For many parents, talking with children about drugs and alcohol can be difficult ... yet it is essential. Research shows that the more parents talk to their children about drugs and alcohol, the less likely the children will become users.

Use teachable moments. Talk regularly to your child about drugs.

Use those moments in the car, or when there is a story in the news, to have a discussion. Like other health issues, once is not enough to talk about drugs with your child. Value your child's development in life and listen to their struggles and stresses. Listening is critical! Parents must listen so they can have a discussion with their child vs. just telling the child what to do. Also, make the conversation age appropriate - a conversation about drugs is very different with a 10 year old vs. a 16 year old.

Set a good example.

They watch what you do. Set a good example about your own substance use.

Look for signs of drug use.

• Any changes in appearance, behavior, eating or sleeping habits, red or watery eyes, unexplained mood swings
• Changes in mood such as lack of motivation, depression or extreme hyperactivity
• Missing possessions, lack of money
• Poor school attendance, increased discipline or change in grades
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Secretive about possessions and personal space, increased isolation

Get help at the first sign of trouble.

Parents tend to underestimate the risks or seriousness of drug use, especially with alcohol and marijuana. Seek out a professional and ask for help. Quality of life and your child's future depend on it! When a teen's substance use disorder is treated in adolescence - even when mild or moderate - it frequently leads to abstinence or no further problems. (NIDA 2014)

"My daughter was a patient at Rosecrance and I want to say thank you. You should see her now. She is a sophomore with a 3.8 GPA. She plays volleyball, club volleyball, varsity basketball and track. She studies all the time to keep her grades up. She hates hanging with the girls that have drama and knows that a lot of them drink and she doesn't want to do that. She is 16 going on 30. She has learned from her mistakes and the mistakes of others. I am so proud of her. Thank you, Rosecrance. I got my daughter back 10x better."

-Jan G.

"Our daughter is at home, registered for college in January and has 11 months clean! Thanks to you, we got through the most difficult time in our lives. It is such a joy to have our daughter back. She is doing a fantastic job in working the program that she learned through Rosecrance. She attends a meeting every day and goes more often if she needs to."

-Dave L.

-Nicholas A.

Advice from an Expert