Parent Tool Kit

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Parent Tool Kit -

MATERIALS

Drug and Substance Terms Every Teen and Parent Should Know

List of the most commonly misused drugs and their effects

IFLA Directory of Community Resources

List of local organizations & businesses

Worried About Someone You Love?

Brochure created by impacted parents for impacted parents

Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Department of Education,Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent’s Guide to Substance Use Prevention, Washington, D.C., 2024

A comprehensive resource that offers parents information to help them raise children who understand the risks of substance use. This guide includes: 

  • An overview of substance use among children, youth, and young adults; 

  • Descriptions of some substances young people may use; 

  • A look at risk factors—including social media usage—that may influence children, youth, and young adults to try drugs, and protective factors that help reduce those risks; 

  • Suggestions for how to talk to young people about drugs, tailored to their age group; and 

  • Tips on what to do if you think your child is using drugs.

WEBSITE RESOURCES

  • Drugs.com Pill Identifier

    You can use the pill finder tool to identify medications by their appearance (imprint, color, shape) or by the medicine name.

    more info

  • Al-Anon and Nar-Anon Family Groups

    The Al-Anon and Nar-Anon Family Groups are primarily for those who know or have

    known a feeling of desperation concerning the addiction problem of someone very near

    more info

  • Operation Parent

    Operation Parent is a national nonprofit that helps parents and caregivers talk with K-12 children about technology, substance use, and mental health. They offer evidence-based handbooks and free monthly webinars to build awareness and confidence for these conversations.

    more info

  • CADCA - Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America

    CADCA brings together schools, law enforcement, youth, parents, healthcare, media, and tribal communities to promote prevention strategies that reduce substance misuse and improve overall community health.

    more info

  • SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

    Confidential, anonymous support for anyone seeking help with mental health or substance use issues in the U.S. and its territories.
    National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988

    more info

  • ONDCP - White House Office of National Drug Control Policy

    Resources for Youth Substance Use Prevention

    Tips to Improve Your Emotional Well-Being | How Right Now | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

    About Children's Mental Health | Children’s Mental Health | CDC

    Behavioral Health Resources for Teens and Young Adults | The Administration for Children and Families

    How and When to Use Naloxone for an Opioid Overdose

    For support related to mental health and substance use, contact the 988 Suicide and Crises Lifeline

    more info

  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

    NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization, supporting millions of Americans affected by mental illness. With over 600 local affiliates, NAMI raises awareness and provides community-based support.

    Call: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) | Text: NAMI to 741741

    more info

  • LACDMH – Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health

    LACDMH provides mental health services across LA County, including assessments, case management, crisis intervention, medication support, peer support, psychotherapy, and other rehabilitative services. Services are offered in clinics, schools, hospitals, residential facilities, juvenile halls, camps, mental health courts, board-and-care homes, in the field, and at home. Counseling is also available for victims of disasters and first responders. No one is denied services due to inability to pay, with discounted or sliding fees based on family size and income.

    Call: 1-800-854-7771 | Text: LA to 74141

    more info

  • Psychology Today

    Psychology Today offers a comprehensive directory to help you find licensed therapists, counselors, and mental health professionals across California. You can filter by location, specialty, therapy type, insurance, and more to find the right provider for your needs. Both in-person and online therapy options are available.

    more info

  • Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)

    MADD provides trained victim advocates nationwide to support individuals affected by drunk or drugged driving crashes. They help identify needs and connect victims with resources and emotional support. Programs include Power of Parents, which guides parents in talking to kids about alcohol and drugs, and Power of Youth, which empowers children to say “no” to alcohol and become leaders in prevention.

    24-Hour Victim Help Line: 877-623-3435 | 877-MADD-HELP

    more info

  • National Institute of Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism (NIAAA)

    The NIAAA’s mission is to advance knowledge about the effects of alcohol on health and well-being and use this knowledge to improve the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of alcohol-related problems. Their website offers resources including the Alcohol Treatment Navigator®, an online tool to help individuals find the right treatment, along with educational videos and information.

    more info

  • Responsibility.org

    For over 30 years, Responsibility.org has worked to prevent underage drinking, drunk driving, and impaired driving, while encouraging adults to make responsible alcohol choices. The website offers helpful information, resources, and videos for parents and caregivers.

    more info

VIDEOS

The Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery at Vanderbilt has developed a community outreach program led by the Director of Outreach and Advocacy Programs, Dr. Kristen Gilliland. This outreach program is fueled by the loss of Kristen’s 22-year old son, Anders, to an accidental drug overdose in 2019. Anders suffered from schizophrenia most likely brought on by ingesting high potency cannabis in his early teens. He later became addicted to heroin and cocaine after his mental illness became more difficult to manage. Kristen and the Warren Center have a sincere passion for reaching the young to prevent this heartbreaking tragedy from happening to other families.

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