AAP Patient Education Library
Collections
- A Minute For Kids
- Connected Kids
- For Teens
- Plain Language
- Tipp Sheets
- Vaccine Information Statements
Categories
- Adolescents And School Aged Children
- Behavioral And Psychosocial Issues
- Common Illnesses And Conditions
- Growth And Development
- Immunization Information
- Newborns Infants And Toddlers
- Nutrition And Fitness
- Promoting Pediatric Care
- Safety And Prevention
- Sexual Health And Sexuality
- Substance Abuse Issues
Substance Abuse Issues
»
Alcohol: Your Child and Drugs
One of the most abused drugs in our society is alcohol. It's also a drug that many people start using at very young ages. Though it's illegal for people younger than 21 years to drink, many children are introduced to alcohol well before they reach that age. The earlier they begin using alcohol, the higher the risk they will have problems with it later in life. This publication was written by the American Academy of Pediatrics to help parents understand the dangers of alcohol and how to prevent alcohol use. Eighteen percent of 8th graders and more than 37% of 10th graders have been drunk at least once.
»
Cocaine: What You Need to Know
Young people are surrounded by pro-drug messages in the media and on the Internet. They may try cocaine for the excitement or the experience without realizing the very real risks and consequences that come with cocaine use. As a parent, you are your child's first and best protection against drug use. The following is information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about cocaine and how to help your child say "No" to drug use. (
»
Inhalants: What You Need to Know
Young people today can face strong peer pressure to try drugs, including a group of substances called Inhalants have the special risk of being deadly any time they are used—even the first time.
»
Marijuana: What You Need to Know
Many people today learn about drugs while they are very young and might be tempted to try them. Teens say that marijuana is easy to get, and it tends to be the first illegal drug they try. Marijuana use is often portrayed as harmless, but the truth is that marijuana is an addictive drug that can cause serious risks and consequences. As a parent, you are your child's first and best protection against drug use. The following is information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about marijuana and how to help your child say "No" to drug use. (
»
Risks of Tobacco Use, The
Many people think that the only people harmed by tobacco use are smokers who have smoked for a long time. The fact is that tobacco use can be harmful to If you smoke cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, or use smokeless tobacco like chew and snuff, quit! It's the best thing you can do for yourself and for everyone around you.
»
Smokeless Tobacco: What You Need to Know
Chewing tobacco, snuff, snus, and dissolvable tobacco in the shape of sticks, pellets, and strips are all types of tobacco products that are not smoked but used in other ways. All types of smokeless tobacco contain nicotine and chemicals known to cause cancer (carcinogens). Chewing tobacco comes in 3 forms: loose leaves, plugs, and twists or rolls of tobacco. A piece (plug, wad, or chew) of tobacco is placed between the cheek and gum. Users chew on it for several hours and spit out the tobacco juices and saliva as they build up.
»
Steroids: Play Safe, Play Fair
You play
to The best athletes rely on practice and hard
work to help them do their best.
How about you? Ever tempted to use steroids? Well, keep this in mind—not only is it illegal, dishonest, and unfair, but you will be putting your health at risk!
»
Substance Abuse Prevention
The use of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs is one of the biggest temptations facing young people today. As a parent, you are your child's best protection against drug use. You can start by telling your children that you expect them not to use drugs and become informed yourself about drug use. This publication was written by the American Academy of Pediatrics to help you identify the warning signs of drug use and provides tips on how to help your child (especially during the preteen and teen years) say no to drugs. Both casual drug use and addiction impact health, but it is important for parents to know the difference. The same pattern of use and abuse exists for alcohol as with other drugs, such as marijuana or cocaine. The following is how experts explain the stages of alcohol or drug use:
»
Testing Your Teen for Illicit Drugs: Information for Parents
Despite some bright spots, national statistics on illicit drug use are alarming. More than a third of US high school students have tried an inhalant or illicit drug by the time they are in eighth grade. More than half use an illegal drug by the time they finish high school. Eighty percent of today's high school students have used alcohol.
»
Tobacco: Straight Talk for Teens
Did you know that about 80% of teens in the United States don't smoke? They've made a healthy choice.