From Denise Witmer,
Your Guide to Parenting of Adolescents.
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While there are many issues with teenagers that can strike fear in the heart of a parent, teen drug use is #1. But you can’t allow your fear to force you to ignore drug concerns in your teen’s life – and all teens have them! Each and every teenager knows someone in school who experiments or readily uses drugs. Every teen has seen it on television or in the news. To empower a drug-free teenager you’ll need to put your fear aside and meet this issue head on. You can keep your teen drug-free, or start them on a drug-free path if they have been experimenting already, because this issue is not bigger than your loving influence.

Start with this screening quiz: Is Your Teenager Using Drugs?

Learn to Prevent Teen Drug Use

• How to Set the Rules: Teens and Drug Use
• 10 Things You Can Do to Prevent Your Teen from Taking Drugs
• Top Books on Talking to Teens About Tough Issues
• Knowledge Is Power: Index of Drugs of Abuse

What to Do If You Suspect Drug Use

• Warning Signs of Teenage Drug Abuse
• Drug Testing Methods
• FAQ: Where can a parent get help if their teen is using drugs?

Related Teen Drug Use Articles

• Millions of Americans in Denial About Drug Abuse
• Facts About Substance Abuse and Risky Sexual Behavior
• Prosecuting Parents for Underage Drinking
• The Risks of Party Drugs