your child quit as soon 

as possible. If needed, ask your 

family doctor for information 

on smoking cessation programs. 

More information can be found at 

www.smokefree.gov.

Electronic cigarette

ALCOHOL

Why include alcohol in a book 

about drugs? Because alcohol is

a drug, and underage drinking is

a serious public health problem 

in the United States. Alcohol is 

the most widely used substance 

of abuse among America’s youth 

and young adults, and drinking 

by young people poses enormous 

health and safety risks.16

A 2015 study17 asked young 

people about their alcohol use. 

Approximately 7.7 million of them 

(aged 12 to 20) said they drank 

alcohol in the prior month. Also, 

5.1 million reported binge drinking

in the month prior. Binge drinking 

is males having five or more drinks 

and females having four or more 

drinks on the same occasion on at 

least one day in the past 30 days. 

About 1.3 million young people 

reported heavy alcohol use, which 

is binge drinking on five or more 

days in the past 30 days.

Young people may simply want 

to fit in with their peers. They 

may not realize that underage 

drinking can increase their risk for 

injuries, sexual assaults, and even 

deaths from car crashes, suicides, 

and homicides. As discussed 

earlier, underage drinking can 

affect normal adolescent brain 

development.18 Furthermore, 

early substance misuse, including 

alcohol misuse, is associated with a 

greater likelihood of developing a 

substance use disorder later in life.19

What can you do? If you keep 

alcohol in your home, monitor 

how much you have and lock 

it up. Remind your children 

that the national minimum 

legal drinking age is 21. Be clear 

about your rules for them and 

give them advice on what they 

can say or do if offered a drink 

or a ride with others who have 

been drinking. Discuss and agree 

on consequences for underage 

drinking. For more information on 

the federal government’s efforts to 

prevent underage drinking, visit 

www.stopalcoholabuse.gov.

INHALANTS

Young people may get high 

by inhaling substances found 

in products like nail polish 

remover, spray paint, cleaning 

fluid, glue, felt tip markers, and 

others. They breathe in fumes 

directly through the nose or 

mouth, or from a balloon or 

a bag. Sometimes they inhale 

fumes from a rag soaked with a 

substance (huffing) or sniff them 

from a container or dispenser.

The inhaled chemicals can starve 

the body of oxygen, cause a person 

to pass out, and damage the 

brain and nervous system. Some 

youth even die from inhalants. 

Learn more by reviewing the 

Drug Identification Chart at the 

end of this section or visit www.

getsmartaboutdrugs.com.

OVER-THE-COUNTER 

(OTC) MEDICATIONS

Many OTC medications 

for a cough or cold contain 

dextromethorphan (DXM). These 

medications work when used as 

directed. However, some young 

people get high by drinking 

Robitussin®, Coricidin® HBP, or 

others that contain DXM, or they 

swallow tablets, capsules, or 

powders that contain DXM. Large 

doses of DXM taken together with 
Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent’s Guide to Prevention | 5

The most commonly misused 

prescription medications 

today are opioids.

alcohol or some other drugs can 

cause death.

Store all medications, including 

OTC medications for a cough or 

cold, in places only accessible to 

adults (such as a locked cabinet).

PRESCRIPTION 

MEDICATIONS

Prescription drug misuse means 

taking medication without a 

prescription for the feeling it 

causes or in a way that was not 

prescribed.20 This activity can lead 

to a substance use disorder.

Three types of prescription 

medications are most 

commonly misused.

1. Opioids are pain relievers,

such as oxycodone and

hydrocodone. Opioids are

highly addictive and they

also can slow breathing down

and cause brain damage or

death. They are discussed in

the following section (Opioids,

Including Heroin).

2. Depressants (benzodiazepines)

such as Valium® or Xanax®

relieve anxiety or help

someone sleep. Misusing them

can cause blurred vision and

nausea. It can also be hard

to think clearly or remember

things, and can lead to a

substance use disorder. When

combined with opioids or

alcohol these medications also

can cause overdose and death.

3. Stimulants like Adderall®

and Ritalin® are used to treat

attention deficit hyperactivity

disorder (ADHD). Misusing

them can cause a high body

temperature and irregular

heartbeat. It can also cause

a person to be paranoid

(distrustful), and can lead to a

substance use disorder.

MEET LAURA

Laura Hope Laws was an 

active member in her Atlanta 

church’s youth group. She 

was known for helping 

people in a time of need, but 

she couldn’t help herself—she 

had a heroin use disorder.

At 13, Laura experimented 

with alcohol and marijuana; 

at age 14 she started 

misusing prescription pain 

medications prescribed for a 

broken jaw, which led to an 

opioid use disorder. When 

her doctor quit prescribing 

them, she took other 

people’s pills and eventually 

turned to a cheaper and 

more available drug: heroin.

She reached out to her 

family, and they helped with 

treatment programs. Laura 

eventually spent 30 days 

in a residential treatment 

program, but the drugs were 

stronger than she was, and 

she relapsed and started 

taking heroin again.

In the end, Laura overdosed 

on a mixture of the opioid 

morphine, alcohol, and 

cocaine when she was just 17.

OPIOIDS, INCLUDING 

HEROIN

Some people think medications 

you get when a health professional 

(such as a doctor or dentist) writes 

you a prescription are safer than 

street drugs, such as marijuana, 

methamphetamine, cocaine, and 

heroin. But prescription medicine 

can be dangerous if taken for the 

wrong reason or in the wrong way.

The most commonly misused 

prescription medications today 

are opioids. Examples include 

oxycodone (such as OxyContin®

or codeine) and hydrocodone 

(such as Vicodin®). Other examples 

are morphine, methadone, 

and fentanyl.21 Lock up all 

prescription medicine, and keep 

track of how much you take so 

you will know if any is missing. 

Dispose of medications you no 

longer need. Visit the Food and 

Drug Administration’s website 

(www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/

ConsumerUpdates/ucm101653.

htm) for guidance on how to 

dispose of unused medicines.

Heroin is an illegal opioid made 

from morphine. It is a white or 

brownish powder, or a black sticky 

substance called black tar heroin. 

It is usually injected, smoked, or 

snorted. Today, some individuals 

with an opioid use disorder buy 

heroin because it is cheaper and 

easier to get than prescription 

opioids.22 In fact, about 80 percent 
6 | U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration • U.S. Department of Education

In 2015, more than 

33,000 people died 

from opioid overdose, 

including heroin, 

fentanyl, prescription 

pain relievers, and 

other opioids.

A spoon is often used to dissolve heroin before injecting.

of new heroin users say they 

started after misusing prescription 

opioids. But users do not know 

for sure what is in the heroin they 

buy or how potent it is, which can 

be even more dangerous. New 

highly potent opioids, including 

fentanyl, are increasingly being 

mixed with heroin, contributing to 

a rapid rise in overdose deaths. In 

2015, more than 33,000 people died 

from opioid overdose, including 

heroin, fentanyl, prescription pain 

relievers, and other opioids.23

MARIJUANA AND 

MARIJUANA 

CONCENTRATES

Marijuana is usually dry green and 

brown flowers, stems, seeds, and 

leaves that come from a cannabis 

plant. Users roll it into a cigarette 

and smoke it, or they smoke it in 

a pipe or bong. Some users brew 

it as tea or mix it with food (called 

marijuana edibles). Others cut open a 

cigar, take out the tobacco, and put 

marijuana in it instead. They call this 

a blunt. The ingredient in marijuana 

called THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) 

that produces the “high” 

feeling is addictive.

It is important for you to 

know that the THC content 

in marijuana has increased 

over the past 2 decades. In 

the early 1990s, the average 

THC content in confiscated 

samples was approximately 

3.7 percent; in 2016, it was 

approximately 13.18 percent.24

Some people try to extract the 

THC into an oil or resin (called 

concentrate). It often looks like 

honey or butter, but it is very 

strong and can cause serious 

mental and physical effects. 

Regular THC levels in marijuana 

are about 10–20 percent, but 

some concentrates are 40–80 

percent.25 Trying to remove 

the THC is also dangerous. 

For example, one method for 

removal involves using butane, 

a highly explosive substance. In 

some cases, people have been 

badly burned and buildings 

have exploded.

Some users smoke the sticky 

THC concentrate in a glass bong. 

Others “vape” the concentrate—

using a vaporizer or e-cigarette 

to inhale the THC-rich resin 

without the smoke. Unlike 

the usual smell from smoking 

marijuana, the extracted THC 

has no odor. The concentrated 

substance is sometimes called 

wax or “710” (OIL spelled 

upside down and backward).

Young people today receive 

conflicting messages about 

marijuana. Under federal law, 

marijuana is a Schedule I controlled 

substance defined as a drug with 

no currently accepted medical use 

and a high potential for abuse. 

But some states and the District of 

Glass Bong
Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent’s Guide to Prevention | 7

Columbia allow marijuana use for 

personal (“recreational”) or certain 

medical use. This may confuse 

youngsters and make it hard for 

parents to explain that even in 

states where marijuana use is 

permitted it is still illegal for youth 

and young adults under 21, and 

to discuss why marijuana is not a 

healthy choice. In a recent study, 

more than 38 percent of students 

in grades 9–12 said they had used 

marijuana at least once, and 7.5 

percent of students first tried it 

before they were 13 years old.

Pipes are made of metal, 

wooden, acrylic, glass, stone, 

plastic, or ceramic materials 

and used to smoke marijuana, 

cocaine, and other drugs.

