HOW TO STEER KIDS FROM DRUGS

Tips For Steering Children Away From Drugs, And What To Do If You Suspect
They Are Using Them:

* Discuss drug use with your children and establish family rules. It is
extremely important to establish a clear "no drugs" mandate and to make sure
it's communicated clearly to your children.

* Impose whatever course of discipline your family has decided on for
violating the rules and stick to it. Don't relent because your child
promises never to do it again.

* Never confront a child who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Wait until he or she is sober, and then discuss your suspicions with your
child calmly and objectively.

* If you think your child is not being truthful and the evidence is pretty
strong, you might want to have him or her evaluated by a health professional
experienced in diagnosing youths with alcohol- and drug-related problems.

* Have your family doctor or local clinic examine your child to rule out
illness or other physical problems.

* If your child has a pattern of drug use, you will probably need help to
intervene. To find out about drug treatment programs in your area, call your
doctor, local hospital, state or local substance-abuse agencies or county
mental health society for a referral. Your school district also should have
a substance abuse coordinator or a counselor who can refer you to treatment
programs.

Source: U.S. Department of Education