Many teenagers will have some experience with alcohol and other drugs. In fact, drug use among adolescents is much more common than parents realize. About one in six persons between the ages of 13 to 17 years old has used marijuana. Nearly two-thirds of all American young people try an illegal drug before they finish high school. Alcohol and nicotine (in cigarettes) are the most commonly used drugs by teenagers. Teenagers who smoke and drink during their early teens are the ones most likely to begin to use other illegal drugs later.

Teens will often experiment with drugs once or twice and stop. Some will continue to use occasionally without experiencing any real problems. But some teens will use drugs on a regular basis, even to the point of becoming addicted. Some teenagers do "grow out" of their drug use. But it's impossible to tell which teenagers will and which won't. Yet just telling kids to say "no" doesn't work.

Prevention programs offer some hope in delaying or stopping teenage drug use. Certainly, the best prevention is a warm and secure family environment. Parents who show their children by example and who refrain from using drugs themselves have the best chance of raising a drug-free child.

Early detection of drug problems in teenagers is necessary so that the teen can get early treatment. Treatment helps teens develop new ways of coping with problems. Many teens use alcohol and other drugs to cover up their feelings. Also, teens who have developed a serious drug or alcohol problem need to learn to have fun with friends without using drugs and alcohol.

These are specific behaviors to watch out for:
* missing school or cutting classes,
* a drop in grades,
* getting into fights or severe conflict with parents,
* hanging out with a new, possibly older, crowd of friends,
* depression, confusion, mood swings,
* isolating self in room,
* getting in trouble at school or with the law,
* changes in likes and dislikes to more unconventional style (music and clothing) ,
* a significant weight gain or loss, and
* red or glassy eyes, extreme fatigue and poor health.

Parents who recognize some of these warning signs should contact a healthcare provider or counselor. To learn more, call the National Institute on Drug Abuse at (301) 443-4577 or the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence at (800) NCA-CALL.

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