MEET CONNOR

At 19 years old, Connor 

Eckhardt was a typical 

California teen who enjoyed 

surfing, skateboarding, 

and snowboarding. He 

loved outdoor activities, 

enjoyed music, and wanted 

to be a worship leader and 

songwriter. He was a young 

man with hopes and dreams.

But in a moment of peer 

pressure in July 2014, 

Connor inhaled just one hit 

of a synthetic drug known 

as Spice or K2. Shortly 

afterward, he didn’t feel well 

and laid down to “sleep it 

off.” Conner slipped into a 

coma and never woke up.

Synthetic drugs are 

marketed toward young kids 

and teens in packaging made 

to look attractive and safe. 

But manufacturing processes 

and chemical content vary 

from one batch of synthetic 

drugs to the next, so there 

are no safe dosages.

Connor did not know that, 

and his family learned that 

just one time could be 

deadly. They share his tragic 

story to help make others 

aware of the dangers of 

synthetic drugs.

26

SYNTHETIC 

CANNABINOIDS (ALSO 

KNOWN AS “SYNTHETIC 

MARIJUANA”)

Synthetic cannabinoids, also 

known as K2, herbal incense, 

or Spice, is a plant material 

mixture sprayed with a synthetic 

compound similar to THC, but 

the ingredients and strength of the 

products are impossible for users 

to know. People often roll and 

smoke it like a cigarette, smoke it in 

a pipe or e-cigarette, or make it into 

tea. It can be taken other ways, too. 

The effects of synthetic marijuana 

include paranoia, hallucinations, 

convulsions, and organ damage. 

Users can die, sometimes even the 

first time they try it.27 The DEA 

banned many chemicals used in K2 

and Spice, so it is illegal to sell, buy, 

or possess. These drugs are not as 

popular as they once were.28

STIMULANTS

Some drugs are stimulants (such 

as cocaine, methamphetamine, 

and ecstasy) that speed up the 

body’s systems.

■ Cocaine is usually snorted.

Sometimes users dissolve it

and inject it with a needle or

smoke it. Cocaine causes blood

pressure and heart rate to rise, 

makes pupils look bigger, 

and makes users feel more 

awake and less hungry. It may 

also cause sudden stroke or 

death. In 2014, more than 5,000 

people overdosed and died 

from cocaine-involved drug 

overdose deaths.29

■ Methamphetamine (or meth)

comes in clear crystals that

look like glass. Sometimes it is

a powder that users dissolve in

liquid and inject with a needle.

This addictive drug can cause

convulsions, stroke, or death.

■ Ecstasy (MDMA or Molly) is

often a pill or capsule but can

be a powder, crystal, or liquid.

What is sold as MDMA/

ecstasy can often contain other

ingredients, including synthetic

stimulants also known as “bath

salts.” MDMA can make it

hard for your body to regulate

temperature. It can cause your

liver, kidney, or heart to stop.

Some people buy synthetic 

stimulants that are often called 

“bath salts” or “plant food.” Many 

times, they are sold in smoke 

shops or gas stations or online. The 

drugs are in a powder that users 

typically snort, or they dissolve and 

inject them. These very dangerous 

substances can lead to overdoses 

that result in emergency room 

visits, hospitalizations, and severe 

psychotic episodes.
8 | U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration • U.S. Department of Education

DRUG IDENTIFICATION CHART

The chart on the following pages covers some commonly used substances and accessories. Also, please go to the DEA 

website for parents, educators, and caregivers (www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov/drugs). To learn more, see the DEA’s 

Drugs of Abuse Resource Guide (www.dea.gov/pr/multimedia-library/publications/drug_of_abuse.pdf).

PRESCRIPTION

 MEDICATION DRUG NAME(S) STREET NAME(S) DESCRIPTION

Narcotic 

(opioid)

OxyContin®

Oxycodone 

prescribed as 

Tylox®, Percodan®, 

OxyContin®

Hillbilly Heroin, 

Kicker, OC, Ox, 

Roxy, Perc, Oxy

Semisynthetic opioid drug 

prescribed for pain. Comes 

in pill forms (including 

tablet or capsule).

Narcotic 

(opioid)

Vicodin®

Hydrocodone 

prescribed as 

Vicodin®, Lorcet®, 

Lortab®

Hydro, Norco, Vikes Semisynthetic opioid drug 

prescribed for pain relief or as 

a cough suppressant. Comes in 

tablets, capsules, oral solutions, 

and syrups.

Central 

nervous system 

depressant

Valium®

Prescribed as 

Valium®, Xanax®, 

Restoril®, Ativan®, 

Klonopin®

Benzos, Downers, 

Nerve Pills, Tranks, 

Barbs, Georgia 

Home Boy, 

GHB, Liquid X, 

Phennies, R2, Reds, 

Roofies, Yellows

Drugs in this class (called 

Benzodiazepines) are 

used to relieve anxiety or 

help someone sleep.

Narcotic 

(synthetic 

opioid)

Fentanyl Pills

Fentanyl Apace, China Girl, 

China Town, China 

White, Dance 

Fever, Goodfellas, 

Great Bear, HeMan, Poison, 

Tango, and Cash

A synthetic opioid that is about 

100 times more potent than 

morphine as an analgesic. Users 

may believe they are buying 

heroin, but instead could be 

receiving fentanyl or heroin 

laced with fentanyl, which 

could result in death. It is illicitly 

manufactured in China and 

possibly Mexico, and smuggled 

into the United States.

Stimulant 

(amphetamines)

Ritalin®

Prescribed 

as Adderall®, 

Concerta®, 

Dexedrine®, 

Focalin®, Metadate®, 

Methylin®, Ritalin®, 

Desoxyn®

Bennies, Black 

Beauties, Crank, Ice, 

Speed, Uppers

Used to treat attention deficit 

hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 

Also used as a study aid, to 

stay awake, and to suppress 

appetite.

STREET DRUG DRUG NAME(S) OTHER NAME(S) DESCRIPTION

Cannabis

Marijuana 

cigarette with 

roach clip

Marijuana 

cigarette 

(joint) and 

marijuana 

edibles

Aunt Mary, BC Bud, 

Chronic, Dope, 

Gangster, Ganja, 

Grass, Hash, Herb, 

Joint, Mary Jane, 

Mota, Pot, Reefer, 

Sinsemilla, Skunk, 

Smoke, Weed, Yerba

Marijuana is an addictive mind-altering 

psychoactive drug. It is a dry mix 

of flowers, stems, seeds, and leaves 

(usually green or brown) from the 

cannabis sativa plant. The principal 

component in marijuana that is 

responsible for its euphoric effects is 

delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent’s Guide to Prevention | 9

HOW CONSUMED EFFECTS

Pills and tablets chewed or 

swallowed. Inhaling vapors by 

heating tablet on foil. Crushed 

and sniffed or dissolved in water 

and injected. POSSIBLE RELATED 

PARAPHERNALIA: needle, pipe.

Relaxation, euphoria, pain relief, sedation, confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, 

nausea, vomiting, urinary retention, pupillary constriction, and respiratory 

depression. Overdose may result in stupor, changes in pupillary size, cold 

and clammy skin, cyanosis, coma, and respiratory failure leading to death. 

The presence of triad of symptoms such as coma, pinpoint pupils, and 

respiratory depression are strongly suggestive of opioid poisoning.

Usually taken orally, in pill forms 

(including tablets and capsules) 

and syrups.

Relaxation, euphoria, pain relief, sedation, confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, 

nausea, vomiting, urinary retention, pupillary constriction, and respiratory 

depression. Overdose may result in stupor, changes in pupillary size, cold 

and clammy skin, cyanosis, coma, and respiratory failure leading to death. 

The presence of triad of symptoms such as coma, pinpoint pupils, and 

respiratory depression are strongly suggestive of opioid poisoning.

Comes in pills, syrups, and 

injectable liquids. Taken orally or 

crushed and snorted. POSSIBLE 

RELATED PARAPHERNALIA: 

needle, straw, or tube.

Effects include calmness, euphoria, vivid or disturbing dreams, amnesia, 

impaired mental function, hostility, irritability, sedation, hypnosis, 

decreased anxiety, and muscle relaxation. Can be addictive. Overdose may 

be fatal; signs can include shallow breathing, clammy skin, dilated pupils, 

weak but rapid pulse, and coma.

Clandestine fentanyl is 

typically injected, or inhaled 

like heroin. POSSIBLE 

RELATED PARAPHERNALIA: 

needle, straw, or tube.

Relaxation, euphoria, pain relief, sedation, confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, 

nausea, vomiting, urinary retention, pupillary constriction, and respiratory 

depression. Overdose may result in stupor, changes in pupillary size, cold 

and clammy skin, cyanosis, coma, and respiratory failure leading to death. 

The presence of triad of symptoms such as coma, pinpoint pupils, and 

respiratory depression are strongly suggestive of opioid poisoning.

Pill forms (including tablet and 

capsule) taken orally but sometimes 

injected. “Ice” or crystallized 

methamphetamine hydrochloride 

is smoked. POSSIBLE RELATED 

PARAPHERNALIA: needle, pipe.

Similar to cocaine but slower onset. Increased body temperature, 

blood pressure, and pulse rates; insomnia; loss of appetite; and physical 

exhaustion. Chronic abuse produces a psychosis that resembles 

schizophrenia: paranoia, hallucinations, violent and erratic behavior. 

