Parental Literacy on Adolescent Substance Use: A Crucial Yet Overlooked Factor

Adolescent substance use (SU) presents a significant public health challenge that affects physical, psychological, and social well-being. Parents hold a vital role in recognizing early warning signs and facilitating intervention, yet parents' knowledge and ability to identify SU-related symptoms, locate trustworthy information, or navigate available treatment options (SU literacy) remain largely unexamined. This commentary explores the importance of parental SU literacy, the obstacles impeding it, and possible strategies to enhance parental awareness. Many parents encounter difficulties in recognizing symptoms, often misjudge the risks associated with occasional substance use or compulsive behaviors and are unsure about where to seek reliable support. In addition, stigma, misinformation, and a lack of accessible resources further hinder parents' ability to take timely action. Strategies to enhance parental SU literacy are discussed, aiming not only to promote early detection and intervention but also to reduce the long-term societal burden of adolescent SU.