The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA) has released its latest survey data centering on the question, “Why do some teenagers smoke, drink, and use illegal substances while others do not?”

Focusing on how parental attitudes and values line up with teen behaviors, four key areas have been identified that must be addressed to safeguard children from the use and abuse of illegal and prescription substances.

• Monitoring their children’s school-night social activities
• Safeguarding prescription drugs in the home
• Addressing the problem of drugs in school
• Setting a good example

Other important issues addressed are the persistent availability of marijuana, the ease of obtaining prescription drugs, the most frequently used drugs among teens, and availability in schools.

In addition, the survey reports on parental attitudes and behaviors, including parent perceptions of drugs in schools, typical consequences used by parents, the disconnect between teen and parent perceptions, and illegal substance use of parents.

Click here for the original CASA report.