Teen Health

Lots of Drinks, Drugs at Teen Parties

Alcohol, Drugs

But the survey shows a gap between parents and the teen partiers.

For instance, 80% of parents believe alcohol and marijuana usually aren't available at parties their teens attend.

But 46% of teen partygoers reported being at parties where alcohol was present; 30% had seen marijuana at parties; and 11% had been to parties where drugs like cocaine or ecstasy were available.

Nearly all parents -- 98% -- said they're normally present when their teens hold parties at their home. But a third of teens say parents are rarely or never at those parties, Califano notes.

More than a quarter of teen partygoers say they've been at parties where teens were drinking alcohol while the host's parent was at home, the survey also shows.

Parental Influence

Parental presence at teen parties may not stop all partiers from drinking or using drugs. But it might be a deterrent.

Teens who attend parties where a parent is present are much less likely to report alcohol and drugs being available at those parties, compared to teens who party without parents, the survey shows.

"While the presence of parents does not guarantee a substance-free party, it does reduce the likelihood that a teen party will have drugs or alcohol," Califano says.