Helpful Resources
The below resources provide information on treatment, support, and mental and physical health for middle schoolers, as well as additional resources for school projects.
Tips for Parents
Quick tips on getting started with talking to your middle schooler about alcohol.
Mental Health Emergencies
Many young people who drink also struggle with other substance use disorders and mental health issues, such as depression. Some toll-free help lines are:
Call or Text 988
For TTY Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
If you're thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States. Services are also available in Spanish.
Also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service, this helpline provides 24-hour free and confidential treatment referral and information about mental and/or substance use disorders, prevention, and recovery in English and Spanish.
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
TTY: 1-800-487-4889
Treatment and Support Resources
Are you a parent or caregiver who needs help for your middle schooler, or does your middle schooler need help coping with someone else’s drinking? Here are some organizations:
Al-Anon Family Groups
- Alateen supports teens whose lives have been affected by someone's drinking.
- Al-Anon helps family and friends of people who are worried about someone’s drinking.
Contact: 1-888-4AL-ANON (25-2666)
Supports individuals who want to stop drinking.
Contact: 212-870-3400 or Meeting Guide app for iOS and Android smartphones
National Association for Children of Addiction
Helps children who are hurt by a parent's alcohol use.
Contact: 301-468-0985
Helps families and caregivers in finding treatment options for teens and provides an overview of the Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) approach to improving family dynamics.
Contact: https://drugfree.org/get-support/
Supports individuals who desire to gain independence from any type of addictive behavior.
Contact: 440-951-5357
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
This substance use prevention campaign helps parents and caregivers start talking to their children early about the dangers of alcohol and other drugs.
Locate substance use treatment centers in your area.
Contact: 1-800-662-HELP (4375)
Healthy Mind and Body
National Institute of Mental Health: Teen Depression Fact Sheet
This fact sheet describes symptoms of depression and how to get help.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: BAM! (Body and Mind)
Designed for students 9–13 years old, BAM! gives students the information they need to make healthy lifestyle choices. The site also serves as an aid to teachers, providing them with interactive, educational, and fun activities that are linked to national education standards for science and health.
Alcohol and Drug Research Sites
Are you a parent or caregiver who is looking for more information, or is your middle schooler doing research for a school project? Check out these sites:
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
NIAAA has information about alcohol use, alcohol use disorder, and treatment options.
- NIAAA website
- NIAAA publications
- College Drinking Prevention website
- Alcohol Policy Information System: Underage Drinking
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
- NIDA website
- NIDA Information for Parents and Educators. Get information on how different drugs can affect the brain and the body and find many links to related sites.
- Principles of Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Treatment. This guide for healthcare providers describes behavioral approaches, family-based approaches, medications, and recovery support.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Publications Store
On this site, you’ll find free publications on many topics related to alcohol and drugs, mental health, prevention, treatment, and recovery.