DEA Publications

Increasing numbers of teens are using prescription and over-the-counter medications to get high. Many parents don’t know enough about this problem, and many teens don’t understand the dangers. This guide helps parents understand this problem and identify the medications teens are misusing.

As a result of scientific research, we know that addiction is a disease that affects both brain and behavior. We have identified many ofthe biological and environmental factors and are beginning to search for the genetic variations that contribute to the development andprogression of the disease. Scientists use this knowledge to develop effective prevention and treatment approaches that reduce the toll drugabuse takes on individuals, families, and communities.