Overdose can be fatal.

HOW CONSUMED EFFECTS

Smoked as a cigarette (a joint) or in a 

pipe or bong. Sometimes smoked in 

blunts (cigars emptied of tobacco and 

filled with marijuana and sometimes 

other drugs). Can be mixed with 

food (marijuana edibles) or brewed 

as tea. POSSIBLE RELATED 

PARAPHERNALIA: bong, pipe, roach 

clip, rolling papers.

Relaxation, loss of inhibition, increased appetite, sedation, and 

increased sociability. Can affect memory and ability to learn; 

also causes difficulty in thinking and problem solving. May cause 

hallucinations, impaired judgment, reduced coordination, and distorted 

perception. Also decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate, 

dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), confusion, anxiety, 

paranoia, drowsiness, and respiratory ailments.
10 | U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration • U.S. Department of Education

STREET DRUG DRUG NAME(S) OTHER NAME(S) DESCRIPTION

Cannabis

Honey Oil (photo 

by Vjiced)

Marijuana 

extract 

concentrate

Butane Hash Oil 

(BHO), Honey 

Oil, Wax, 710, 

THC Extractions, 

Budder, Dabs

A powerful substance made by 

extracting THC from marijuana. Some 

marijuana concentrates contain 40 to 

80 percent THC. Regular marijuana 

contains THC levels averaging around 

12 percent. One very dangerous way 

of extracting THC produces a sticky 

liquid known as “wax” or “dab” (it 

may resemble honey or butter).

Synthetic 

cannabinoids

K2

K2/Spice Bliss, Black Mamba, 

Blaze, Bombay 

Blue, Fake Weed, 

Legal Weed, Genie, 

Zohai, Red X Dawn, 

Scooby Snax, Skunk

Synthetic versions of THC (the 

psychoactive ingredient in marijuana), 

K2/Spice (and similar products) is a 

mixture of plant material sprayed with 

synthetic psychoactive chemicals. 

It is especially dangerous because 

the user typically doesn’t know what 

chemicals are used. Often, the small 

plastic bags of dried leaves are sold 

as potpourri or incense and may be 

labeled “not for human consumption.”

Narcotic 

(opioid)

Black Tar Heroin

Heroin Big H, Black Tar, 

Chiva, Hell Dust, 

Horse, Negra, 

Smack, Thunder

Heroin is a semisynthetic opioid 

substance. It comes in a white or 

brownish powder, or a black sticky 

substance known as “black tar heroin.” 

Because it is often mixed (cut) with 

other drugs or substances, especially 

fentanyl in recent years, users typically 

do not know how much heroin and 

other substances are being used, 

creating the likelihood of overdose.

Stimulant

Cocaine

Cocaine Coca, Coke, Crack, 

Crank, Flake, Rock, 

Snow, Soda Cot

Cocaine is usually a white, crystalline 

powder made from coca leaves. 

Cocaine base (crack) looks like 

small, irregularly shaped white 

chunks (or “rocks”).

Stimulant

Khat

Khat Abyssinian Tea, 

African Salad, 

Catha, Chat, 

Kat, Oat

Khat is a flowering evergreen shrub, 

and what is sold and abused is usually 

just the leaves, twigs, and shoots of 

the Khat shrub.

Methamphetamine

Crystal Meth

and Pipe

Meth Meth, Speed, Ice, 

Shards, Bikers 

Coffee, Stove Top, 

Tweak, Yaba, Trash, 

Chalk, Crystal, 

Crank, Shabu

Meth is a stimulant that speeds up 

the body’s system. “Crystal meth” is 

an illegally manufactured version of a 

prescription drug (such as Desoxyn® 

to treat obesity and ADHD) that is 

cooked with over-the-counter drugs 

in meth labs. It resembles pieces of 

shiny blue-white glass fragments 

(rocks) or it can be in a pill or 

powder form.
Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent’s Guide to Prevention | 11

HOW CONSUMED EFFECTS

The “wax” is used with vaporizers 

or e-cigarettes or heated in a glass 

bong. Users prefer using e-cigarettes 

or vaporizers because it is smokeless, 

odorless, and easy to hide. POSSIBLE 

RELATED PARAPHERNALIA: 

vaporizer, e-cigarette, bong.

Marijuana concentrates have a much higher level of THC. The effects 

of using may be more severe than from smoking marijuana, both 

psychologically and physically.

Usually smoked in a joint, pipe, or 

e-cigarette. Can also be brewed

into tea. POSSIBLE RELATED

PARAPHERNALIA: bong, e-cigarette,

pipe, roach clip, rolling papers.

Paranoia, anxiety, panic attacks, hallucinations, and giddiness. This 

addictive substance can also cause increased heart rate and blood 

pressure, convulsions, organ damage, and/or death.

Injected, smoked, or sniffed/snorted. 

High purity heroin is usually snorted 

or smoked. POSSIBLE RELATED 

PARAPHERNALIA: needle, pipe, small 

spoon, straw, or tube.

This highly addictive drug first causes a euphoria or “rush,” followed by 

a twilight state of sleep and wakefulness. Effects can include drowsiness, 

respiratory depression, constricted pupils, nausea, flushed skin, dry 

mouth, and heavy arms or legs. Overdose effects include slow and shallow 

breathing, blue lips and fingernails, clammy skin, convulsions, coma, and 

possible death.

Usually snorted in powder form or 

injected into the veins after dissolving 

in water. Crack cocaine is smoked. 

Users typically binge on the drug 

until they are exhausted or run out 

of cocaine. POSSIBLE RELATED 

PARAPHERNALIA: needle, pipe, small 

spoon, straw, or tube.

Smoking or injecting creates an intense euphoria. The crash that follows 

is mentally and physically exhausting, resulting in sleep and depression 

for several days, followed by a craving for more cocaine. Users quickly 

become tolerant, so it is easy to overdose. Cocaine causes disturbances in 

heart rate, increased blood pressure and heart rate, anxiety, restlessness, 

irritability, paranoia, loss of appetite, insomnia, convulsions, heart attack, 

stroke, and/or death.

Typically chewed like tobacco, then 

retained in the cheek and chewed 

intermittently to release the active 

drug, which produces a stimulant-like 

effect. Dried Khat leaves can be made 

into tea or a chewable paste, and 

Khat also can be smoked and even 

sprinkled on food.

Effects are similar to other stimulants, such as cocaine, amphetamine, 

and methamphetamine.

Swallowed in pill form. In powder 

form, it can be smoked, snorted, 

or injected. Users may take higher 

doses to intensify the effects, take 

it more often, or change the way 

they take it. POSSIBLE RELATED 

PARAPHERNALIA: needle, pipe.

Meth is highly addictive and causes agitation, increased heart rate and 

blood pressure, increased respiration and body temperature, anxiety, and 

paranoia. High doses can cause convulsions, heart attack, stroke, or death.
12 | U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration • U.S. Department of Education

OTHER DRUG NAME(S) OTHER NAME(S) DESCRIPTION

Kratom

Kratom (photo 

by Val1um1)

Thang, Kakuam, 

Thom, Ketum, Biak

Kratom is a tropical tree 

native to Southeast Asia. 

Consumption of its leaves 

produces both stimulant effects 

(in low doses) and sedative 

effects (in high doses).

Inhalants

Inhalants

Toluene, kerosene, 

gasoline, carbon 

tetrachloride, amyl 

nitrate, butyl nitrate, 

and nitrous oxide.

Huff, Rush, 

Whippets, Gluey

Specific volatile solvents, 

aerosols, and gases typically 

found in common household 

products (such as felt 

tip markers, spray paint, 

air freshener, typewriter 

correction fluid, butane, glue, 

and thousands of others). 

These substances are harmful 

when inhaled.

Cold medicine

Robitussin® 

Cough Syrup

Dextromethorphan 

(DXM) in over-thecounter brands: 

Robitussin®, 

Coricidin® HBP

CCC, DXM, Poor 

Man’s PCP, Robo, 

Skittles, Triple C

Dextromethorphan (DXM) is 

a cough suppressant found in 

many over-the-counter cold 

medications in cough syrups or 

pill forms (such as tablets and 

capsules). It is also now sold in 

powder form.

Alcohol

Beer

Beer, wine, wine 

cooler, malt liquor, 

booze

Alcohol is a drug that 

can interfere with brain 

development in youth 

and young adults. Alcohol 

poisoning (or overdose) results 

from drinking large amounts 

of alcohol in a short period 

of time, which can cause 

serious brain damage or death. 

Drinking at a young age also 

makes an alcohol use disorder 

more likely later in life.

Tobacco

Cigarette

Smoke, bone,

butt, coffin nail,

cancer stick

Tobacco contains nicotine, 

one of the most highly 

addictive drugs used today. 

Teens who smoke cigarettes 

are much more likely to use 

marijuana than those who 

have never smoke.
Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent’s Guide to Prevention | 13

HOW CONSUMED EFFECTS

The psychoactive ingredient is 

found in the leaves from the kratom 

tree. These leaves are subsequently 

crushed and then smoked, brewed 

with tea, or placed into gel capsules.

Effects include nausea, itching, sweating, constipation, loss of appetite, 

tachycardia, vomiting, and drowsiness. Users also have experienced 

anorexia, weight loss, insomnia, frequent urination, hepatotoxicity, seizure, 

and hallucinations.

