6 Ways to Prevent Adolescent Substance Abuse

1. Be Aware of Your Child's Activities

No, this doesn't mean locking a tracking collar on him or calling every 15 minutes to find out where he is. Adolescents need a certain amount of independence to find themselves. But you should know what kind of activities your child is participating in and where he can be found. Know who his or her friends are and don't be shy about making those friends feel welcome in your home. Talk to teachers and the heads of any extracurricular activities your teen is involved in, even if it's just to learn their names. Have your teen give you a call before he goes anywhere unexpectedly. This is not to make him feel monitored, but just so you know in case of an emergency. Ask a few basic questions when he goes out--who he'll be with, where he's going--and have him give you a call if he expects to be out later than he planned.

2. Watch for Signs of Substance Abuse

A substance abuse problem can sometimes be indistinguishable from normal adolescent behavior, but you can pick up signs if you pay attention. Watch for sudden unexplained changes in mood, falling grades or a loss of interest in extracurricular activities. Your teen may get into trouble at school, defying authority figures or even engaging in petty crime. Look for sudden weight loss, an unhealthy complexion, and lethargy or strange sleeping habits. Bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and nausea may signal alcohol abuse. The earlier you spot a substance abuse problem, the sooner you can take steps to eliminate it.

3. Communicate

Communicating with an adolescent means more than lecturing and laying down rules. Talk to her: have a conversation about movies, TV or anything else. Let her know that she can come to you with anything, and refrain from judging her when she does. At an appropriate time, bring up the topic of substance abuse and listen to what she says about it. An atmosphere of trust will let her approach you with problems more readily, rather than keeping secrets from you.

4. Set Firm and Consistent Rules

At the same time, you need to be very clear about what will and will not be tolerated. Establish rules such as curfews and driving privileges early on, and stick to them consistently. Learn to say "No" and to make punishments stick. It's OK to be the bad guy sometimes, and your teen may be able to get out of bad situations more easily if he can use you as an excuse: "I can't. My parents would kill me."

5. Monitor Substances in Your Home

Substance abuse doesn't just come from illegal drugs or alcohol. Prescription drug abuse is a huge problem among teens, and dangerous activities such as gas or paint huffing are widespread as well. Keep track of prescription drugs in your house and watch for any drop in their content. Also, you should inventory household supplies such as cleaners and paint, and keep them in a centralized location.