Don't put of talking to your child about alcohol and other drugs. As early as the fourth grade, kids worry about pressures to try drugs. Although most children believe that everyone uses or has tried drugs, the reality is most people have never taken drugs. Parents must become involved, but most parents aren't sure how to talk to their child about drugs. Open communication is one of the most effective tools you can use in helping your child avoid drug use. How you communicate with your child about their choices is crucial in the battle against drugs. Talking freely and really listening shows children they mean a great deal to you.

What do you say?

• Tell them that you love them and you want them to be healthy and happy.
• Say you do not find alcohol and other illegal drugs acceptable.
• Explain the consequences of drug use.
• Discuss the legal issues. A conviction for a drug offense can lead to time in prison or cost someone their job and driver's license.
• Discuss positive drug free alternatives and how you can explore them together.
• Discuss healthy life choices.

Why do kids use drugs?

Young people say they turn to alcohol and other drugs for one or more of the following reasons:

• To do what their friends are doing
• To escape pain in their lives
• To fit in
• Boredom
• For fun
• Curiosity
• To take risks

How do you say it?

• Calmly and openly - don't exaggerate.
• Face to face - exchange information and try to understand each other's point of view.
• Be an active listener and let your child talk about fears and concerns. Don't interrupt and don't preach.
• Through "teachable moments" - instead of a formal lecture. Consider using a variety of situations such as: TV dramas, books, newspaper.
• Establish an ongoing conversation rather than giving a one-time speech.
• Remember that you set the example. Avoid contradictions between your words and your actions. And don't use illegal drugs, period!

How can I tell if a child is using drugs?

- Get to know the symptoms of being under the influence such as the red eyes, strange odor on breath, unable to make eye contact with you.

- Change in moods - more irritable, secretive, withdrawn, overly sensitive, inappropriately angry, euphoric.

- Less responsible - late coming home, late for school or class, missing school, dishonest.

- Physical deterioration - difficulty in concentration, loss of coordination, loss of weight, unhealthy appearance.

- Deterioration in the way they dress.

Take a stand!

- Educate yourself about the facts surrounding alcohol and other drug use. You will lose credibility with your child if your information is not correct.

- Establish clear family rules against drug use and enforce them consistently.

- Develop your parenting skills through seminars, networking with other parents, reading, counseling, and support groups.

- Seek advice from local drug programs.

Most of all seek help for yourself during this tough time. Don't do it alone. Accepting that your child is involved with drugs does not necessarily mean you failed as a parent. Don't get stuck on what went wrong and when it started, but focus on taking a stand and doing something about stopping drug abuse.

Check out these great web sites:

Parent's Resource Institute for Drug Education "PRIDE"

National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information "NCADI"

DARE America

Federal Bureau of Investigation   "FBI"

Drug Enforcement Administration "DEA"

National Institute on Drug Abuse "NIDA"