NIDA for Teens: The Science Behind Drug Abuse
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Sara Bellum Blog

Sometimes it’s hard to know where to go for the facts about drugs. At NIDA, we learn from science—not from rumors or gossip. Ask the questions, look for the facts, and think hard about what you find out and what it means for you.

Teens sitting and relaxing

Real Teens Ask: How Many Teens Use Drugs?


Sara Bellum
June 19, 2013

This post, which originally appeared on SBB in October 2009, answers one of the most common questions NIDA hears from teens. The stats here come from the 2012 Monitoring the Future study. Read More »

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Underage girl drinking alcohol with adults

If You’re Under Age 21, Drinking Is Always Illegal

Sara Bellum
May 02, 2013

You’re going to an after-prom party, and your parents ask if the host’s parents will be there. You may say, “yes,” and it may be true, but you also secretly may know that they will allow underage guests to drink alcohol. You think this is okay, because, after all, an adult is there. Read More »

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Cory Monteith

“Glee” Star Continues Path to Recovery From Drug Addiction

Sara Bellum
April 30, 2013

Recovery from addiction doesn’t mean completing a rehabilitation program and then you are cured. Addiction is a brain disease that requires commitment and effort every single day to stay off drugs. It can also mean more than one round of treatment—and usually does. Read More »

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Young man trying to help friend who is passed out from alcohol

Some Consequences Last Forever: Alcohol Awareness Month

Sara Bellum
April 25, 2013

In the past 5 years, Danny McCoy has told this story to thousands of teens: When he was 19 years old, he drove home from a fraternity party after a night of drinking. He fell asleep for only a few seconds. Read More »

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Two girls sitting on bench, one is smoking

Secondhand Smoke: You’re Exposed to More Than You Think

Sara Bellum
April 23, 2013

Many of us don’t realize how much secondhand smoke we inhale each day. We tend to forget about the person smoking outside a restaurant or sitting on a park bench. People’s smoking in the apartment next door affects us as well. Read More »

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New arrival written in chalkboard

A New Look for NIDA for Teens

Sara Bellum
April 18, 2013

Facebook isn’t the only Web site that gets a makeover now and then. Read More »

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