Fumes are inhaled by sniffing or 

snorting the substance directly from 

a container or dispenser. Fumes are 

sometimes breathed in after being 

deposited inside a paper or plastic 

bag, or they are “huffed” from an 

inhalant-soaked rag or from balloons 

with nitrous oxide. POSSIBLE 

RELATED PARAPHERNALIA: aerosol 

cans, balloons, rags.

Slight stimulation, feeling less inhibition, and/or loss of consciousness. 

Inhalants damage sections of the brain that control thinking, moving, and 

seeing. Effects can include slurred speech, loss of coordination, euphoria, 

and dizziness. Long-term use may damage the nervous system and 

organs; sudden sniffing death may occur from suffocation or asphyxiation.

DXM use traditionally involved 

drinking large amounts of OTC 

cough medication. Tablet, capsule, 

and pill forms are now snorted 

or injected. DXM powder is sold 

online, and extensive “how to use” 

information is available on various 

websites. POSSIBLE RELATED 

PARAPHERNALIA: needle, pipe.

Can cause hallucinations, confusion, loss of coordination, slurred speech, 

sweating, and lethargy. It is addictive. High doses of DXM taken with 

alcohol or other drugs, including antidepressants, can cause death.

Orally. Misusing alcohol can result in an alcohol use disorder, dizziness, slurred 

speech, disturbed sleep, nausea, vomiting, hangovers, impaired motor 

skills, violent behavior, impaired learning, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum 

Disorders, respiratory depression, and, at high doses, death.

Cigarettes, cigars, and pipes are 

smoked. Some users prefer smokeless 

tobacco (chew, dip, snuff), which is 

placed inside the mouth between the 

lips and gum.

Tobacco has many short- and long-term effects. They include addiction, 

heart and cardiovascular disease, cancer, emphysema, and chronic 

bronchitis. It can also cause spontaneous abortion, pre-term delivery, and 

low birth weight when pregnant mothers smoke.
14 | U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration • U.S. Department of Education

SECTION 3: WHY DO KIDS USE 

DRUGS OR ALCOHOL?

Researchers have tried for 

years to figure out how drug 

and alcohol misuse starts. 

They have identified risk factors

that can increase a person’s chances 

for misuse, and protective factors

that can reduce the risk. Of course, 

many people with risk factors do 

not use illegal drugs or alcohol.30

RISK FACTORS

Young people may try drugs or 

alcohol to relieve boredom or 

stress. Some are just curious, 

while others want to feel grown 

up or to lessen peer pressure. 

They may be more likely to try 

drugs because of circumstances 

or events called risk factors. 

Examples31 of risk factors include:

■ Poor grades in school

■ Engaging in alcohol or drug use

at a young age

■ Friends and peers who engage

in alcohol or drug use

■ Persistent, progressive, and

generalized substance use,

misuse, and use disorders by

family members

■ Conflict between parents or

between parents and children,

including abuse or neglect

To limit risk factors, establish a 

strong bond with your children so 

they know you will be there if they 

have a problem and that it is safe 

to ask questions. This bond helps 

them feel more secure and less 

likely to turn to drugs or alcohol. 

Also, remember that your words 

and actions can make a difference. 

For example, if you consume an 

occasional glass of wine with 

dinner or a cold beer on the 

weekend, explain to them how 

an adult drinking in a low-risk 

manner differs from a minor 

drinking illegally. If they want 

to know about your tobacco use, 

tell them how it has affected 

your life. Ask them to support 

your efforts to quit—then do it. 

You are an important role model.

A risk factor for some youngsters 

is bullying. Cyberbullying can 

involve hurtful or embarrassing 

e-mails, texts, or posts on

social media sites. Online and

in-person bullying can have

multiple negative effects,

including increased risk for

substance use, mental health

problems, poor academic

functioning, and other problems.

Watch for changes in your child’s

behavior and get to know their

friends in school. Encourage

your children to report bullying,

whether it happens to them

or to someone else, and let

them know that they will be

safe and can get support.

Be sure your children use online 

privileges wisely. Learn the 

websites they go to and the 

lingo they use. Know who they 

talk to in texts, chat rooms, and 

instant messages. Watch your 

credit card and bank statements 

for signs your child may be 

buying drugs or alcohol. You 

can also limit their free time or 

set expectations for how free 

time is used. For example, you 

could assign age-appropriate 

household chores or encourage 

other productive activities.

Finally, watch media (television 

shows, movies, online videos) 

your kids watch. The characters 

and stories provide great topics 

for starting conversations with 

your children and provide insight 

into their thoughts about sex, 

drugs, relationships, and other 

social issues.

PROTECTIVE FACTORS

An important goal is to change the 

balance so the effects of protective 

factors outweigh those of risk 

factors.32 Examples33 of protective 

factors are:

■ Having high self-esteem

■ Attending a school with policies

against using alcohol and drugs

■ Having an adult role model

who doesn’t use tobacco or

drugs, or misuse alcohol

■ Participating in athletic,

community, or faith-based

groups

■ Living in a community with

youth activities that prohibit

drugs and alcohol

A powerful protective factor is 

a strong bond with a parent (or 

caregiver) and letting your child 

know that someone who cares is 

available at any time of the day 

or night. Talking with your child 

regularly can keep the lines of 

communication open and build 

trust. When discussing alcohol and 

drugs, parents can access a variety 

of resources to help navigate the 

conversation. There is even an 

app for that! The Substance Abuse 
Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent’s Guide to Prevention | 15

A powerful protective 

factor is a strong 

bond with a parent 

(or caregiver) and 

letting your child 

know that someone 

who cares is available 

at any time of the day 

or night. 

and Mental Health Services 

Administration (SAMHSA) 

has a campaign called “Talk. 

They Hear You.” It helps parents 

and caregivers talk to young 

people about underage drinking, 

though many of the concepts 

apply to drug use as well. The 

app also suggests questions to 

ask and gives ideas for keeping 

the conversation going. Learn 

more on the Parent Resources 

page at www.samhsa.gov/

underage-drinking/parentresources and through the “Talk. 

They Hear You.” app at www.

samhsa.gov/underage-drinking/

mobile-application.

DEFINE RULES AND 

CONSEQUENCES

Tell your children often and 

clearly that you do not want 

them to use tobacco, alcohol, or 

illicit drugs. Do not assume they 

know this.

Set rules that let your child know 

what you expect. Help your 

child learn drug refusal skills. 

For example, when offered a 

cigarette, your son can say, “If 

my mom caught me smoking, I’d 

be grounded!” This takes the 

pressure off him and shifts the 

blame to you, which he may rather 

do in front of peers. Establish 

appropriate consequences for 

breaking rules, and be prepared 

for your child to test you to 

see if you follow through. You 

might even want to involve your 

children in defining consequences, 

as it may make them take more 

responsibility for their behavior.

Praise your child often for 

respecting family rules. You might 

share a hug and say, “Thanks 

for coming straight home from 

school,” for example. This positive 

reinforcement boosts your child’s 

self-esteem and can lessen the 

likelihood that he or she will use 

drugs if offered.

CARVE OUT 

INDIVIDUAL TIME

Strengthening the parent-child 

bond goes beyond family 

gatherings. Spend one-on-one 

time with each child in your 

home. Ask what is going on in the 

child’s life without anyone else 

hearing or interrupting. Make 

the moments count—whether 

they happen on a short bike ride 

or during the drive to school or 

while you fold laundry. These 

informal chats help establish open 

communication needed to raise 

drug-free children.

Tell your children you will be 

there any time they need to leave 

a place where alcohol or drugs 

are present. If there are times 

you can’t be there quickly, such 

as when you are at work, find a 

responsible adult who can.

PROVIDE POSITIVE 

ROLE MODELS

Children learn what they see. 

Your attitudes and actions 

shape theirs. If you drink 

alcohol, do so in moderation. 

Never suggest it is a good way 

to handle problems. Instead, 

show your child healthy ways 

to cope with stress or problems, 

such as exercising, listening to 

music, or talking with a friend.

Invite other adults to serve as 

positive role models in your 

child’s life. Grandparents, for 

example, can reinforce the values 

you are trying to portray. If they 

do not live nearby, use texting, 

messaging, or video chats to 

bridge the miles.
16 | U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration • U.S. Department of Education

Sports provide exercise and can teach 

children how important it is to stay 

healthy and drug free. 

PROMOTE HEALTHY 

ACTIVITIES

Find a healthy way to keep your 

children busy after school, on 

weekends, or in the summer. 

Sports provide exercise and can 

teach children how important it 

is to stay healthy and drug free. 

Your child might enjoy taking art 

classes, participating in a youth 

club, volunteering, or doing paid 

jobs in the neighborhood like 

helping at a camp, mowing lawns, 

or babysitting.

GET INVOLVED ... IN 

THEIR SOCIAL LIFE

Get to know your child’s friends 

and their parents. Share with the 

other parents your policy against 

your child’s use of tobacco, 

alcohol, and illicit drugs. Exchange 

contact information and ask 

them to call if they see your child 

breaking the rules. Promise to do 

the same for them.

Check on your kids. If one of 

them is attending a friend’s party, 

call the parents of the friend and 

ask who will be chaperoning 

(supervising) the kids. Explain 

your policy on substance use to the 

parents and ask that no alcoholic 

beverages or illegal substances 

be present. You can also go check 

out the party yourself. Remember 

that you are responsible for your 

child’s friends when they are in 

your home. Most states have stiff 

penalties for furnishing alcohol to 

minors. Lock up your alcohol and 

be sure nobody brings alcohol or 

drugs to your home.

