Teen Drug Use Declines, But Parents Need to Remain Vigilant

There is good news to report to parents today! This year's Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey shows that teen drug use has declined by 23 percent since 2001 for 8th, 10th, and 12th graders combined. This translates into nearly 840,000 fewer youth using illicit drugs in 2006 than in 2001. The study also shows that while marijuana continues to be the most commonly used illicit drug among teens, current use of marijuana has dropped by 25 percent over the past five years.
Monitoring the Future web site: http://monitoringthefuture.org/

These declines are due in large part to YOUR efforts as parents. You've been monitoring your teens' activities, taking the time to speak with them, listening to and answering their questions, and that work is paying off.

A parent's work is never done though and despite the encouraging news, there is an area of growing concern. Abuse of prescription drugs by teens has been on the rise and parents need to be aware of the potential dangers of these drugs if they are abused.

That's why it is so important to remain vigilant:

Monitor teens' behavior by randomly checking up on them to make sure
they are where they say they are.
Read more: http://www.theantidrug.com/
advice/advice_monitor.asp

Keep lines of communication open with your teen.
Read more: http://www.theantidrug.com/advice/advice_communicate.asp

Remain up to date on current drug trends such as use of prescription
drugs to get high and what's driving teens to experiment with these and
other drugs.
Read more: http://www.theantidrug.com/drug_info/prescription_drugs.asp;
http://www.theantidrug.com/drug_info
/prescription_whatsdriving.asp

Take inventory in your own home and keep your prescription medications
in a safe place and out of the reach of your children.

Stay educated about changing technologie and how those technologies
can facilitate drug use by your teen.
Read more: http://www.theantidrug.com/E-Monitoring/index.asp

Know the signs of abuse, such as depression, withdrawal, carelessness
with grooming, hostility, or declining grades.
Read more: http://www.theantidrug.com/ei/signs_symptoms.asp

Your role, as the parent of a teenager, is to provide him or her with a
knowledge and understanding of drugs so that he/she will make the right
decision, even when you're not around. Visit www.theantidrug.com often
for more advice and tips on how to keep your teens drug-free.