Have you asked your teen
if they have tried drugs?

He's only 12, but has been running with 15-16 year old kids, who I KNOW and HAVE SEEN smoking pot.....also, have noticed large dialated pupils in broad daylight, unexplained money missing.....goes on the defense immediatly when the subject is even mentioned.
- Sharon, Georgia

Their father is a pharmacist and has frequently discussed the dangers of drugs with them since they were toddlers. I have a sister and brother who have both been hampered throughout their teens and adult life by drug addiction. My children have witnessed drug addiction up close because of my siblings. This experience made them know that drug addiction was not something they wanted to be a part of... since they were small children. Also I credit our family's involvement in church for helping to keep my five children from having an interest in experimenting with drugs or alcohol.
- RAE, Mississippi

My 14-year-old daughter is still at the point where she is scared of taking drugs, and therefore I really believe I'll get an honest answer from her. When her good friends start doing drugs, and her fear is not as great, I may not get an honest answer -- but I'll have already opened the door to this conversation. It won't be as difficult for me to ask as it was for my parents, because I know exactly what to look for.
- Stacy, Chicago

I know that drugs are a big deal in her school and I know some of her friends have done drugs. I'm hoping she is smart enough and strong enough to stay away from it.
- Gina, Maine

I have asked her because I know that some of her friends do, and she is not a great one to avoid peer pressure and trying to be popular.
- Carrie, New York

I asked because I wanted to know. She has been exposed to drugs growing up and I wanted to know how she felt.
- Kevin Sauer, Carmichael

Cuz I'm unsure. I do, however, TALK with them about the uses and potential dangers of drugs. But they read the newspaper, so they already know what's out there. Kids aren't as naive as we may think they are.
- jk, Virginia

We have taught them what is right, and we trust them.
- Ruth, Rapid City

I don't think I really want to know. If she was to try drugs, I'm not sure there is anything I can do about it. I will keep telling her what I think about drugs, but she has to do what she is going to do.
- Lisa, Maine