GET INVOLVED ... 

IN FOSTERING A 

HEALTHY SCHOOL

School connectedness happens when 

students feel adults and peers at 

their school care about them and 

their learning. These students 

are less likely to engage in risky 

behaviors and more likely to 

achieve better grades.34 To learn 

more, download the free guide, 

Helping Your Child Feel Connected 

to School, at https://www.cdc.gov/

healthyyouth/protective/pdf/

connectedness_parents.pdf.

The U.S. Department of 

Education has developed the 

new, high-quality, adaptable 

ED School Climate Surveys and 

associated Web-based platform 

to assist schools in assessing 

their school climate.35 In a 

positive school climate, everyone 

works together to help young 

people learn. Students feel 

safe, engaged, and respected. 

MEET JAROM

Jarom Price knows how 

substance abuse affects 

families because he watched 

his own family members 

struggle with it—including 

his father. He and his 

mother eventually joined 

the Community Anti-Drug 

Coalitions of America 

(CADCA); four years later, 

Jarom is president of the 

youth coalition in his county. 

The group has installed No 

Smoking signs at bus stops 

and in schools, conducted 

educational school 

assemblies, and worked to 

educate policy makers.

At CADCA’s National Youth 

Leadership Initiative (NYLI) 

meeting, Jarom learned 

about drug prevention 

science and the Strategic 

Prevention Framework 

(SPF), a model to help 

communities identify and 

implement programs and 

strategies to address drug 

use. This enabled him to 

help with important policy 

issues like e-cigarette 

regulation and disallowing 

specialty smoke shops 

in his community. He has 

since taught other coalition 

members about the SPF.

“The NYLI showed me I can 

make a difference,” he said. 

“I am thankful for what I 

learned and have been able 

to teach others. It feels great 

knowing I can help prevent 

substance abuse.”
Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent’s Guide to Prevention | 17

A positive school climate is 

also related to lower rates of 

substance abuse and psychiatric 

problems among students.36

If your child’s school doesn’t have 

a drug education program or a 

written policy about drug-related 

incidents, meet with the principal, 

school board, or PTA to help 

establish them.37

GET INVOLVED ... IN 

THE COMMUNITY

Get to know your neighbors. Ask 

them to tell you about suspicious 

activity at your home after school 

if you can’t be there. Return the 

favor when you are home.

Ask community leaders what they 

are doing. Are there clubs where 

teens can hang out, listen to music, 

or play sports? If not, meet with 

officials and find out how to create 

such places. Are there laws (such 

as checking IDs) to stop minors 

from buying tobacco and alcohol?

Also, consider the following:

■ The Substance Abuse and

Mental Health Services

Administration’s (SAMHSA)

Strategic Prevention

Framework (SPF) shows

community members how

to address substance misuse

and related problems. Learn

more at www.samhsa.gov/

capt/applying-strategicprevention-framework.

■ Organizations like the

Community Anti-Drug

Coalitions of America (CADCA)

at www.cadca.org can help

your community identify and

address local issues. CADCA 

works with more than 5,000

community coalitions in all 50

states and several countries.

■ The Drug Free Communities

(DFC) Support Program

is a federal grant program

that provides funding to

community-based coalitions to

prevent substance use among 

youth. The DFC program 

has funded more than 2,000 

coalitions and mobilizes nearly 

9,000 community volunteers 

across the United States. For 

more information, visit 

www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp/

drug-free-communitiessupport-program.

School connectedness happens when students 

feel adults and peers at their school care about 

them and their learning. 

MEET MELANEE

Melanee Piskai learned 

many things in life about 

substance abuse, but that 

knowledge came at a cost. 

She lost friends to drug 

overdoses and alcoholrelated deaths—tragedies 

that strengthened her 

commitment to preventing 

substance use, especially 

among young people.

“At an early age, I began 

working with West Chester 

Area Communities That 

Care to reduce substance 

abuse through policy 

change, public service 

announcements, and other 

initiatives,” Melanee said.

Through her work with 

CADCA, she has learned that 

substance abuse issues and 

how they are handled differ 

among communities, and 

that substance abuse is a 

public health issue.

Melanee added that 

prevention teaches life 

skills, critical thinking, and 

a passion for health. She 

encourages adults to engage 

young people, and tells 

young people not to let their 

age be a barrier in the path 

to leadership. “Your potential 

is exponential,” she said.
18 | U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration • U.S. Department of Education

SECTION 4: HOW DO I TALK TO 

MY CHILD ABOUT DRUGS?38

Some parents find it difficult 

to talk with their children 

about drugs and alcohol. But 

it is important to teach them about 

these substances and about your 

expectations if they are offered 

drugs. These conversations are 

not a one-time event. Start talking 

with your children when they 

are young; continue as they grow 

older and their level of interest 

and understanding changes. Your 

willingness to talk (and listen) tells 

them you care about what they are 

interested in, and it provides you 

with insight into their world.

A big part of talking is listening. 

For example, ask your kids what 

they know about marijuana. Ask 

if they think alcohol is dangerous. 

Ask what they think can happen 

if someone takes heroin. Their 

attitudes are important because 

if they think a particular drug is 

dangerous, they may be less likely 

to use it; if they think a drug is 

harmless, they may be more likely 

to use it. It is up to YOU to tell 

your children that tobacco, drugs, 

and alcohol have serious health 

and social effects.

At some point, your child will 

likely ask if you have ever taken 

illicit drugs. If your answer is 

NO, explain how you avoided the 

temptation and what opportunities 

being drug free provided you. If 

your answer is YES, explain why 

you do not want your child to use 

drugs even though you did. You 

do not need to confess everything 

you have ever done, but explain 

honestly what attracted you to 

drugs and why you want your 

child to avoid making the same 

mistake. You might say things like:

■ “I smoked pot to fit in, but now

I know how dangerous it was. If

I could do things over, I never

would have tried it. I hope you

don’t either.”

■ “Drugs were illegal then just

like now, and there are serious

consequences for getting

caught. I would hate for you

to ruin your future.”

■ “I tried drugs, but I felt like I was

losing control over them and could

not stop. I finally quit, but it was

hard to sustain my recovery and

avoid drug use. I hope you never

try them—any of them.”

■ “It may seem that most kids your

age use drugs, but that isn’t true.

Also, substance use can lower your

chance of success at school and in

the workplace.”

This section suggests ways to talk 

with children at various ages. 

Although divided into preschool, 

elementary, middle, and high 

school, the age range of students 

in these grade levels may differ in 

your area. Also, children do not 

necessarily develop at the same 

pace, and drug issues vary among 

communities. Use the suggestions 

most suitable to your child’s 

maturity level and environment.

4 SUGGESTIONS 

FOR TALKING TO 

PRESCHOOLERS

Young children ask many 

questions. Your response lets 

kids know you can be trusted 

to provide honest answers. 

Throughout early childhood—

even when a child enters preschool 

or attends day care—the family 

Young children mimic adults, so use every 

opportunity you can to share your feelings 

about substance use.
Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent’s Guide to Prevention | 19

Children crave 

praise, so give it 

out freely when 

deserved. 

plays the most important role in 

their development.39

Do not worry that you will 

give your child ideas about 

taking drugs or tempt them 

to experiment. They likely 

already know how important 

prescription medicine is and 

may even remember you giving 

them some if they were ill. The 

early attitudes they form help 

them make healthy decisions 

when they are older. Talk often 

with preschoolers, and listen to 

what they say.

1. Young children mimic

adults, so use every

opportunity you can to

share your feelings about

substance use. When you

see someone smoking, for

example, tell your child that

tobacco is bad and that it can

cause people to get very sick

and die.

2. Teach on their level. Children

this age will listen as you

explain that things like

cleaning products or paint

have unsafe ingredients in

them. Caution them never

to take a drug unless you,

a grandparent, or a caregiver 

gives it to them.

3. Preschoolers have short

attention spans, so give

short, honest answers. If you

occasionally enjoy a beer on

the weekend and four-year-old

Jimmy wants to taste it, try

to interest him in something

else by saying, “No, this is

only for adults. It can make

children very sick. Let me pour

you some juice instead.”

4. Teach them to make their own

good choices. If they love a

fictional character or famous

athlete, encourage them to eat

healthy foods so they will grow

up to be strong like their idol.

Also, let them make decisions

(for example, what to wear to

preschool) that build confidence

in their ability to do so.

5 TIPS FOR TALKING 

TO ELEMENTARY 

SCHOOL STUDENTS 

(6–10 YEARS OLD)

Children this age are anxious 

to learn. You can talk to them 

about the consequences of using 

substances, such as how it can 

lead to misuse and a substance 

use disorder. You can continue to 

teach and encourage good choices 

around healthy living.

1. Explain about good drugs

versus bad drugs. Let them

know that children should only

take prescription medication

when the adult in charge

tells them to. Be sure they

understand that even good

medicine can make you sick or

kill you if it wasn’t prescribed

for you or you take it for the

wrong reason (to get high).

2. Repeat your message regularly.

Remind these youngsters that

some drugs can cause severe

brain damage or cause people

to die. Explain how even

small amounts of alcohol can

make children sick and harm

their growing brain, making it

harder for them to learn and

remember things in school.

