January 25-31 marks National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week.  Alcohol remains the most commonly used and abused drug among youth. PTA has long supported a resolution on Substance and Alcohol abuse awareness and prevention.  The effects of drugs and alcohol on the brain of a child or teen can cause both adverse behavioral/psychological problems and have social consequences.  The first step in preventing abuse is recognizing a problem exists and being knowledgeable of the tools and resources available for both kids and parents.  The National Health Information Center has created a National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week webpage designed with teens in mind.  Parents can find resources at stopalcoholabuse.gov.  Want to know the statistics behind underage drinking?  Check out the CDC’s  Fact Sheet – Underage Drinking.