Other Useful Resources

There are numerous resources, many right in your own community, where you can obtain information to help you talk to your children about drugs. Consult your local library, school, or community service organization. You may also contact the governmental organizations listed below.

Fact: Marijuana affects the brain and leads to impaired short-term memory, perception, judgment, and motor skills.

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
NIDA's mission is to lead the Nation in bringing the power of science to bear on drug abuse and addiction. This charge has two critical components. The first is the strategic support and conduct of research across a broad range of disciplines. The second is ensuring the rapid and effective dissemination and use of the results of that research to inform policy and improve practice.

NIDA offers an extensive collection of publications, videotapes, and educational materials to help parents talk to their children about drug use. For general inquiries, contact NIDA's public information office at 301-443-1124 or visit the NIDA Web site at www.drugabuse.gov. For more information on marijuana and other drugs, visit http://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/marijuana and www.teens.drugabuse.gov. All NIDA publications are available free of charge through the NIDA DRUGPUBS Research Dissemination Center (http://drugpubs.drugabuse.gov; email drugpubs@nida.nih.gov; or phone 1-877-NIDA-NIH [1-877-643-2644] or 1-240-645-0228.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
SAMHSA provides valuable information on its Web site, including resources for finding substance abuse treatment. Its treatment locator (http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/) can help you find a drug abuse or alcohol treatment program near you. Visit http://www.samhsa.gov for more information on drug abuse prevention and treatment policies, programs, and services.

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
NIMH provides numerous resources covering a variety of mental health disorders, which often co-occur with drug abuse and addiction. Visit www.nimh.nih.gov to access the latest research findings and other helpful mental health information.

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
NIAAA conducts and supports research across many scientific areas, coordinating with other institutes on alcohol-related issues, which frequently intersect with other drug abuse/addiction problems. Visit http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/ for information on a variety of alcohol-related topics.