3. Children crave praise, so give

it out freely when deserved.

For example, let them know

they are super smart for

disliking the smell of cigarettes

and that you trust their ability

to make good decisions.
20 | U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration • U.S. Department of Education

4. This is a good opportunity to

involve others in your efforts.

For example, as your child

enters elementary school, offer

to help with a school activity

or drug education event or

program that has an anti-drug

or “no tolerance” message.

5. If your child does not start

conversations about drugs

and alcohol with you, take the

lead. Begin discussions using

real-life events in the news

or in your own lives. This is

true no matter your child’s

age. For example, your child

tells you that a friend named

Kevin rode in a car driven

by his older brother and that

the brother was smoking

marijuana while driving.

Talk about the importance

of not riding in a car with

someone who is using drugs,

and explain what to do in

that situation. You might say,

“Kevin’s brother did something

illegal, and he could go to jail or

have a serious accident. I hope

you know you can call me if

someone you are riding with is

drinking or using drugs. I will

come and get you day or night.”

You could add, “You’ll be

driving in a few years, and I’m

glad you are smart enough not to

drink or do drugs and drive.”

Remember, it is important to talk but 

it is also important to listen.

7 WAYS TO TALK TO 

MIDDLE SCHOOL 

STUDENTS (11–14 

YEARS OLD)

Starting middle school (or junior 

high) is a big step. If you began 

talking with your children about 

drugs and alcohol at a young 

age, they know how you feel and 

they have information. If you did 

not start earlier, this is a great 

time to begin. Your child may 

already be experiencing stressors 

that can lead to substance abuse. 

This is also an important time to 

listen, observe, and check in with 

other parents.

1. As with children at earlier

ages, encourage your children

to share their dreams. Ask

what activities they enjoy

and help them nurture those

interests in positive ways, such

as participating in art, music,

sports, community service,

and academic clubs. Talk to

them about making good

choices, living healthy, and

setting goals.

2. At this age, young teens

(especially girls) start to care

more about how they look.

Remind them that it is normal

for their bodies to change. Find

healthy ways to help boost

their confidence and manage

stress, but remind them how

activities like smoking cause

bad breath and stinky hair. If

your children are interested in

sports, talk to them about how

staying healthy can help them

perform better than a “quick

fix” like anabolic steroids.

3. Friends become very

important at this age, so get to

know your children’s friends.

If you drive them somewhere,

for example, you can listen 

in to learn current issues and 

trends, as well as learn how 

your child interacts with 

others. If your child struggles 

socially or seems drawn to 

an unhealthy peer group, 

try to determine why. Get to 

know their parents, too, and 

share with them your desire 

to raise a drug-free child.

4. When you have talks with

your children, you can

suggest role-playing to help

them practice what they can

say or do if someone offers

drugs or alcohol to them.

“Man, that stuff is really bad

for you!” Or “My mom will

kill me if she finds out I drank

a beer!”

5. Tell your children often that

you will come get them

any time if they need to

leave a place where alcohol

or drugs are being used.

Promise them they won’t get

in trouble for calling you.

If you can’t be available,

find a responsible adult

who will go in your place.

Discuss with them what

they would do (or should

do) if they saw alcohol or

substance use at a party.
Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent’s Guide to Prevention | 21

6. Remember, it is important to

talk but it is also important

to listen. You may have to

ask questions that require

more than a simple “yes” or

“no” answer. Use movies,

song lyrics, or real life events

as topics. For example, “In

that movie last night, the girl

drank beer even though she was

pregnant. Do you think that

might affect her unborn baby?”

Or “My friend’s 14-year-old son

got busted for pot and is going

into a treatment center. What do

you think that will be like?”

7. You might have to assume

the role of a teacher. For

example, your kids may think

it is okay if they only drink

but stay away from drugs.

Discuss with them the risks of

using all kinds of substances,

including alcohol. Also, teach

them how to find credible

information on websites like

www.justthinktwice.com and

https://teens.drugabuse.gov,

which were developed for

teens and young adults. You

can even require that they visit

these websites and report what

they learned before they go to

their first party.

8 TIPS FOR TALKING TO 

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS 

(15–18 YEARS OLD)

By this age, most youth have 

had many opportunities to try 

drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. 

Even if they didn’t use, they 

have probably seen others do it, 

sometimes to excess and perhaps 

with serious consequences. They 

may even know young people 

with substance use disorders. You 

can’t choose their friends. You can 

only help create opportunities for 

healthy choices around friends 

and activities that do not involve 

drinking, smoking, or drugs.

1. Teens this age typically

understand what can happen

if they use drugs. As they

think about their future,

remind them that substance

use can shatter their dreams.

It can negatively affect their

chances of getting into college,

joining the military, or being

hired for some jobs. Encourage

them to continue involvement

in activities they enjoy, as

discussed in the previous

section on ways to talk to

middle school students.

2. Your children may try to

lure you into a debate about

marijuana use for medical or

other reasons. Make sure your

child knows that marijuana

use in any form is illegal for

youth, has harmful effects on

the developing teen brain, and

federal law prohibits it.

3. Teens want independence but

still need appropriate limits.

Have them help you set those

limits (such as curfews). Also,

ask them what consequences

they think are fair for breaking

the rules. Consistently follow

through if rules are broken,

and don’t simply give up

when they push back. They are

testing the boundaries and this

is normal.

4. Tell your children often that

you care about them and that

they are important to you.

Show them you mean it by

regularly spending one-onone time with them. A strong

bond will make your child

more likely to come to you

with questions or concerns

about drugs, alcohol, or other

issues. Even as they push

for independence, they want

A strong bond will make your child more likely 

to come to you with questions or concerns 

about drugs, alcohol, or other issues.
22 | U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration • U.S. Department of Education

someone they love and respect 

to pay attention to them. They 

need YOU!

5. Know what’s trending. The

Drug Identification Chart at

the end of Section 2 shows you

some (but not all) commonly

misused and abused

substances. New drugs show

up all the time, and what’s

popular in your community

may not be in the chart. Ask

your teen about drugs that

are an issue at their school, in

friends’ homes, and at parties.

6. Sometimes teens beg parents

to let them drink at home,

saying it is safer. Do not let

them, and do not let your

child host a party in your

home where alcohol is served.

Doing so would show that

you approve of underage

drinking. Also, you could be

held responsible for anything

that happens to minors who

drink in your home—even

what happens after they leave

your home.

7. As with kids at any age, praise

them for making good choices.

If they know you are proud of

them, it can motivate them to

stay drug free.

8. Parenting does not stop when

your child goes to college.

Find out if there is a program

for freshmen that covers the

school’s drug and alcohol

misuse prevention policies,

programs, and services. If so,

attend with your child; if not,

find out who is responsible

for providing that information

and go with your child to

obtain it. Ask about whether

their drug misuse prevention

programs are evidence-based.

Be sure your child knows the

legal and school penalties for

actions like driving under the 

influence of drugs or alcohol, 

underage drinking, illegal 

drug use, and using a fake ID.

CONVERSATION STARTERS

Talking to your kids about alcohol, 

tobacco, and drugs is not hard. The 

following opportunities can serve 

as teaching moments:

■ If you see a young person

smoking, talk about the

negative effects of tobacco.

■ If you see an interesting news

story, discuss it with your

child. Did a driver who was

drinking run over and kill

someone? Did a young couple

who did drugs lose custody of

their children? Ask how your

child feels about situations and

the potential consequences.

■ While watching a movie or TV

show with your kids, ask if they

think it makes tobacco, alcohol,

and drugs look cool.

■ If you read or hear about

someone affected by substance

use, remind your child

that preventing drug use is

important but that some people

develop substance use disorders.

Also, discuss the importance

of treatment and supporting

people in recovery from their

substance use disorder.

FAMILY CHECKUP: 

POSITIVE PARENTING 

PREVENTS DRUG ABUSE

Parents play an important role 

in preventing their children from 

starting to use drugs.40 The National 

Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) 

provides a parenting resource

Parents play an important role in preventing 

their children from starting to use drugs. 
Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent’s Guide to Prevention | 23

called Family Checkup: Positive 

Parenting Prevents Drug Abuse 

(www.drugabuse.gov/familycheckup). This resource provides 

five questions that build parenting 

skills to help prevent drug use. 

Video clips on the website show 

positive and negative examples of 

these parenting skills.

Don’t assume your 

kids know how to 

handle temptation. 

Instead, educate 

them about risks 

and alternatives 

to temptation so 

they can make 

healthy decisions.

WHY YOU SHOULD 

TALK WITH YOUR CHILD 

ABOUT ALCOHOL41

■ The chance that children will

use alcohol increases as they

get older. About 10 percent

of 12-year-olds say they have

tried alcohol. That number

jumps to 50 percent by age 15.

The sooner you talk to them,

the more chance you have to

influence them.

■ Parents play a critical role in a

child’s decision to experiment

with alcohol. About 80 percent

of children feel that their

parents should have a say in

whether they drink alcohol.

■ Talking to children before they

drink is best, but any time is

better than no time. If you are

direct and honest, they are

more likely to respect your

rules and advice. It is never too

early to talk to your children

about alcohol.

DOS AND DON’TS WHEN TALKING WITH KIDS ABOUT 

DRUGS OR ALCOHOL42

DO explain the dangers using 

language they understand.

DON’T react in anger—even if 

your child makes statements 

that shock you.

