Governors Prevention Partnership - Specific Substances Abused by Youth

Resources on Specific Substances Abused by Youth

National research tells us that the substance most commonly used among teens is alcohol (44% of Connecticut 12th graders have used in the past 30 days), followed by tobacco (22% of Connecticut 12th graders have used in the past 30 days), marijuana (19% of Connecticut 12th graders have used in the past 30 days) and prescription and over-the-counter drugs (e.g., 9% of 12th graders nationally report ever having abused Vicodin; 13% of Connecticut high school students report ever having abused cough medicine containing dextromethorphan). These substances are used with much greater frequency than other illicit drugs, including cocaine, inhalants, hallucinogens, ecstasy, heroin and methamphetamine. Recent increases in misuse of prescription drugs and heroin are cause for concern.

General Guide to Abused Substances

The Drug and Alcohol Scene: The latest news on drug and alcohol trends

General / Underage Alcohol Use

Start Talking Before They Start Drinking

Talk to Your Child About Alcohol

Support for the 21 Minimum Legal Drinking Age

Dangers of "Alcopop" Beverages, Especially Girls

Dangers of Alcoholic Energy Drinks

Adults Provide Alcohol to Underage Drinkers

Parenting Behavior Influenced by Past Underage Drinking

Alcohol and Drug Use Among College-Age Youth

What Parents Need to Know About College Drinking

Substance Abuse at America's College and Universities

Trend of Dangerous Binge Drinking to Celebrate 21st Birthday

Tobacco Use

Parental Prevention: Your Influence Matters

Smoking & Tobacco Use

Marijuana Use

Marijuana Facts and Statistics

Basic Facts About Marijuana

Dangers of Marijuana

Prescription Drug Abuse
It's important to keep prescription medications secured in your home and to keep track of quantities so that you'd know if any were missing. If you no longer need the medication, be aware that flushing pills can pollute the water supply. Learn how to dispose of them properly.

The Increasing Trend of Youth Prescription Drug Abuse

Teens Have Easy Access to Prescription Drugs

Report on Prescription Drug Abuse Trends

Tragic Story of Prescription Drug Abuse

Prevention of Prescription Drug Abuse: Access this PowerPoint presentation, which outlines everything that community stakeholders need to know about this growing problem among both adults and youth.

Danger of Progression from Painkiller Abuse to Heroin Use
Prescription opioid painkillers are chemically similar to heroin, and abuse of prescription painkillers is linked with progression to heroin use. Communities through the state, particularly in the suburbs, have told us that youth heroin use has recently increased.

Abuse of Over-the-Counter Medicines

Cough and Cold Medicine Abuse

Cough Medicine Abuse