Substance abuse by teens has dramatically increased over the last decade. Healthcare providers and the educational system are on the front lines when combating this issue.

According to a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) report titled "Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS): National Admissions to Substance Abuse Treatment Services 1992-2002," the number of teenagers (12-17 years) that were admitted to substance abuse treatment programs increased 65 percent during the past decade. The SAMHSA report also states that the number of admissions for primary marijuana abuse increased 350 percent from 1992-2002.

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