Implement  these in your home to prevent drug and alcohol use

Be Consistent

  • Make sure that both adults/guardians are sharing the same message on drug and alcohol use
  • Create consistent rules, boundaries and consequences around drugs, alcohol and peer groups
  • Set boundaries and verify they are met; extend privileges as earned over time
  • Model the behaviors that you want to see in your child
  • Engage in positive activities such as exercise, athletics, faith and constructive hobbies

Communicate

  • Listen more than you speak and create opportunities for two-way conversations around substance use
  • Share real-life examples of drug and alcohol use and their consequences
  • Role-play situations and give your child words to say “no” and remove themselves from peer pressure
  • Share personal/family use with honesty, but without reliving or glamorizing past drug/alcohol use. 

Educate Yourself

  • Identify current drugs and paraphernalia associated with drug use
  • Be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of drug/alcohol use
  • Know the effects of drug use and what your child is likely to look like on drugs
  • Properly dispose of unused prescription pills and lock and monitor alcohol or family members prescriptions
  • Create a home atmosphere where kids feel comfortable

Know Your Child

  • Be able to recognize anything out of the ordinary that may be signs of substance use
  • Be aware of internet use and what kids are posting, sharing and viewing online
  • Check your child’s room and backpack for drug paraphernalia and alcohol on a regular basis
  • Discuss boundaries around drugs/alcohol with parents your teens interact with
  • Use drug testing or breathalyzers to verify the behavior
  • Try to spend 15 minutes a day with each child

Build Community

  • Enlist the support of family, friends, coaches, etc. to help support and uphold family values
  • Encourage members of your community to create a drug and alcohol prevention plan. 

SOURCE