DEA Publications

Get It Straight provides an informative, interactive program designed to expose common myths about drugs and help younger teens learn the truth about drugs. It covers information on drugs of abuse, consequences of drug use, reasons why teens use drugs, peers, media and other influences, making good personal decisions, and drug prevention resources.

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 of the biological and environmental factors and are beginning to search for the genetic variations that contribute to the development and progression of the disease. Scientists use this knowledge to develop effective prevention and treatment approaches that reduce the toll drug use takes on individuals, families, and communities.