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TIPS ON PREVENTING TEEN/YOUTH DRUG ABUSE

• Know who their friends are. Teenagers are much more likely to try drugs if they are around other kids who are experimenting with drugs or using them on a regular basis. If you know who your teen's friends are, as well as what they do and where they go when they hang out together, you will be more likely to recognize signs that they are hanging out with kids who are bad influences or who may encourage them to use drugs.

• Help them find alternatives. A lot of teens say that they try drugs for the first time simply because they are bored, and it's something to do. Getting teens involved in other activities during their free time will help keep them motivated and interested in positive things. Let them sign up for a sports team. If athletics isn't their thing, get them involved in an academic club, the school band or a volunteer program. Help them try new things until they find something they like.

• Boost their self-esteem. Teens with positive self-esteem are less likely to try drugs because they will be more motivated to do well and be accountable for their actions. Let them know that you recognize that they are working hard in school or that they did a great job on last week's book essay; making sure your teen knows you are proud of them will remind them that you care and make them want to do well.

• Be honest. While scaring teens with exaggerated stories about a life of crime arising from one experiment with marijuana isn't exactly the way to get them to take you seriously about the dangers of drug use, being honest and up-front with them will make them listen to you. Tell them about statistics that you've read that concern you and make sure that they know the side effects and addictiveness of illegal drugs. If you've known people who have had bad experiences with drugs before, consider sharing these too; teens will take you more seriously if they know you know what you're talking about.

• Give them the benefit of the doubt. Do not begin discussing drugs with your teen by accusing them or acting suspicious. This will only cause them to become defensive and make them feel as if you don't trust them. Let them know that you are acting out of concern and not suspicion. This will make them trust you and be more open about their feelings on the issue and any pressure they are feeling

TIPS ON PREVENTING TEEN/YOUTH DRUG ABUSE

• Know who their friends are. Teenagers are much more likely to try drugs if they are around other kids who are experimenting with drugs or using them on a regular basis. If you know who your teen's friends are, as well as what they do and where they go when they hang out together, you will be more likely to recognize signs that they are hanging out with kids who are bad influences or who may encourage them to use drugs.

• Help them find alternatives. A lot of teens say that they try drugs for the first time simply because they are bored, and it's something to do. Getting teens involved in other activities during their free time will help keep them motivated and interested in positive things. Let them sign up for a sports team. If athletics isn't their thing, get them involved in an academic club, the school band or a volunteer program. Help them try new things until they find something they like.

• Boost their self-esteem. Teens with positive self-esteem are less likely to try drugs because they will be more motivated to do well and be accountable for their actions. Let them know that you recognize that they are working hard in school or that they did a great job on last week's book essay; making sure your teen knows you are proud of them will remind them that you care and make them want to do well.

• Be honest. While scaring teens with exaggerated stories about a life of crime arising from one experiment with marijuana isn't exactly the way to get them to take you seriously about the dangers of drug use, being honest and up-front with them will make them listen to you. Tell them about statistics that you've read that concern you and make sure that they know the side effects and addictiveness of illegal drugs. If you've known people who have had bad experiences with drugs before, consider sharing these too; teens will take you more seriously if they know you know what you're talking about.

• Give them the benefit of the doubt. Do not begin discussing drugs with your teen by accusing them or acting suspicious. This will only cause them to become defensive and make them feel as if you don't trust them. Let them know that you are acting out of concern and not suspicion. This will make them trust you and be more open about their feelings on the issue and any pressure they are feeling

TIPS ON PREVENTING TEEN/YOUTH DRUG ABUSE

• Know who their friends are. Teenagers are much more likely to try drugs if they are around other kids who are experimenting with drugs or using them on a regular basis. If you know who your teen's friends are, as well as what they do and where they go when they hang out together, you will be more likely to recognize signs that they are hanging out with kids who are bad influences or who may encourage them to use drugs.

• Help them find alternatives. A lot of teens say that they try drugs for the first time simply because they are bored, and it's something to do. Getting teens involved in other activities during their free time will help keep them motivated and interested in positive things. Let them sign up for a sports team. If athletics isn't their thing, get them involved in an academic club, the school band or a volunteer program. Help them try new things until they find something they like.

• Boost their self-esteem. Teens with positive self-esteem are less likely to try drugs because they will be more motivated to do well and be accountable for their actions. Let them know that you recognize that they are working hard in school or that they did a great job on last week's book essay; making sure your teen knows you are proud of them will remind them that you care and make them want to do well.

• Be honest. While scaring teens with exaggerated stories about a life of crime arising from one experiment with marijuana isn't exactly the way to get them to take you seriously about the dangers of drug use, being honest and up-front with them will make them listen to you. Tell them about statistics that you've read that concern you and make sure that they know the side effects and addictiveness of illegal drugs. If you've known people who have had bad experiences with drugs before, consider sharing these too; teens will take you more seriously if they know you know what you're talking about.

• Give them the benefit of the doubt. Do not begin discussing drugs with your teen by accusing them or acting suspicious. This will only cause them to become defensive and make them feel as if you don't trust them. Let them know that you are acting out of concern and not suspicion. This will make them trust you and be more open about their feelings on the issue and any pressure they are feeling