In today's society one of the main sociological problems affecting our adolescence is the use of alcohol, tobacco and drugs. During the teenage years we are most vulnerable and this is the most difficult period of our lives. Today, there are many theories about why teenagers fall into this trap. Some theories involve the absence of parenting, the lack of parental bonding, peer pressure, or simply the feeling of wanting to fit in. Some other risk factors are socioeconomic status and exposure to drug use. When looking at alcohol, tobacco, and drug use, many sociological perspectives such as functionalist, conflict, feminist, and interactionist help to understand the problem at hand and provide us with different perspectives to the problem. Many studies and statistics are very alarming. In this essay, many of the results and statistics obtained from the studies will be provided. In addition to identifying the problem, there are many ways in which every individual can help stop this problem and bring awareness and prevention to society. Many theorists believe that if you have a parent-adolescent bond, the likelihood of adolescent drug use will increase. diminish. This hypothesis makes sense in that if you have a teenager who respects, listens to, and wants to please their parents, they will be less likely to use alcohol, tobacco, or drugs because they know it will disappoint their parents. Additionally, research has indicated that when parents are more involved in their children's activities and lives, the likelihood of them using these substances decreases. When a parent monitors and is aware of the child's surroundings, they are better able to divert their children's har potential... middle of paper... drug prevention program for specific grades 6th through 9th °. This particular program teaches children how to use their decision-making and communication skills to resist drugs and other substances. It includes ten lessons and four videos. Keepin' It REAL and has been recognized as a model program by the Center for Substance Abuse Programs and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Another program is Project Alert, an alcohol and prevention program for 7th and 8th graders. The curriculum includes 11 lesson plans for 7th graders and 3 lesson plans for 8th graders that include instructional materials and student handouts. Project Alert is recognized as an exemplary program by the U.S. Department of Education, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, and the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors.