New Drivers, New Dangers: Navigating Substance Use with Teen Drivers

As teens reach the milestone of getting behind the wheel, parents face new conversations about responsibility, safety, and the risks of impaired driving. This week, we’re re-airing an important Season 3 episode that remains just as relevant today — exploring how parents can help young drivers make smart, safe decisions. Hosts Jodie Sweetin, Amy McCarthy, and Rick Birt, Former President of SADD break down how to talk with teens about peer pressure, substance use, and staying alert behind the wheel. You’ll learn practical ways to build trust, set clear expectations, and use everyday moments to reinforce healthy habits and responsible driving behavior. Key Takeaways: - Why proactive communication matters before your teen starts driving. - How to navigate conversations around substance use and peer influence. -Tools and strategies — from safety contracts to tech solutions — that support accountability and confidence behind the wheel. Empower your teen to make safe choices and navigate this exciting milestone with clarity and confidence. #AwkwardConversations #ParentingAdvice #TeenDrivers #SubstancePrevention #RoadSafety #OnePillCanKill #ELKSDAP #DEA Jodie Sweetin is an actress, author, and advocate best known for her roles on Full House and Fuller House. Her memoir, unSweetined, chronicles her journey through addiction and recovery, fueling her advocacy for substance use awareness. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodiesweetin/ Supporting Organizations: The Elks: With nearly one million members across 2,000 lodges, the Elks are dedicated to youth drug prevention through their Drug and Alcohol Prevention (DAP) program. They have donated over $3.6 billion to various causes, including the creation of the first VA hospital for veterans. Elks Drug Awareness Program Website: https://bit.ly/44SunO6 DEA: Established in 1973, DEA enforces U.S. controlled substance laws nationally and internationally, with offices around the globe. www.dea.gov Resources/Links: SAMHSA | Help and Treatment: https://bit.ly/3DJcvJC Resources and tip sheets with practical strategies for improving school nutrition environments. Website: cdc.gov/healthy-schools/parents/resources.html GetSmartAboutDrugs.com www.getsmartaboutdrugs.com Hidden in Plain Sight Program https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/Hidden%20in%20Plain%20Sight.pdf DEA on Instagram: www.instagram.com/deahq Links Mentioned NIH (National Institutes of Health) on Teen Substance Abuse: https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/teens SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions): https://www.sadd.org/ MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Teen Resources: https://madd.org/ National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) - Teen Driving: https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/teen-driving NHTSA's "If You Feel Different, You Drive Different" Campaign: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/get-materials/drug-impaired-driving&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1695230966438374&usg=AOvVaw2S7sUUvGlD7Do6qU9CC7Qf Sample Parent-Teen Driving Agreement from CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/parentsarethekey/agreement/index.html Elks Kid Zone Website: https://bit.ly/3s79Zdt