539. To Keep Kids Off: Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher’s Insight on Teen Substance Use

Doro and Tricia welcome Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher, a professor of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine at Stanford University. Dr. Halpern-Felsher discusses adolescent decision-making and risk-taking behaviors, particularly focusing on substance use. She explains some of the reasons behind adolescent drug use, identifying marketing strategies and mental health challenges as two big factors. Dr. Halpern-Felsher also outlines some of the effects of nicotine, cannabis, secondhand smoke, and additional drugs, and the dangers they pose. She challenges parents, caretakers, and listeners to be informed of educational initiatives aimed at prevention and harm reduction.