Substance Abuse

Statistics

• Substance-abuse rates in kids have been dropping for more than a decade, but it pays to remain alert. One-third of 8th-, 10th- and 12th-graders have used some kind of drug (including alcohol) at least once

Warning Signs

• Thrill-seeking and impulsivity in childhood

• An early diagnosis of depression, an anxiety disorder or ADHD

• Significant mood swings

Prevention

• Efforts led by peers may work better than those led by teachers. Programs that focus on teaching practical skills (how to avoid peer pressure, for instance) are more successful than scare tactics

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