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Family Dinners Cut Teen Substance Use by Up to 34%

2/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A new study published in the Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma finds that family dinners reduce teen substance use.
Quality meals with open communication and no distractions lower alcohol use by 22%–34%, vaping up to 30%, and weed use up to 34%.
Teens with four or more adverse childhood experiences did not benefit from family meals.
Researchers say these teens may need targeted support and alternative family engagement strategies.

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Story summary

A new study published in the Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma finds that family dinners reduce teen substance use.
Quality meals with open communication and no distractions lower alcohol use by 22%–34%, vaping up to 30%, and weed use up to 34%.
Teens with four or more adverse childhood experiences did not benefit from family meals.
Researchers say these teens may need targeted support and alternative family engagement strategies.