Teen Drug Prevention:  How Parent's Can Get Tough

When it comes to parenting, there is no job more important than keeping your teen away from drugs.  Although your teen may be learning more about themselves, establishing his or her own identity and becoming more independent, it is still crucial to set the ground rules when it comes to an issue as serious as drug use.   Here are some guidelines:

1. The first and most important thing you should do is to let your teen know that drug use of any kind will not be tolerated in your family.  It is important to be clear with this rule so that your teen fully understands your expectations. Be sure to ask your teen if they have any questions about this.  If you feel more information needs to be discussed you can either prepare yourself to answer your teen's questions ahead of time or bring up a few questions of your own.
2. It's important to be firm with your teen and to establish strict consequences when it comes to breaking the no drug use rule. Think of these consequences as black and white so that there can be no disagreement or interpretation from their end.
3. When talking to your teen about drug use make sure you are specific, consistent as well as reasonable.  Your teen should understand that drug use is prohibited at all times, even if they are at other people's houses. 
4. A big part of your responsibility in guiding the way for your teen is checking up on them when they go out with friends.  Let your teen know that you take your role as parent very seriously and that checking with other parents is a family policy.
5. Despite the fact that you've spoken to your teen about the dangers of drugs and your expectations, teenagers will frequently rebel.  They may feel that if things get emotional, they'll be able get out of a consequence. Don't fall into this common power struggle trap.  Try to remain calm if your teen tries to argue with you. You must maintain your stance that the no drug use rule is non-negotiable.
6. Always let your teen know how happy you are that they are respecting the rules you have set about drug use.  By emphasizing the things that teens do right, as opposed to what they have done wrong, they build self-confidence and learn to feel good about themselves and to trust their own judgment.

By setting strict ground rules, sticking to them and leaving the lines of communication open, parents and teens can establish an agreement that can help keep teens away from drugs and parents in control.