A recent survey by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy found that the majority of parents have difficulty engaging in meaningful conversations about drug use with their teens.

"'This poll reinforces a disconcerting trend we're seeing with parents today. Too many parents are avoiding tough conversations - or tough stances - because they're afraid of jeopardizing their

In the 1980's it was gasoline and rubber cement. Today it's hair and cleaning products. "Huffing", the practice of inhaling dangerous chemical in order to get high, is not as prevalent as other forms of substance abuse, but still exists.

"These products are cheap, easy to access, provide a quick, intense buzz and allows students to return to classes odorless, unlike smoking or drinking."

The high

A West Vancouver (Canada) teenager who left her home after telling her mother that she was going to the movies was found dead later that night at the Edmonds SkyTrain station. The cause of death appeared to be a drug overdose.

"Jenni was the second teenager to die suddenly within the past month in circumstances that suggest illegal drugs might have been involved."

Though autopsy reports haven't

Tammy East has a son in junior high, and she thinks the random drug testing that he and other students will be subjected to throughout the year is good. She only has one objection:

"I think they should have drug testing for everyone, not just those in sports or other extracurricular activities..."

The drug testing policy, which has been in place at the high school level since the 1997-98 school

Salvia is an herb that can produce short, intense, hallucinogenic trips when it's smoked. For years, the substance went relatively unnoticed by law enforcement personnel - but it has recently garnered the attention of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, as well as several local governments that are trying to ban it.

"A dozen states have outlawed or begun regulating salvia since 2005, including

Talk about teen substance abuse typically centers on extreme behavior - getting drunk at parties, habitual drug use, and so on. But even occasional use can create a dangerous habit.

"Most teenagers will tell you gulping down an occasional glass of beer along with a cigarette at a bar is fun, not substance abuse. That's where they are wrong. One glass of beer may not be addictive, but can lead to

The state Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) of New York has created tool it hopes will help parents spot drug abuse problems in the home.

"The state Office... created the tool to help New Yorkers track prescription and over-the-counter medicines in their home. It's intended to be filled out weekly."

The PDF tool is downloadable off the OASAS website and is a grid-like

Police and substance abuse officials in western states are beginning to report the appearance of candy-flavored methamphetamine. Strawberry, chocolate, and cola are among the flavors being marketed to younger people.

"They [meth dealers] are having a tough time selling this product, especially to younger people. What do people in marketing do when they have a tough time selling a product? They

  In the past 10 days nearly 11 million youths, ages 12 to 20 have consumed alcohol.  As age increases so does alcohol consumption from 2 persent at age 12 to 27 persent at age 16 and 57 persent at age 20.  With this alcohol consumption increase so does the possibility of becoming an alcoholic increase.  Be proactive in protecting your loved one from becoming an alcoholic.  No child should have

 

Alcoholism is caused by prolonged, heavy use of alcohol which leads to addiction.  When someone with prolonged, heavy use tries to quit drinking they are faced with withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, severe anxiety, hallucinations and convulsions.  The alcoholic usually also has poor nutrition because no thought is give to eating food just drinking more alcohol.  The poor nutrition along with