Talk They Hear You
Visit the SAMHSA website to help you start-and keep up-the conversation about the dangers of drinking alcohol and using other drugs at a young age. Click here to get tips for conversation goals.
Signs of Drug Use in Teens
Parents need to know the warning signs if their teen is using substances. This link will help with the most common signs of drug use in teens that fall into four categories: behavioral changes, physical signs, changes in personal habits, and direct evidence.
Operation Parent
Operation Parent is a national nonprofit that exists to empower parent (and caregivers) to fully engage in ongoing conversations with their K-12 children about technology, substance use, and mental health issues for purposes of prevention. Click here to learn more.
How to Talk About Mental Health
Taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body. Sometimes people don't like to talk about mental health because they think it's a secret or something bad. But it's important to talk about it so everyone feels okay asking for help when they need it. Here are some helpful places you can learn more about mental health and how to talk about it with friends or family who might need your support.
How to Support Youth for a Successful Year
Back to school can bring big changes. Adding activities and schoolwork can be a difficult transition after a relaxing summer. Check out this link from SAMHSA for ways to support youth.
Growing Up Drug Free
Parenting can be the greatest job on earth—and the toughest. You want your children to be healthy, but you worry about what they will do when faced with the decision to try drugs. This guide offers information that can help you raise children who understand the risks of substance use.
Vapes, What to Do & Say
Finding a vape in your teen’s backpack can be a shock. Vaping might seem harmless to them because they hear that “everyone is doing it.” But vaping can lead to addiction and harm the lungs, heart and brain, even for young people who only use it sometimes. If you discover a vape, it’s important to talk in a way that keeps the conversation open. Find out how to have the conversation here.
Kids and Smoking
Most of today's adult tobacco users started before they were 18 years old. Youth nicotine or tobacco use in any form, whether smoked, or vaped is not safe. Click here to find out more.
Supporting Young Minds
We encourage you to explore tools for parents and caregivers, school personnel, and other adults in a young person's life in Mental Health America’s 2025 Supporting Young Minds Resource Guide.
The Dangers of Inhalants
Signs of inhalant misuse that parents should know.
Hidden in Plain Sight
Know what to look for that may be signs that your child may be doing more than decorating their personal spaces.