DO explain why you do not want 

them to use the substance(s). 

For example, explain that 

substances can mess up their 

concentration, memory, and 

motor skills and can lead to 

poor grades.

DON’T expect all conversations 

with your children to be perfect. 

They won’t be.

DO be there when your child 

wants to talk, no matter the 

time of day or night or other 

demands on your time.

DON’T assume your kids know 

how to handle temptation. 

Instead, educate them about 

risks and alternatives to 

temptation so they can make 

healthy decisions.

DO believe in your own power 

to help your child grow up 

without using alcohol, tobacco, 

or other drugs.

DON’T talk without listening.

DO praise your children when 

they deserve it. This builds their 

self-esteem and makes them 

feel good without using drugs 

or alcohol.

DON’T make stuff up. If your 

child asks a question you 

can’t answer, promise to find 

the answer so you can learn 

together. Then follow up.
24 | U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration • U.S. Department of Education

SECTION 5: WHAT IF I THINK MY 

CHILD IS USING DRUGS?

Sometimes—no matter how 

hard parents try—their 

children will experiment 

with drugs or alcohol. If you think

something is going on with your 

child, take steps to find out for sure.

For example, a child who starts 

acting withdrawn or seems tired, 

depressed, or mad for no reason 

could be experimenting with 

drugs. Other signs43 can include:

■ Changing friends

■ Not caring about

personal appearance

■ Slipping grades, skipping classes

■ Losing interest in favorite

activities

■ Trouble at school or with the law

■ Changes in eating or

sleeping habits

■ Not getting along with

family members

■ Lying or stealing

These signs do not always mean 

there is a drug or alcohol problem. 

But you should be concerned and 

try to find out what is going on.

HOW TO PROCEED

Share your suspicions with your 

spouse, partner, or someone you 

trust who is unbiased and can help 

you sort out your feelings and 

help answer your questions, such 

as a doctor, faith-based leader, 

school nurse, or a school drug and 

alcohol counselor.

Before talking with your child, 

practice the conversation until 

you are sure you can remain calm. 

Wait until your child is sober (or 

has not used drugs) before starting 

the conversation. Start by sharing 

your suspicions but do not make 

accusations. “Susan, I suspect you 

may be smoking pot occasionally. I 

love you and I’m concerned about you. 

Is there something going on that we 

need to talk about?”

Be prepared for all kinds of 

reactions. Your child may accuse 

you of snooping, say that you 

are crazy, or call you a hypocrite 

(especially if you smoke or 

occasionally have a drink). Your 

child may express hatred and 

threaten to leave home. Remain 

calm. If your child denies there is 

a problem, emphasize how much 

you care. “I want to believe you, 

because young people who use drugs 

are at risk for many bad things. I’d be 

devastated if something bad happened 

to you while you were high.”

If you have evidence your child 

is using drugs or alcohol, enforce 

the discipline you agreed on for 

breaking the rules. “Remember, 

we had a deal that no member of 

this family would use drugs.”

During this conversation, express 

your love and concern through 

your words and your tone. 

“Sweetheart, I (we) love and care 

about you. I (we) want you to be 

healthy, safe, and successful.”

A word of caution. It is human 

nature to want to believe your 

children. If your suspicions are 

strong (and especially if you have 

hard evidence), do not pretend 

that everything is fine. It obviously 

isn’t. Also, do not blame yourself or 

believe that your family is beyond 

these challenges. Drug misuse 

occurs in all kinds of families.

If the conversation becomes heated 

or out of control, express love for 

your child and end the discussion 

with a plan to resume it later. You 

took a big step, and you can try 

again another day. If your child 

refuses to talk or takes a turn for 

the worse, ask a school guidance 

counselor, family doctor, or drug 

treatment referral center for help.

SUBSTANCE USE 

DISORDERS

Society used to think people with 

a substance use disorder lacked 

willpower. Today, science tells us 

that a substance use disorder is 

a chronic brain disorder with the 

chance for recurrence (relapse) 

and recovery. It is a brain disorder 

because it changes multiple brain 

circuits that control decision 

making, impulse control, reward, 

stress response, learning and 

memory, motivation, and other 

functions. The changes can be 

long lasting and can cause people 

to engage in harmful and selfdestructive behaviors.44

Substance use disorders can be 

treated, but long-term recovery 

may take several attempts, so do 

not give up hope!

SCREENING AND 

TREATMENT

Screening, Brief Intervention, and 

Referral to Treatment (commonly 

referred to as SBIRT) is one way 

to help young people at risk for 
Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent’s Guide to Prevention | 25

substance use. This is a quick 

screening by a doctor or substance 

use disorder specialist to see if 

your child uses substances and at 

what level and includes referral 

to specialty treatment as needed. 

You can also learn about options 

for treatment. These may range 

from a few outpatient visits with 

a professional to more intensive 

options, such as inpatient treatment.

Call the Substance Abuse 

and Mental Health Services 

Administration (SAMHSA) toll free 

at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). They 

have information about help in 

your state. You can also go online 

to www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov

or see Section 6 of this guide.

RECOVERY

Recovery is when a person with 

a substance use disorder stops 

taking drugs and starts living 

a healthy and productive life 

without them. Recovery may not 

be easy. Simply stopping the use 

of drugs for a few days or even 

months does not mean someone 

is cured. Most people need longterm or repeated care to stop using 

completely and to recover their 

lives.45 Relapse prevention services 

can help students returning to a 

school setting.

The Association of Recovery 

Schools (ARS) website at 

www.recoveryschools.org has 

information about schools for 

students who are recovering from 

drug and alcohol problems. They 

offer regular school courses and 

recovery support services.

The Association of Recovery 

in Higher Education (www.

collegiaterecovery.org) 

supports students who want 

a college degree by helping 

prevent relapse and promoting 

academic performance.

Finally, the entire family may need 

counseling. Recovery is not just 

about the person with a substance 

use disorder. The well-being of 

all family members is important 

so they can support and help the 

person in recovery.

Substance use disorders 

can be treated, but longterm recovery may take 

several attempts, so do 

not give up hope!
26 | U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration • U.S. Department of Education

SECTION 6: RESOURCES46

FOR YOUTHS

ABOVE THE INFLUENCE – www.abovetheinfluence.com

This site gives facts to teens that help them stand up to negative influences, such as the pressure to use 

drugs and alcohol.

THE COOL SPOT – www.thecoolspot.gov

The Cool Spot gives kids 11–13 years old facts about alcohol use, its effects, and tips for handling peer 

pressure. Created by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

JUST THINK TWICE – www.justthinktwice.com

This site for young people gives information about drugs and their consequences. Created by the U.S. Drug 

Enforcement Administration (DEA).

NIDA FOR TEENS – http://teens.drugabuse.gov

Teens can learn about drugs, get advice from other teens, watch educational videos, and play brain games. 

There are sections for teachers and parents. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) created the site.

STUDENTS AGAINST DESTRUCTIVE DECISIONS (SADD) – www.sadd.org

SADD wants to stop the things that can happen because of bad decisions, especially those involving 

underage drinking, drug use, impaired and risky driving, and teen violence and suicide.

TEENS.SMOKEFREE.GOV – http://teens.smokefree.gov

This site helps teens understand the decisions they make. A free text messaging app provides 

encouragement. There is also a toll-free quitline number at 1-800-QUIT-NOW. Website courtesy of the 

National Cancer Institute.

FOR PARENTS

Depending on the age and maturity of your children, you may wish to share links in this section with them.

ASSOCIATION OF RECOVERY SCHOOLS – www.recoveryschools.org

This group of recovery high schools helps students succeed in education and recovery.

ASSOCIATION OF RECOVERY IN HIGHER EDUCATION – www.collegiaterecovery.org

This group’s aim is to support students in recovery who are attending college.

COMMUNITY ANTI-DRUG COALITIONS OF AMERICA (CADCA) – www.cadca.org

CADCA is an organization helping make communities safe, healthy, and drug free.

U.S. DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION (DEA) – www.dea.gov

DEA enforces controlled substance laws in the United States. They teach teens about dangerous 

substances with a website at www.justthinktwice.com. They have a website for parents, caregivers, and 

educators at www.getsmartaboutdrugs.com.

EASY-TO-READ DRUG FACTS – www.easyread.drugabuse.gov

NIDA created this simple site with pictures and videos to help make it easier to learn about drugs, 

addiction, treatment, and prevention. The website can also read each page out loud.
Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent’s Guide to Prevention | 27

GET SMART ABOUT DRUGS – www.getsmartaboutdrugs.com

This site has valuable drug education and prevention resources for parents, educators, and caregivers. 

Information is provided by the DEA.

NATIONAL COUNCIL ON ALCOHOLISM AND DRUG DEPENDENCE, INC. – www.ncadd.org

Find information on alcohol and drug addiction, including how to find help in your area.

NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON ALCOHOL ABUSE AND ALCOHOLISM (NIAAA) – www.niaaa.nih.gov

NIAAA offers pamphlets, fact sheets, and brochures about alcohol-related issues on its website. To learn 

more about preventing alcohol misuse among college students, go to www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov.

NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE (NIDA) – www.nida.nih.gov

NIDA brings the power of science to research about drug use and addiction. The website features a 

section for parents and teachers, as well as a section for students and young adults.

