How parents can prevent teen drug use

Here is a roundup of parenting-related information that has been sitting in my Inbox . . .

Arguing with mom preps teens for peer pressure (TODAY!Moms)

New report shows that adolescents are far more likely to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs if they live with a parent that drives under the influence (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)

Adult-supervised Alcohol Use and Harmful Consequences among American and Australian Teens (Underage Drinking Enforcement Training Center)

From the CDC:

• Positive Parenting Tips -- Young Teens (12 to 14 years)
• Positive Parenting Tips -- Teenagers (15-17 years)
• "Parents Are the Key" -- CDC offers parents tools and proven steps for reducing teen driving injuries and deaths.

Teenagers driving safely

From a press release from the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign:

As part of the National Drug Control Strategy, President Obama has made combating drugged driving a national priority and set a goal of reducing drugged driving prevalence by 10 percent by 2015.

As teens take to the roads, you can take action by talking about the dangers of drugged and drunk driving. Parents are the most important influence on their teen when it comes to risky behaviors, including substance abuse and driving. Teens who report having conversations with their parents about alcohol and drug use are more likely to stay drug-free, compared to teens who do not talk about substance abuse with their parents.

Free online resources for community leaders and parents of teen drivers to help start the conversation about the dangers of driving under the influence are available at: http://www.theantidrug.com/resources/impaired-driving.aspx. Resources available include:

-- A New Driver's Kit: Tips, facts, quizzes, and more alerting parents and teens to the dangers of drugged, drunk, and distracted driving.

-- Parent-Teen Driving Contract: Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) designed this contract to help facilitate communication between teens and parents about potentially destructive decisions related to risky behaviors and driving.

-- Top 10 Tips for Preventing Teen Accidents: Tips for preventing teen accidents.