Teens and Drug Use Statistics:

• Alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco are substances most commonly used by adolescents.

• By 12th grade, about two-thirds of students have tried alcohol.

• About half of 9th through 12th grade students reported ever having used marijuana.

• Among 12th graders, close to 2 in 10 reported using prescription medicine without a prescription.

• Although it is illegal for people under 21 years of age to drink alcohol, the findings show that people from 12 to 20 years of age consume about one-tenth of all alcohol consumed in the United States.
  

Education is one of the keys to helping our youth make better decisions regarding drugs and alcohol. Following are some informative links on the subject.

Alcohol

• Underage Drinking Facts (National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism)

• Alcohol: What Families Need to Know to Help Young People

• “Talk. They Hear You.” Campaign

Marijuana/Cannabis

• Marijuana and Mental Health

• CDC Health Effects of Marijuana

• Youth Marijuana Use

• Johnny’s Ambassadors: Saving our Youth from the Harms of Marijuana

• Cannabis Conversations

Opioids and Other Drugs

• Talking to Your Teens About Opioids

• Fentanyl Facts for Parents

• United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

Support for Youth and Parents

• Start Talking Now

• Not a Moment Wasted (Healthy Alternatives to Alcohol & Marijuana in College)

• Prevention and Early Action for Parents

• Parent Coaching: Get Support from Another Parent Who’s Experienced a Child's Addiction

• Al Anon for friends, family of anyone with a drug or alcohol problem. Anonymous and confidential. Learn life skills and find hope. Teen support for friends and family with drug or alcohol issues