There are numerous resources, many right in your own community, where you can get information to help you talk to your children about drugs.
Consult your local library, school, or community service organization. You may also contact the government organizations listed below.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
NIDA, as part of the National Institutes of Health, offers an extensive collection of publications, education materials, and videos to help parents talk to their children about drug use.
Free resources include:
- Step-by-Step Guide, which offers guidance on what parents can do if their teen or young adult appears to have a drug use problem
- Principles of Substance Abuse Prevention for Early Childhood, which addresses the ways in which early interventions have positive effects on development
Visit our Parents & Educators page for a list of other materials.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Visit NIAAA at niaaa.nih.gov for information about a variety of alcohol-related issues, which frequently intersect with other drug use problems.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
NIMH (nimh.nih.gov) provides the latest research findings and numerous other resources covering a variety of mental health disorders, which often co-occur with drug abuse.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
SAMHSA's treatment locator can help you find a drug or alcohol treatment program near you. Visit www.samhsa.gov for more information about substance use disorder prevention and treatment policies, programs, and services.
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
Visit dea.gov for information about various drugs, laws (including drug classifications), and U.S. regulations. The DEA also has a site with resources for parents, educators, and caregivers, getsmartaboutdrugs.gov.