The Texas Senate this week passed a bill that would give immunity to underage drinkers who are seeking medical help in an emergency. The bill’s sponsor said it is aimed at minors who are afraid to seek help because they do not want to be charged with underage drinking.
Children whose parents have an alcohol use disorder are at increased risk of developing the disorder themselves, a new study finds. The risk appears to be greater for girls than boys.
Tobacco smoke toxins that linger on surfaces, called ‘thirdhand’ smoke, may pose a danger to developing babies’ lungs, according to researchers at Harbor UCLA Medical Center.

A new study showing marked increases in teen use of marijuana and Ecstasy over the past three years underscores the importance of incorporating screening and prevention programs into all health care interactions with adolescents and their parents.
In the second half of his interview with Join Together, Nic Sheff, author of the new memoir We All Fall Down, discusses what treatment and recovery mean to him.
Drinking large amounts of alcohol in pregnancy increases the risk of very preterm birth, a new study finds.
Figuring out how to steer teens away from friends who encourage undesirable behavior such as substance abuse is a tricky issue, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Join Together sits down with Nic Sheff, author of the new memoir We All Fall Down, to discuss his personal journey of recovery from substance abuse.
With prom and graduation season nearing, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), in conjunction with other groups, is proclaiming April 21 “PowerTalk21 Day” to encourage parents and teens to talk about alcohol.
As the problem of prescription drug abuse grows, an increasing number of babies are being born dependent on painkillers, The New York Times reports.