"Parents are the most potent and underused tool in preventing substance abuse."
- Joseph A. Califano, Jr., Chairman and President, Center for Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University
This section is a resource for parents and families to become better educated about youth substance abuse - to understand the many aspects that surround this issue, to clarify misconceptions, answer questions, offer scientific support and provide practical solutions.
Here you will find useful links to nationally recognized websites. Some provide the latest in research findings, others provide facts about alcohol and various illicit and prescription drugs. Many will provide useful parenting tips and great newsletters you can sign up for. You can subscribe to our very own free RADAR newsletter. You'll be amazed how helpful it is to get these newsletters as reminders to help you navigate the tough teen years.
Why this is important.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) of the U.S. Department of Heath and Human Services, 40% of children who start drinking before the age of 15 will become dependant on alcohol or suffer other mental health disorders at some point in their lives. Delaying the use of alcohol until the legal age helps avoid many of the associated problems. This is the reason why the United States Surgeon General's Office issued a Call to Action to Prevent and Reduce Underage Drinking. The Call to Action presents a compelling foundation for change to the accepted culture and attitudes towards underage drinking in America and asks parents, communities and educational systems to take a stand to work for a solution.
According to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, teens who report that they learn a lot about the risks of drugs from their parents are close to 50 percent less likely to use them, yet fewer than one-third of teens say they "learn a lot about the risks of drugs" from their parents. According to kids from our own community who participated in our first "dialog day" in spring 2008, meaningful parental involvement and empathy is welcomed - not just a yes or no on these sensitive topics.
Underage alcohol and drug use is abundant in our community. The whole community must be engaged and feel ownership of the substance use problem. Only by working together toward a shared vision with a specific action plan can long-term change be achieved. As we know, parents play a most vital role. But you needn't go it alone!
Please take advantage of the many resources on this website, learn about the risks and talk to your children. Get involved in RADAR and become empowered to help improve our children's future.
Drugs and Alcohol - New Science = Greater Concerns
A Parent's Guide to the Teenage Brain from Partnership for a Drug-Free America
American Medical Association Report on Alcohol's Adverse Effects on the Teenage Brain - Click here for report
Surgeon General's Call to Action
How the Brain is affected by Marijuana
Community of Concern - Science on your side
Understand the Science of Addiction
Drug and Alcohol Facts - Did you know?
Get facts and general information about alcohol and specific drugs. Use these websites to look up information about various substances. Get street names, descriptions about what they look like, specific health concerns, short term and long term and other key factual information.
Parents the Anti-Drug - A stellar collection of information, practical advice and wisdom. A top notch resource - subscribe to the newsletter too!
We Don't Serve Teens - A National Campaign to Prevent Underage Drinking
The Partnership for a Drug-Free America Get smart and get in the game - up to date information and advice for parents and teens - what you need to know and do!
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) The science of Drug Abuse & Addiction
A Family Guide To Keeping Youth Mentally Healthy & Drug Free - Part of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Know how to spot alcohol poisoning - Click here
General Resources and Parenting Tips
You are the most important influence in preventing substance use. It's all about the relationship
- Establish and maintain strong communication with your child - including listening and showing empathy.
- Make clear rules and enforce them with consistency and appropriate consequences.
- Get involved in your child's life - but balance it with helping them be responsible & independent.
- Be a positive role model - your behavior is so much more powerful than your words.
You'll find plenty of helpful information and parenting tips at these websites.
Parents. The Anti-Drug - Advice and Drug information for Parents. Sign up for their parent newsletter.
SAMHSA - A Family Guide to Keeping Youth Mentally Healthy and Drug-Free
Partnership for a Drug-Free America - for parents section. Sign up for their parent newsletter.
Parenting resource based on the Search Institute's Developmental Assets ®
Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free - A unique coalition of Governors' spouses, Federal agencies, and public and private organizations.
Partnership for a Drug-Free America - main site - known for national education campaigns. Website provides answers, guidance, tips and stories.
Parenting Teens Online
Talk to Your Kids
Research shows that kids who learn a lot about the risks of drugs and alcohol from their parents are up to 50% less likely to use. By talking to your kids about drugs and alcohol, you can help them make better choices and live safer, healthier lives. Talking to your kids about difficult topics is not always easy. Here are several websites that provide help and conversation starters.
How to Start a Conversation with your Teen about Drugs
Online toolkit to help parents connect with their kids
More conversation starters
Parenting Workshops
The popular "Staying Connected With Your Teen" parent workshop, which is run by the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Community Counseling Center, is offered several times a year to parents who want to improve their communication skills with their adolescent children and develop more confidence and skill in their parenting. The program teaches ways parents can set limits and address issues about drugs and alcohol and develop more effective ways to respond to their teens. Held in two hour weekly sessions, either in the morning or evening, the workshops meet for five weeks. Please contact Robbie Seidman, Assistant Director at the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Community Counseling Center at 698-7549 or email Robbie Seidman at
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to learn more about the workshops or to register for the next series. RADAR is funding this successful program through the DFC grant.
More Parenting Help
Ten Common Sense Strategies for Parents - Click here for document
Teen Parties - Click here to read RADAR's own Teen Party Brochure
What you can say to people who think teen drinking is not a serious problem
Spring Break - Click here for document
Prom Safety message from Westchester County
Research, Policy and News about the Effects of Drugs & Alcohol
Advancing Effective Alcohol and Drug Policy, Prevention and Treatment - Sign up for the newsletter and stay up to date on latest information.
Brain Damage in Adolescents Due to Drinking
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism - Contains research and health related news and information.
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Office of National Drug Control Policy
Drug and alcohol abuse is in our communities
Mamaroneck District Teen Surveys. Don't miss our upcoming Survey Results meeting on Nov. 29th- Save the Date
Westchester - Protecting Youth
Legal Responsibilities Parents Should Know -- Parents who Host Lose the Most - Click here for fact card
Westchester County's Social Host Law - The primary purpose of the Social Host Law is to address the problem of adults who allow minors to drink in their homes as opposed to adults who actually provide the alcohol. Click here for more facts about the law.
Additional Resources -- Websites
Books & Publications:
Screamfree Parenting
Stay Connected
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