The substance-landscape has changed significantly since most of today’s parents were teens. Understanding of drugs and alcohol in the 21st century has advanced considerably, but it has not become common parental insight as yet. Important points are:

• Adult addiction is being seen as a childhood onset disease - an illness that shows up in adulthood, but that started in childhood.

• Teens from families with a history of addiction are 50% more at risk of developing addiction themselves.

• Three (3) drugs are now considered gateway drugs for adolescents - Marijuana, Alcohol & Nicotine

• Use of one, statistically shows greater use of the others - contradicting any notion that one drug can be better for teens than others.

Many parents need to get up-to-date on substances and some need to re-prioritize parenting against them. Parent Movement 2.0 hopes to provide 1) education - easily accessible information, 2) ways to connect with other parents (Parent Peer Groups) and 3) ways to take broader action if interested (Parent Community Groups).