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March 2013Vol. 14, No. 2Drug Abuse Prevention Guide

The U.S. Department of Justice's Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Department of Education revised the publication Growing up Drug-Free: A Parent's Guide to Prevention. The user-friendly guide provides parents with strategies for communicating with their children about the risks of using drugs and alcohol.

The publication's first section explores the myths and facts about drug abuse. Another section lists the many drugs commonly used by youth today, along with the risks and side effects. Other important information includes:

  • Possible developmental problems caused by drug use in children who begin to use substances at an early age
  • Protective factors that can help children stay drug free
  • The signs of substance abuse and resources for seeking treatment
  • Personal stories from parents who have lost children to drugs and alcohol
  • A how-to section for families with substance abuse issues

Growing up Drug-Free: A Parent's Guide to Prevention is available here:

http://www.justice.gov/dea/pr/multimedia-library/publications/growing-up-drug-free.pdf (4 MB)