Teenagers turn to prescription drugs because they perceive them as less dangerous than illegal drugs.

Because of this, teenage prescription drug abuse is on the rise.  But the good news is, as a parent, you can influence your teen's decision not to use drugs.

The majority of teens still report that their parents — not their peers or the media — have the biggest influence on their decision to stay drug-free.  Use this influence to talk to your teen about the danger of misusing prescription drugs.

In conversations with your teen about drugs, be sure to include prescription drug abuse and why it's harmful.  Tell them that taking prescription drugs without a doctor's approval and supervision can be a dangerous — even deadly-decision.

Dispel the myth that these drugs are less harmful than street drugs because they are available through a doctor. If possible, keep all prescription medicines in a safe place (such as a locked cabinet) that your teen cannot access.

Echoing the words of Former President George H. W. Bush, "Schools, churches, synagogues, community groups, law enforcement all can help us turn the tide on drug and alcohol abuse, but none can take a parent’s place.  Drug education must begin at home and in the neighborhood long before the classroom.”

Hence, the standards of behavior that we establish in our families provide our children with the strongest inducements to stay off drugs.  As parents, it is imperative to have a strong, loving relationship with your children, to teach children standards of right and wrong, to settle and enforce rules for behavior, to know the facts about alcohol and other drugs, and to really listen to your children.

By doing each of these things, parents can be better prepared to deal with this frightening threat (of alcohol and other drugs) to our children's health and well-being.  After all, child rearing is one of the most important tasks anyone ever performs, and the one for which there is the least preparation.

This information is being provided from the May 2009 and October 2010 Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Newsletters. For additional information please contact Wendy M. McIntosh, GSMS Counselor.