As a parent you may be feeling pretty hopeless concerning your teen, however there are some steps you can take to help your teen say no to teenage drug abuse. The following is quick list of some steps you can take to help you and your teen avoid teenage drug abuse.

1. Initiate a pressure free conversation with your teen about alcohol and drugs. Make sure you share with your teen the dangers and problems associated with drug use. You can research the harmful effects of specific substances, or share personal stories of how your life, or the lives of people you know have been affected by drugs.
2. Learn to genuinely listen to your teen. Listening is a technique that will make your teen want to have a conversation with you. Listening shows your teen that you are really here to know them and understand what their life is about. Taking a non judgmental stance to listening, will enable your child to come to you with things that may be embarrassing for them.
3. Help your teen feel good about themselves. Teens are often unsure about themselves, make sure you are giving lost of praise and encouragement to your teens in order to cultivate a stable self concept that will enable them to care for their bodies, mind, and spirit.
4. Help your teen develop strong values. Helping your child have a clear view of right and wrong can aid them in standing strong against peer pressure.
5. Be a positive role model. Remember that your teen will be very conscious of your attitudes and behaviors concerning drugs and alcohol.
6. Help your teen deal with peer pressure. Encourage your teen to assertively stand up for what he believes is right and wrong.
7. Set firm ruses about drinking and drug use. Family rules need to be clear and consistent, and make sure the consequences are thoroughly understood.
8. Encourage healthy, creative activities. Make sure your children have structure in their lives. Create activities for them that cultivate their natural abilities.
9. Talk with other parents. It can be really refreshing to know you’re not alone as a struggling teen parent. Get to know their parents friends through school functions, sports events etc. If your teen is invited to a party, make sure there is a chaperone and there is no alcohol or drugs.
10. Know what to do if you suspect teenage drug abuse. As a parent, it is good to learn the signs of possible teenage drug use and get treatment from a drug and alcohol rehab as soon as the signs are recognized.