Teen Prevention Resource Hub:

The Choices that Make Us: Through the Teen Years and Beyond

Your teenage years are an exciting time packed with big changes. You’re figuring out who you are and exploring your interests, values, and beliefs, which can shape your identity for years to come. You want to try new things—sports, clubs, hobbies, and even hanging out with new friends— and your parents are finally trusting you with the freedom to make these important decisions, too. This sense of independence can feel pretty empowering!

With these changes, you’ll have more responsibilities as well. You’re starting to think about your future—what you want to do after high school, potential careers, and life goals. This time can get pretty stressful as you start to see the impact that your choices have on you and those around you.

It’s important to have a solid support system and a foundation of values to keep you focused on your goals at this time.

When it comes to making choices about substance use, the importance of a foundation of knowledge and support is no different. By knowing the facts—like how substances can mess with the teen brain and body, or how they can affect your mood and relationships—you’re better equipped to make choices that keep you on track to lead to a healthy and bright future!

Why do teens choose not to use substances?

The choice not to use can be different for everyone, but many teens report that they choose not to use because they don’t want to lose control of their bodies and actions.

They also know the risks involved with substances that not only harm the developing body but are illegal to consume underage too!

Many studies also site that their parent’s disapproval impacts their decision not to use. They don’t want to hurt the ones they love or risk losing the new freedoms their caregivers entrusted to them.

What about YOU??

Ready to quit?

Maybe this information has you thinking about

starting your journey to recovery.

We’re here to help. Let’s talk.

Hey, Watch This!

Discover more of our favorite prevention resources on YouTube. Our “Prevention Resources for Teens” playlist is a curated collection of videos from trusted sources designed to help teens just like you learn key facts to make critical choices about substance use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions? We have answers.

How do I know I can trust this information?

Our prevention team cites research and data from only credible sources of information. As prevention experts, we are trained to evaluate information from a diverse array of sources. We cross-check all of our sources to confirm the truth and avoid any major biases or cherry picking. You can always guarantee that we have “PEER” reviewed our sources to our company standards of relevance and reliability before providing them to the public.

Is substance use really that bad for teens? Even just one time??

We think so – but our opinions don’t really matter. What the facts from science tell us is that substances like alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis can cause significant harm to the developing brain and body. The impact of each substance varies based on numerous factors, but what we know is that the younger you start use and the more often you use, the more increase there is to the risk of harm and addiction.

Why don’t you have any information on harm reduction?

Great question! This page is designed for those under the age of 21. We don’t want to send any mixed signals to our teens, and therefore our focus is for no-use or delayed-use messaging. Keep an eye out for harm reduction information on our prevention page where we are developing an alternative resource site for young adults over the age of 21.

Where can I get prevention content to share with teens?

All of our custom-made resource guides are available for you to download for free. You can find them, along with other sharable resources, by clicking on the topic you are looking for at the top of this page. For more information, email our Prevention Content Coordinator at cclay@peerservices.org

Where can I find information about a specific substance-use related topic?

At the top of this page, there are several substance-use topics listed. Click on the one you are looking to learn more about to be taken to a separate page where we store resources just for that topic. If you don’t see what you’re looking for in the list, try the “other substance” tab. Still not finding it? We’re happy to help. Reach out to us at prevention@peerservices.org and we will connect you with resources.

How can I get help for myself or a friend struggling with a substance use disorder?

PEER Services provides support to members of our community regardless of their ability to pay. If you or someone you know is seeking help, click here reach out to us today and schedule an appointment with a member of our staff.

Where can I get Narcan?

We have it and can provide it to you for free! We won’t ask questions or pass judgement. Just drop by our office at 906 Davis Street in downtown Evanston any time M-F between 8am-4pm. Narcan is also available over the counter at Walgreens and CVS locations. You can also find it for free in Evanston at the Robert Crown Center, Evanston Public Library, The Ecology Center, the Levy Center, and the Fleetwood Jourdain Center. Click here for info about free Narcan distribution centers in Chicago.

I don’t see my question here. Can I reach out to someone to ask my question?

Absolutely! We’re happy to answer any questions you may have. You can reach a member of our prevention team at prevention@peerservices.org. If you forget, it’s in the contact section below.

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