Peers and Parents Play Key Role Stopping Teen Drug Use
New Media Campaign to Debut Ads on Super Bowl Sunday

The National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign has launched a new campaign that harnesses the power of parents and peers to stop youth drug use. The "Early Intervention" initiative takes a new approach to reducing teen substance abuse by focusing on those closest to youth drug users.

A new ad campaign supporting the initiative will debut Sunday during the Super Bowl and will also include new print, radio, and online advertising. The ads can be viewed on www.MediaCampaign.org beginning Sunday, February 1.

More than 100,000 young people enter drug treatment programs each year for dependence on marijuana and other illicit drugs. In addition, according to the latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than two million youth have a diagnosable dependence on illegal drugs or alcohol.

The Early Intervention initiative also represents the next step in the Media Campaign's successful strategy of encouraging parental monitoring and involvement to prevent youth drug use.

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Anti-Drug Parent Resource List

"Suspect Your Teen Is Using Drugs or Drinking? A Brief Guide to Action For Parents"
This 12-page guide covers the challenges parents face, signs and symptoms to look for if they suspect their teen is using illicit drugs, suggestions for starting a discussion and what parents can do and say to keep their children drug free. Free copies of the guide can be ordered by calling the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information at 1-800-788-2800 (ask for document number PHD1056). The guide can also be downloaded by visiting www.TheAntiDrug.com/EI/Advice_Parents.asp.

"When It's Not Your Kid, How Do You Deal With Drug Use and Drinking?"
Non-parental role models such as coaches and scout leaders are powerful positive influences on teen lives and in some cases may be the only person to whom a teen can turn. This brochure, developed for adult influencers, includes tips on what non-parental figures can do to help a teen in need and how to talk to parents and caregivers about their teen's problem. Free copies of the brochure can be ordered by calling the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information at 1-800-788-2800 (ask for document number PHD1057). The brochure can also be downloaded by visiting
www.TheAntiDrug.com/EI/Advice_Influencers.asp.

"Step Up: A Guide for Teens"
An informative brochure empowers teens to step up and help a friend or sibling who uses drugs or drinks by providing tips, signs and symptoms to look for, and suggestions on how to broach the difficult conversation with a friend. Free copies of the brochure can be ordered by calling the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information at 1-800-788-2800 (ask for document number PHD1058). The brochure can also be downloaded by visiting www.Freevibe.com/Stepup/Index.asp.


TheAntiDrug.com
Parents and other adults who suspect a teen is using drugs or drinking can turn to TheAntiDrug.com for guidance. Included on the Web site are signs and symptoms to look for, interviews with parents with children who have abused drugs, relevant advice, and sample conversations that will help parents address the problem effectively. An interactive quiz -"How Well Do You Know Your Teen?" is also available to help parents gauge their teen's risk level.

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For more information contact
Laura M. Lott
Department of Health
Information Specialist
Phone: (808) 586-4418
E-mail: lmlott@mail.health.state.hi.us