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE – www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

This crisis hotline is for many issues, not just suicide. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) toll free if you feel sad, 

hopeless, or suicidal; if you are concerned about a friend or family member; if you have been bullied; 

or if you need mental health treatment referrals. Funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health 

Services Administration.

OFFICE OF NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL POLICY (ONDCP) – www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp

ONDCP staff advise the president on U.S. drug control. They also produce a National Drug Control 

Strategy to address illicit drugs, as well as crimes and health issues related to drugs.

OPERATION PREVENTION – www.operationprevention.com

The DEA and Discovery Education have joined forces to combat the epidemic of prescription opioid 

misuse and heroin use nationwide. Operation Prevention’s mission is to educate students through virtual 

field trips, interactive activities, and digital lesson plans on the true impacts of opioids and kick-start 

lifesaving conversations in the home and classroom.

PARTNERSHIP FOR DRUG-FREE KIDS (PDFA) – www.drugfree.org

PDFA is a nonprofit organization that helps parents and caregivers prevent, intervene in, and find 

treatment for drug and alcohol use by their children. PDFA maintains a Parents Toll-Free Helpline (in 

English or Spanish) at 1-855-DRUGFREE (1-855-378-4373). It also provides a toolkit for parents who 

are seeking treatment for their child (www.drugfree.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/treatment_

guide-2014.pdf).

SMOKEFREE.GOV – www.smokefree.gov

This website can help you or a loved one quit smoking. It supports your immediate and long-term needs 

as you quit smoking and learn to stay a non-smoker. Also, you can call the toll-free quitline number at 

1-800-QUIT-NOW. Courtesy of the National Cancer Institute.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION – www.samhsa.gov

SAMHSA oversees and administers programs on mental health, drug abuse prevention, and drug 

treatment. To download or order SAMHSA publications, go to www.store.samhsa.gov.

THE NATIONAL PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA) – www.pta.org

This national organization works with groups that benefit the health and safety of children. The website 

lets you find a chapter or learn about organizing a group in your area.

Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent’s Guide to Prevention | 29

REFERENCES

1 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (hereafter SAMHSA), Key Substance Use and Mental Health 

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NSDUH-FFR1-2015.htm.

2 DuPont, R.L., Caldeira, K.M., DuPont, H.S., Vincent, K.B., Shea, C.L., and Arria, A.M. 2013. America’s dropout crisis: The 

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3 National Institute on Drug Abuse (hereafter NIDA), Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction, Drug Abuse and 

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5 America’s dropout crisis, page iii.

6 America’s dropout crisis, page i.

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accessed August 18, 2016, at www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/health_and_academics/index.htm.

9 Johnston, L.D., O’Malley, P.M., Miech, R.A., Bachman, J.G., & Schulenberg, J.E. 2016. Monitoring the Future national survey 

results on drug use, 1975-2015, Ann Arbor: Institute for Social Research, The University of Michigan. 2015 Overview, Key 

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justthinktwice.com/you-die-drugs.

12 Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2020 Topics and Objectives, Adolescent Health, accessed August 18, 

2016, at www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/Adolescent-Health.

13 NIDA, Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction.

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betobaccofree.hhs.gov/about-tobacco/facts-figures/index.html.

15 Monitoring the Future national survey results on drug use, 1975-2015, Volume 1, Secondary School Students, page 36.

16 https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/UnderageDrinking/UnderageFact.htm. Accessed on January 31, 2017.

17 SAMHSA, Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States.

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niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/alcohol-facts-and-statistics, accessed August 10, 2016.

19 HHS, Office of the Surgeon General, Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health. 

Washington, DC: HHS, November 2016.

20 SAMHSA website, Prescription Drug Misuse and Abuse Overview, Accessed December 2, 2016, at www.samhsa.gov/

prescription-drug-misuse-abuse.
30 | U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration • U.S. Department of Education

21 DEA, Drugs of Abuse, 2015 Edition, a DEA Resource Guide, accessed August 21, 2016, at www.dea.gov/pr/multimedialibrary/publications/drug_of_abuse.pdf.

22 DEA, Get Smart About Drugs website, How Opioid (Painkiller) Abuse Can Lead to Heroin Use, accessed August 18, 2016, 

at www.getsmartaboutdrugs.com/content/how-opioid-painkiller-abuse-can-lead-heroin-use.

23 CDC website, Injury Prevention & Control, Opioid Overdose, accessed August 18, 2016, at www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose.

24 University of Mississippi, Potency Monitoring Program, Quarterly Report 135.

25 DEA, Get Smart About Drugs website, What You Should Know About Marijuana Concentrates/Honey Butane Oil, 

accessed August 11, 2016, at www.getsmartaboutdrugs.com/content/what-you-should-know-about-marijuanaconcentrates-honey-butane-oil.

26 CDC, Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance—United States, 2015, Surveillance Summaries, Vol. 65/No. 6, Morbidity and 

Mortality Weekly Report for June 10, 2016, accessed August 16, 2016, at https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/

pdf/2015/ss6506_updated.pdf.

27 DEA, Get Smart About Drugs website, Spice/K2, Synthetic Marijuana Drug Info page, https://www.justthinktwice.gov/

drugs/spice-k2-synthetic-marijuana, accessed January 8, 2017.

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page 13.

29 CDC, National Center for Health Statistics, National Vital Statistics Reports, Volume 65, Number 10, December 20, 2016, 

Drugs Most Frequently Involved in Drug Overdose Deaths: United States 2010-2014. Accessed January 9, 2017, at www.cdc.

gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr65/nvsr65_10.pdf.

30 NIDA. Principles of Substance Abuse Prevention for Early Childhood, accessed December 5, 2016, at www.drugabuse.gov/

publications/principles-substance-abuse-prevention-early-childhood.

31 HHS, Facing Addiction in America.

32 NIDA, Principles of Substance Abuse Prevention for Early Childhood, accessed December 5, 2016.

33 HHS, Facing Addiction in America.

34 CDC website, Adolescent and School Health, School Connectedness, accessed August 13, 2016, at www.cdc.gov/

healthyyouth/protective/school_connectedness.htm.

35 National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments website, accessed September 30, 2016, at 

https://safesupportivelearning.ed.gov/edscls.

36 School Climate Research Summary: August 2012, School Climate Brief, No. 3, accessed September 30, 2016, at 

www.schoolclimate.org/climate/research.php.

37 Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics, February 2012 Evaluation Brief, What Are 

Districts’ Written Policies Regarding Student Substance-Related Incidents? Accessed November 30, 2016, at http://ies.ed.gov/

ncee/pubs/20124022/pdf/20124022.pdf.

38 Suggestions in Section 4 were primarily based on the NIAAA booklet, Make a Difference – Talk To Your Child About 

Alcohol, at http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/MakeADiff_HTML/makediff.htm; the NIDA guide, Marijuana: 

Facts Parents Need to Know, at www.drugabuse.gov/publications/marijuana-facts-parents-need-to-know/letter-toparents; SAMHSA’s “Talk. They Hear You.” website at www.samhsa.gov/underage-drinking/parent-resources; and 

HHS, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Talk to Your Kids about Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drugs web page at 

https://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/parenting/healthy-communication-and-relationships/talk-to-yourkids-about-tobacco-alcohol-and-drugs. All were accessed December 7, 2016.

39 NIDA, Principles of Substance Abuse Prevention for Early Childhood, accessed August 15, 2016.

40 NIDA, Family Checkup, accessed December 8, 2016, at www.drugabuse.gov/family-checkup.

41 SAMHSA, “Talk. They Hear You.” application, Underage Drinking Prevention National Media Campaign, accessed August 

17, 2016, at www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/why-talk-about-alcohol_0.pdf.
Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent’s Guide to Prevention | 31

42 Suggestions in this table were primarily based on the NIAAA booklet, Make a Difference – Talk To Your Child About Alcohol, 

at http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/MakeADiff_HTML/makediff.htm; the NIDA guide, Marijuana: Facts Parents 

Need to Know, at www.drugabuse.gov/publications/marijuana-facts-parents-need-to-know/letter-to-parents; SAMHSA’s 

“Talk. They Hear You.” website at www.samhsa.gov/underage-drinking/parent-resources; and HHS, Office of Disease 

Prevention and Health Promotion, Talk to Your Kids about Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drugs web page at https://healthfinder.gov/

HealthTopics/Category/parenting/healthy-communication-and-relationships/talk-to-your-kids-about-tobacco-alcoholand-drugs. All were accessed December 7, 2016.

43 NIDA, Principles of Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Treatment: A Research-Based Guide, accessed December 5, 2016, at 

www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-adolescent-substance-use-disorder-treatment-research-based-guide.

44 NIDA, The Science of Drug Abuse and Addiction: The Basics, accessed August 16, 2016, at www.drugabuse.gov/publications/

media-guide/science-drug-abuse-addiction-basics.

45 NIDA, Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction, accessed online November 30, 2016, at www.drugabuse.gov/publications/

drugfacts/treatment-approaches-drug-addiction.

46 The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Department of Education do not endorse products or services 

not affiliated with the federal government.
32 | U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration • U.S. Department of Education

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Department of 

Education thank the following people and agencies for their review and 

helpful comments on the publication:

Brian King, Ph.D.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Corinne Husten, MD

Food and Drug Administration

Michele Bloch, MD, Ph.D.

National Cancer Institute

Vivian Faden, Ph.D.

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

National Institute on Drug Abuse

Office of National Drug Control Policy

Jennifer Fan, PharmD, JD

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration