Substance Misuse

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What to Know About Substance Use and Youth

Abusing alcohol, drugs and tobacco at a young age can be harmful to a student’s social, emotional, cognitive and physical development, and it increases the risk of unsafe behaviors, automobile fatalities, and substance abuse later in life.

What You Can Do

Parents are important influences on their children's behavior.

  • Share your values and expectations and educate. Make a drug- and alcohol-free pact with through high school and college. Discuss more than cigarettes or alcohol and stay updated on substances like e-cigarettes or fentanyl.

  • Keep communication open. Start and maintain a dialogue early. Be open, if you overreact to bad news associated with drug and alcohol use by teens in your community, you are likely not to get a full story when you bring up the issue the next time.

  • Be ready for peer pressure. Help your student develop a strong sense of self-esteem, along with the social skills necessary to withstand peer pressure to use alcohol and other drugs.

  • Model healthy habits. Do not use drugs, and be moderate or abstain in your own use of alcohol.

Teach your children the dangers of substance abuse



Youth Vaping

There is a disturbingly high increase in the number of teens using e-cigarettes. The market has exploded, promoting appealing flavors and discreet design, but leaving long term and harmful consequences.

The Vaping Crisis in Our Youth, a recorded webinar, discusses the data, the effects and what we can do. Facilitated by Kelly Langston, Member, National PTA Mission Engagement Committee, and featuring speakers Marcella Bianco, CATCH My Breath Program Manager; Lorrie Odom, MD, Co-Chair, Colorado PTA Health, Wellness and Safety Committee; and Yvonne Johnson, Member, National PTA Resolutions Committee.

Vaping, Youth and Tobacco Resources


Check out the following fact sheets that provide an overview on the current e-cigarette and tobacco market facing our children.

Infographics and Fact Sheets

Youth and Tobacco: A New Crisis (American Heart Association)

The 101 on e-Cigarettes (American Hearth Association)

Tobacco Use Among Youth (Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids)

Electronic Cigarettes and Youth (Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids)


America’s Opioid Epidemic - Know the Facts

One of the fastest growing epidemics in the United States today is prescription pain medication misuse, with opioid misuse among youth on the rise at an alarming rate. According to the CDC, overdoses are the leading injury-related cause of death in the United States.

The American Medical Association Alliance (AMAA) teamed up with the National PTA to create this 12-minute prerecorded webinar – America’s Opioid Epidemic: Know the Facts – which educates parents on the dangers opioids can pose. In addition to watching the webinar below, check out this slide deck and script and this fact sheet. For more information on combating opioid use, visit American Medical Association Alliance or reach out to AMAA at amaa-pta@amaalliance.org.


Learn More

  • Power of Parents (MADD): An underage drinking prevention program that targets parents of high school students.
  • Drugs of Abuse (National Association of School Nurses): Resources to support schools in navigating drug use and abuse topics.