ANSWER:
Hang out with people who do not use drugs or alcohol. Then, if your child is asked to use drugs, he or she can take a stand and walk away, knowing that there is support from the group.
Skip parties where your child knows drugs or alcohol will be present.
Practice or role-play things to say to friends who might try to get your child to use drugs or alcohol. This helps your child consider in advance what might happen and think about ways to say "no." Practice responses, such as:
"No, thanks. I've got too much to do today."
"I'll just end up embarrassing myself."
"I've got to stay clean for basketball practice."
"My parents told me that they would ground me for 3 weeks if I use, and I don't want to take the chance of missing my friend's party."
Get involved in drug-free activities. Talk about ways to ask friends to join too.
Call you for a ride if he or she is in trouble or feels pressured by others to use drugs or alcohol. Let your child know that you want to help no matter what the situation is.
