NCJ Number
227630
Date Published
2008
Length
34 pages
Annotation
This guide provides teens with an overview of America's drug problem and ongoing efforts in drug prevention and drug awareness programs.
Abstract
There are many illegal substances abused today, as well as over-the-counter medications, household products, and legitimate pharmaceuticals that are abused. The consequences of drug use affect not only those individuals who take drugs, but non-users with the drug use cost to society over $180 billion a year. Prevention experts have identified "risk factors" and "protective factors" to help determine how drug abuse begins and how it progresses. Experts agree that association with drug abusing peers is often the most immediate risk for exposing adolescents to drug abuse and delinquent behavior. There are several principles in the prevention and awareness of drug abuse: know what the problem is and who you are trying to reach, find out what works and use it, understand when and where drug use begins, and stay on top of the program. Teens can become an active part of the solution to drug awareness, working within the community, schools, and faith organizations. This guide offers teens a better understanding of the drug problem and its prevention. The guide is divided into three sections: today's drug problem, drug prevention and awareness, and what you can do.