What Parents Need to Know about Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs
This page includes up to date information for parents on current drug trends, what to look for, and how to have honest conversations with your children about the dangers of drug & alcohol use.
Alcohol
Underage drinking and drug use is more harmful to teens than adults because their brains are still developing throughout adolescence and well into young adulthood- between the ages of 23-25. Substance use during this critical growth period can lead to lifelong damage in brain function, particularly as it relates to memory, motor skills (ability to move) and coordination.
According to research, young people who begin drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who begin drinking at age 21.
Helpful Links:
Tobacco/Nicotine & Vaping
We know use of tobacco and e-cigarettes is a gateways for many teens into use of other drugs. Make sure you know the facts about tobacco and vaping & discuss them with your children. Don't just have one conversation about it. Ask questions, listen to their answers, and keep the lines of communication open.
Helpful Links:
CTC Podcast on Vaping:
Marijuana
Staying current on the legalization and use of marijuana in our country as a parent is essential. According to the PAYS 2019 data, 41.5% of Downingtown Area School District 12th graders have used marijuana in their lifetime. It’s important to know the facts about marijuana use, especially among children and teens, from credible and reliable sources.
Helpful Links:
Other Drugs:
We know the big ones - alcohol, marijuana, tobacco - but it can be difficult to know what else is out there in the terms of other drugs as it seems to be always evolving and changing. The links below can assist in both education and prevention of other drug usage.