Foundations of Teen Substance Use: Risks, Conversations, and Prevention

Teen substance use has shifted in recent years, with new substances and patterns. Sound parenting rests on understanding the current landscape, the risks, and the principles of evidence-based prevention. This foundational course provides that base. By the end of this course you will be able to describe current patterns of teen substance use, recognize the risks of common substances including vaping, identify the principles of evidence-based prevention, and understand when professional support is warranted. What you will learn: - Current patterns of teen use including alcohol, cannabis, vaping, and other substances - The risks of vaping including specific health concerns - The risks of substances on the developing teen brain - The principles of evidence-based prevention including ongoing conversation - The role of family and peer factors in substance use - The signs that suggest substance use is becoming a concern - The role of pediatric and specialty support including substance use treatment when warranted The course uses readings, evidence summaries, case examples, and reflection prompts. Each module ends with applied exercises. The course is informational and does not substitute for pediatric medical or mental health care. This course is written for parents of teens. By the end you will have replaced fragmented information with a structured understanding of the landscape and the principles that support prevention.