Adolescence is a time of risk taking. For some adolescents, this includes experimenting with illicit drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, heroine, mushrooms, and other substances. These drugs are extremely harmful and often extremely addictive. This page provides information about many of these different illegal drugs, including their health and legal consequences.

PAMF Content for Parents

• Teens and Illicit Drugs


• Teens and Inhalants

PAMF Content for Your Preteen

• Drug Help Hotlines

PAMF Content for your Teen

• Amphetamines


• Barbiturates


• Benzodiazepines


• Chloral Hydrate


• Club and Date Rape Drugs


• Cocaine


• Ecstasy


• Depressants


• Diet Pills


• Drug Help Hotlines


• Drug Use and Abuse


• GHB


• Hallucinogens


• Heroin


• Hotlines


• Inhalants


• Marijuana


• Methamphetamine


• Narcotics


• Oxycodone


• PCP


• Prescription Drug Use and Abuse


• Ritalin


• Steroids


• Wetsticks

Outside Resources

• Alcohol and Drug Use links: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) list provides potentially useful resources for drug information and facts and educational materials.


• Drugs, Brain, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction: This National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) 30-page full-color booklet that explains in layman’s terms how drug addiction is a brain disease that affects behavior, compared to addiction being viewed as a moral flaw. The booklet discusses reasons people may begin to take drugs, why only some people become addicted, how drugs work in the brain to reduce a person’s ability to make sound decisions and use self-control, and how addiction is treated.


• Family Guide: This user-friendly Web site addresses family dynamics, mental health and the underage use of illegal substances. It includes resources such as videos, e-cards, activities, mental health dictionary, links, drug facts, and getting treatment. It also includes links to current news articles on substance abuse issues.


• FreeVibe: This interactive Web site for teens provides great information in layman’s terms about the risks and affects of many different illegal drugs. It also includes links to news articles and personal stories, celebrity interviews, and an interactive “my anti-drug” campaign.


• Generation Rx: This national study by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America confirms that teens are abusing prescription and over-the-counter drugs. The site also includes links to related articles and other resources.


• National Association of Drug Court Professionals: This link provides a list of drug courts throughout the United States.


• National Families in Action: These guides for parents seek to prevent drug abuse by promoting policies based on science. The Web site includes guides to the drug-prevention movement, drug-legalization movement, drug-related state ballot initiatives, drugs and the brain, publications and resources for parents.


• Parents’ Guide to Inhalant Prevention: This Web site for parents provides access to necessary information and resources about inhalants. It also includes a free brochure, movies, stories, articles, a quiz, an inhalant abuse fact sheet and other multimedia links.


• Partnering with Families: This Web site for parents seeks to inspire more parents and family members to connect with their kids in ways that persuade them not to use drugs. It provides resources include guides, books, movies, and tips on connecting with other parents and with your kids.


• Winners Don’t Use Drugs!: Developed using real life kids’ opinions, this McGruff comic activity book presents stories about why kids might try drugs. It includes stories and activities that emphasize keeping children from using drugs. The book includes a special pullout section for parents.

Recommended Books

• Go Ask Alice by Anonymous

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