Alcohol use disorder is still the most common form of substance use disorder in America, fueled by widespread legal access and social approval of moderate drinking.

Prescription drug abuse is the fastest growing drug problem in the United States. The increase in unintentional drug overdose death rates in recent years (Figure 1) has been driven by increased use of a class of prescription drugs called opioid analgesics.

What is the fastest growing drug problem in the United States? A chronic disease characterized by uncontrolled drinking and preoccupation with alcohol.

Prescription drug abuse is the fastest growing drug problem in the United States. Prescription drugs are the most commonly abused drugs after alcohol and marijuana. Taking a medication without a prescription, taking more than prescribed, or using it for a different reason than prescribed are all forms of abuse.

Alcohol and tobacco are the drugs most commonly abused by adolescents, followed by marijuana. The next most popular substances differ between age groups.

Age is one of the factors that determine how a drug will affect a user. Drugs can affect young people differently for many reasons. For example: Having less experience with a drug means a person is less likely to have developed a tolerance for it.

Consider other strategies to prevent teen drug abuse:

1. Know your teen’s activities. Pay attention to your teen’s whereabouts.
2. Establish rules and consequences.
3. Know your teen’s friends.
4. Keep track of prescription drugs.
5. Provide support.
6. Set a good example.

Talking to kids about drugs

1. You can start talking to your children about drugs from when they are in primary school — from the age of about eight, or sooner if necessary.
2. Explain what drugs are, their functions, and which drugs are harmful or illegal.
3. Stick to the facts.
4. Always consider what is age-appropriate information for your child.

Talking to Your Child About Drugs

• Preschool to Age 7. Before you get nervous about talking to young kids, take heart.
• Ages 8 to 12. As your kids grow older, you can begin talks with them by asking them what they think about drugs.
• Ages 13 to 17.
• Laying Good Groundwork.

If you discover your child is taking drugs, it’s important you stay calm, talk to them and reassure them. You should: let them explain in their own words what they’ve done. avoid asking them why they’ve taken drugs as it will make them defensive.

If you catch your teen smoking or vaping, avoid threats and ultimatums. Ask a few questions and find out why your child is smoking or vaping; they may want to be accepted by a peer group or want your attention. Talk about what changes can be made in your teen’s life to help them stop smoking.

Recognize any addiction in the family

1. Get on the same page.
2. Prepare to be called a hypocrite.
3. Gather any evidence.
4. Expect anger, resolve to remain calm.
5. Set a realistic goal.
6. Establish clear rules and consequences.
7. Recognize any addiction in the family.

If you suspect your child is already using substances, you may assume that testing will discourage experimental use before it escalates into serious use or addiction. However, many experts recommend against drug testing our kids unless it is done by a medical professional, and only when it is truly warranted.

If someone living in your home is involved in criminal behavior that you consider to be either dangerous or threatening to you, or the person is making physical threats, the best course of action is to contact local law enforcement authorities, explain the situation to them, and let them handle it.

Explain your reasons Be very clear about your reasons for prohibiting substance use. Teenagers are often ordered to do things without being given a clear reason why and by explaining yourself you’re inviting them to have a more open, adult conversation. The potential consequences of drinking and using drugs are real.

Substance abuse affects and costs the individual, the family, and the community in significant, measurable ways including loss of productivity and unemployability; impairment in physical and mental health; reduced quality of life; increased crime; increased violence; abuse and neglect of children; dependence on non- …

Drug abuse is the catalyst for many major social problems, including drugged driving, violence, stress, and child abuse, and it can further lead to homelessness, crime, and joblessness.