Drug and alcohol abuse and addiction are complicated situations, especially when it involves your teenager. Parents, you are the first line of defense when it comes to your teen’s drug use or drinking. And you do make a difference!

Nearly two-thirds of teenagers see great risk of upsetting their parents or losing the respect of family and friends if they smoke marijuana or use other drugs. You can influence your teenager’s behavior, particularly if you are armed with the facts about drugs. Having a clear understanding about the risks of illicit drugs and knowing the signs to watch for in your teenager is a critical first step.

Virtually all parents in America (98 percent) say they’ve talked with their children about drugs; however, only 27 percent of teens (roughly one in four) say they’re learning a lot at home about the risks of drugs, according to a national study by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America (PDFA).

Be absolutely clear with your kids that you don’t want them using drugs. Ever. Anywhere. Don’t leave room for interpretation. And talk often about the dangers and results of drug and alcohol abuse. Once or twice a year won’t do it.

Research shows that young people are less likely to use tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs if their parents set clear rules about not doing so. If parents have not previously established rules around more basic activities of daily living, however, they will have little chance of getting their children to obey a rule about not using marijuana, tobacco, or other drugs.

Here are some rulemaking tips:
Set clear rules and discuss in advance the consequences of breaking them. Don’t make empty threats or let the rule-breaker off the hook. Don’t impose harsh or unexpected new punishments.

The rules must be consistently enforced; every time a child breaks the rules the parent should enforce a punishment.

Punishments should involve mild, not severe, negative consequences. Overly severe punishments serve to undermine the quality of the parent-child relationship.

Set a curfew. And enforce it strictly. Be prepared to negotiate for special occasions.

Have kids check in at regular times when they’re away from home or school. Give them a phone card, change or even a pager with clear rules for using it. (When I beep you, I expect a call back within 15 minutes.)

Call parents whose home is to be used for a party. On party night, don’t be afraid to stop in to say hello (and make sure that adult supervision is in place).

Make it easy to leave a party where drugs are being used. Discuss in advance how to signal you or another designated adult who will come to pick your child up the moment he or she feels uncomfortable. Later, be prepared to talk about what happened.

Listen to your instincts. Don’t be afraid to intervene if your gut reaction tells you that something is wrong.

For more tips on parenting substance-free youth, visit www.talbotpartnership.org.  Parents may also sign up on the website for Talbot Partnership’s E-Newsletter, which also offers tips for parents.