There are numerous resources available, many right in your own community, where you can get information to help you talk to your children about drugs.
Some helpful sources to get such information are 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 a wide variety of free publications, education materials, and videos to help parents talk to their children about drug use.
Free resources include:
- Family Checkup, (online or hard copy) that provides parents with research-based skills, such as videos with conversation tips on how to help their children make good personal choices
- Step-by-Step Guide, an online guide that offers guidance on what parents can do if their teen appears to be misusing drugs
- Principles of Substance Abuse Prevention for Early Childhood, an online report that addresses early interventions and their 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 at nimh.nih.gov provides the latest research findings and many other resources that cover information on mental health disorders and drug misuse. Drug misuse often begins while children are battling depression or anxiety.
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 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 and laws related to drug use. The DEA also has a site with resources for parents, educators, and caregivers at getsmartaboutdrugs.gov.
This publication is available for your use and may be reproduced in its entirety without permission from NIDA. Citation of the source is appreciated, using the following language: Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse; National Institutes of Health; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.