When children move into the adolescent years, their behavior can leave parents wondering "Who are you?" In an effort to help parents better understand their teenagers, the Partnership for a Drug-Free America has launched a new website.

"The site... was created in collaboration with the Treatment Research Institute in Philadelphia, top scientists and researchers on substance abuse and addiction, and Boston-based WGBH, leading in public broadcasting and educational multimedia."

Called "A Parent's Guide to the Teen Brain", the website explains how the brain develops and why teenagers are prone to risky behaviors like drug or alcohol experimentation. It also gives advice on how parents can use this information to connect with their children. Source: PR Web

Labels: behaviors, parents

Talk about teen substance abuse typically centers on extreme behavior - getting drunk at parties, habitual drug use, and so on. But even occasional use can create a dangerous habit.

"Most teenagers will tell you gulping down an occasional glass of beer along with a cigarette at a bar is fun, not substance abuse. That's where they are wrong. One glass of beer may not be addictive, but can lead to a chain of behavior that can leave you a physical and mental wreck. It can become a habit."

The habit becomes an even greater risk when parents aren't actively involved in their kids' lives. Read more at HindustanTimes.com.

NorthStar Center teaches teens and young adults how to have safe, sober fun. Learn more about their adolescent substance abuse treatment program at www.northstarcenter.com.

Labels: behaviors, parental_involvement, parties

Young teens that smoke, drink and use drugs by themselves develop more health and behavior problems than those who use socially, according to a new study by the Rand Corporation.

Solitary users are at more risk for poor physical health by age 23 and less likely to graduate from college.

Among children ages 13 and 14 years old, about 16% smoked cigarettes, 17% drank alcohol and 4% used marijuana when they were alone. The study, published in Psychology of Addictive Behaviors journal, indicates that such children are at risk for problems in later life.

Labels: behaviors, health_problems, solitude

Maury County, Tennessee is launching two separate anti-drug programs that both have the same focus - replacing negative substance abuse habits with positive behaviors. One of the programs, led by the Tennessee chapter of the Drug Free Clubs of America, will reward middle and high school students for remaining drug free.

"Volunteers in the program agree to take a periodical, random urine drug screening to ensure they live up to their pledge to remain drug-free. 'For volunteering to take these screenings, we give them a photo ID card they can use at all kinds of local and national businesses', said Holly Davis, Tennessee Representative of DFCA."

The other program, Centerstone's Project SELF is a six month program for students with substance abuse disorders. Read more at ColumbiaDailyHerald.com.

Labels: anti-drug_programs, behaviors, schools