How To Use This Handbook Because underage drinking and substance use poses special risks to young people and is illegal, this handbook urges parents to:
USE THE STRATEGIES recommended to talk with your child about alcohol, cannabis, and other substances, even if they don’t seem interested in experimenting.
MARK PASSAGES that mean the most to you and commit to regularly using what you learn here.
USE THE DISCUSSION TOPICS suggested to have meaningful, frequent conversations with your teen.
PRACTICE AND PERFORM the exercises and see what beneficial changes come about.
Throughout this handbook, you will see the words “parent” and “child” used when referring to you, the caring adult, and the youth in your life you want to protect. However, MADD recognizes and cherishes all kinds of families; those made up of legal guardians, grandparents, aunts, uncles, or others who may be reading this to learn how to support youth. We honor and appreciate you for reading and helping us prevent underage substance use.
Acknowledgements Mothers Against Drunk Driving® is grateful to Robert Turrisi, Ph.D., and his colleagues at The Pennsylvania State University for their partnership in this handbook. Dr. Turrisi has spent decades researching how parents can talk effectively with teens about alcohol and cannabis. This handbook draws from his work and from scientific knowledge in this field from all over the world. Nationwide is the proud National Presenting Sponsor of Power of Parents. “As a company committed to protecting people, businesses, and futures with extraordinary care, there is no more important work that aligns with our values than keeping our roadways, families, and communities safe. Thank you for your commitment to preventing underage substance use and impaired driving. Nationwide is proud to stand with you on this lifesaving mission.”
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