Issues in the Community That May Contribute to Drug Use
- Easily available alcohol and drugs in the community
- Community laws and attitudes toward drug and alcohol use
- Negative attitudes, lack of investment and lack of resources in neighborhood (parks, community centers, athletics, etc.)
- Poverty
- Media glamorization or portrayal of drinking and drug use without consequences
What Parents Can Do
- Support the presence of law enforcement
- Reach out to your neighbors and create a community watch group
- Make sure your child is aware of dangerous areas in your neighborhood and avoids them
- Turn portrayals of drinking and drug use in the media into "teachable moments" as opportunities to talk and connect with your teen
