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Substance Use Resources for Youth and Families
- Mili Mehta
- Apr 23
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 16
Substance use includes alcohol, cannabis, prescription drugs, and other substances that affect how a person feels, thinks, or acts. While TV shows and movies often make it seem like "everyone" is doing it, that’s not the reality—most teens are actually choosing not to use substances.
In fact, about 9 in 10 middle schoolers and 3 in 4 high schoolers reported not using substances at all in the past month—and for good reason. While experimenting with substances doesn’t always lead to harm, it can come with real risks, especially when it's used to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or other challenges. Mental health and substance use are closely connected—when one is affected, the other usually is too.
Whether you're a young person looking for support, a parent concerned about your teen, or an educator seeking trusted information, the curated resources below can help. These tools are designed to inform, reduce stigma, and guide early intervention—with care, not judgment.
Find substance use resources for youth and families below.
Substance Use Resources for Youth
A resource from the NIAAA to help teens and young adults evaluate their drinking habits and make healthier choices.
NIAA: Rethinking Drinking >
A resource from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) for teens and young adults to assess their drinking habits and make healthier choices.
Not A Moment Wasted >
A Responsibility.org initiative providing teens with guidance on decision-making and peer pressure.
A mental health organization offering youth-focused articles.
Columbia University Health provides research-backed Q&As on common youth questions about drugs, alcohol, and health.
Substance Use Resources for Parents & Families
A national nonprofit offering evidence-based resources and family support services that aims to helps parents understand substance use, build communication, and access professional help.
A federal public health campaign from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration that guides families in starting open conversations about drugs and alcohol with youth.
A DEA website focused on drug awareness and prevention and resources for those seeking help.
A nonprofit focused on children's mental health offers information on teen substance use, discussion strategies, and its link to mental health.
Designed for young people, parents, guardians, and educators, NIDA offers a library of science-based, multimedia resources focused on substance use and prevention.
A nonprofit offering resources, support groups, and guidance to help parents address teen and young adult substance use.
An online platform providing current information, guides, and support for parents on youth substance use, treatment, and recovery resources.
Substance Use Resources for Schools, Clinicians, and Community Allies
Designed for young people, parents, guardians, and educators, NIDA offers a library of science-based, multimedia resources focused on substance use and prevention.
A federal resource center providing evidence-based strategies, data, and tools to prevent underage drinking.
This website provides resources for promoting safe school environments and best practices for prevention and students.
A Stanford University initiative on adolescent behavioral health provides data, training, and guidance for early identification and school-based prevention of substances like tobacco, nicotine, cannabis, marijuana, fentanyl, and opioids.
