The reduction in cigarette smoking in the 1960's is considered one of the ten most important public health victories of the 20th century, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To honor the "Great American Smoke-Out," November 18, the CDC looks at the public health achievements in identifying and combating the dangers of tobacco.

The transition from elementary to middle school is a treacherous time for kids—a time when drug use jumps 300 percent. Truth, honesty, love and communication are the keys to keeping kids drug-free, according to The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. Download a brochure for parents on creating an honest, ongoing dialogue in your family.

This offers the latest news related to substance abuse prevention for alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs from government sources and the popular media, published by the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI), the world's largest resource on substance abuse prevention.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse has good news for families—research overwhelmingly confirms the effectiveness of drug abuse treatment. This October, 1999 research-based guide outlines what principles and practices are most effective in treating drug addiction and abuse.

Substance abuse is one of the most significant problems facing the child welfare system today. Children whose parents abuse alcohol and other drugs are almost three times likelier to be abused and more than four times likelier to be neglected than children of parents who are not substance abusers. Find out more.

Of all the trends in child welfare, perhaps none has been more troubling than the increase in cases of child abuse and neglect resulting from parental abuse of alcohol and drugs. Find out more about this trend, including substance abuse by pregnant women and among youths in foster care.

Research shows the need for children to learn and develop in safe and drug-free environments outside of regular school hours. Benefits of Schools as Community Learning Centers describes how we can give our children opportunities to enhance their learning and be involved in enriching activities in convenient, caring environments. For a copy of the full report, Keeping Schools Open as Community Learning Centers, call the US Department of Education at 1-800-USA-LEARN.

Improved care for pregnant women lowers rates of fetal alcohol syndrome and drug-addicted babies born to American Indians, Senior Editor Richard Louv reports.

Join Together is a national resource for communities working to reduce substance abuse and gun violence. Look for the latest news on kids and tobacco, or see their resource guide for communities.

Here's a campaign that's working to protect children from tobacco addiction. This is where you can link to the latest tobacco news, learn what's happening in your state, and find out how to become part of the campaign.