Educators

Educators

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It is likely that the youth you work with will be exposed to illicit drugs. By the 12th grade, half of all students have tried illicit drugs or inhalents. Marijuana is the illicit drug of choice with 13.5% of 8th graders, 37% of 10th graders, and a whopping 45% of 12th graders having used it at least once in their lives. Contrary to popular belief, marijuana is far from harmless. Its use can lead to a host of significant health, social, learning, and behavioral problems at a crucial time in a young person's development.

	Be the Difference Learn the facts about marijuana Educate parents Talk to your youth Get involved in community
	Marijuana - Drug Facts Drugabuse.gov Above the Influence

Although prescription opioid misuse among teenagers has decreased, deaths from these drugs are higher than ever. Teenagers also misuse prescription stimulants and depressants.

Obtaining these drugs can be as easy as opening the family medicine cabinet, a friend's purse, or locker. Nearly half of teenagers get them from their own home. Getting parents to talk to their children about prescription drugs is effective in curbing misuse, but parents aren't doing it.

	Be the Difference Learn the facts about prescription drug abuse. Educate parents. Talk to your youth. Get involved in the community.
	Prescription Drugs - Drug Facts Drugabuse.gov Above the Influence

When it comes to teen drug abuse, parents need education too. Here are a few resources you can use to educate the parents you work with.

Brochures

Download Teen Prescription Drug Abuse Fact Sheet »

Program Toolkits

Mind Over Matter: This is the teacher's guide for the "Mind Over Matter" series. This exciting neuroscience education series, developed by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a component of the National Institutes of Health, is designed to encourage youngsters in grades 5-9 to learn about the biological effects of drug abuse on the body and the brain.

View Toolkit »