Some parents believe they cannot keep their kids off drugs and alcohol

By Staff Writer

A recent survey reveals that 20 percent of parents believe they are unable to prevent their children from using harmful substances.

The data collected by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America and the MetLife Foundation says that approximately one in five parents surveyed feel ill-equipped to keep their children away from drugs and alcohol.

The study also found that two in five parents surveyed are confident they can stop their kids from using drugs once they have started experimenting.

"What many parents may not realize is that they - not athletes, movie stars or popular music artists - are in fact the biggest influence in the lives of their children," said Steve Pasierb, president of the partnership.

According to a recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a total of 42 percent of high school students said that they drink occasionally. In addition, approximately 20 percent of students surveyed admitted to taking a prescription drug without a doctor's approval.

Teenagers who use alcohol and drugs are more likely to suffer from unintentional injuries, encounter academic problems and engage in criminal behavior.