Substance abuse: Dealing with teen substance use
Introduction
Use of alcohol, cigarettes, inhalants, and other drugs among adolescents is a major concern for parents. Preteens and teens are starting to use harmful and illegal substances at younger ages. Teen drinking, smoking, and drug use can affect general health, physical growth, emotional development, and school performance. You can recognize and respond to substance use by:
- Knowing the signs of substance use.
- Discussing substance use with your teen.
- Getting appropriate treatment if your teen has an abuse problem.
What is teen substance use?
Why is it important to recognize and deal with teen substance use?
How to recognize and deal with teen substance abuse
Where to go from here
More information about alcohol and drug use problems can be found in the following topics:
Return to topic:
| Author: | Jeannette Curtis Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS | Last Updated: August 27, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Yifrah Kaminer, MD - Child and Adolescent Psychiatry | |
 | ||