Drug use and abuse is on the rise.  From celebrities to business men to students, more people than ever are in drug rehab or receiving dual diagnosis treatment.  With more teens using more now than ever before, it is even more important that parents talk openly and consistently with their children and teens about drugs.  There are six key steps to talking with your kids about drugs.

Express very clearly and firmly that you do not want your child to use drugs under any circumstances.  On a consistent basis explain to them the risks and hazards of using drugs and that under no condition will that be accepted behavior.  Make sure they know where you stand.

Listen.  It may sound easy but it’s not.  We often get so caught up in our own lives that we miss what our children are saying.  Become involved in their everyday lives.  Let them know that you love them, support them, and are interested in them.  If they feel comfortable around you and know they can come to you, they will be more willing to open up and ask questions rather than keeping it bottled inside or going to their peers.  This also applies to your reaction.  If you blow-up or overreact you will push your child away.  Instead turn it into a discussion.

Be honest.  If your child is mature enough to ask the question, they are mature enough to understand the answer.  Also, if they discover that you have not been honest with them it could do permanent damage your relationship.  If they think they cannot trust you, they will stop coming to you.

Use the media to instigate conversations.  There are always commercials, news, or movies on that reference drug and alcohol use that can spark a thoughtful discussion.  Make the most out of those moments to supplement your own.

Role-play.  As silly as it may sound, having a refusal plan already set into place will make the moment that much easier on your child.

No parent wants to see their child go through addiction treatment.  Start taking steps now to prepare your child for the future.