While many parents don't think their children are experimenting with drug use, current data suggests that almost 25 percent of 12 to 17-year-olds — and up to 50 percent of 18 to 25-year-olds — have used drugs of some sort. While these statistics may seem startling, the key to prevention is communication. The following tips can help keep your family safe and avoid the sometimes devastating consequences of using or abusing alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD):

• Establish and enforce rules against underage drinking. Keep alcohol, tobacco products, and prescription drugs out of the reach of children too young to adhere to such rules.
• Be a positive role model. Do not engage in any illegal, unhealthy or dangerous ATOD use; provide an example consistent with your messages to your children. Do not use or store illegal drugs in your home. Avoid exposing others to tobacco smoke and acknowledge that smoking is unhealthy. Do not use alcohol if you are pregnant, plan to drive or engage in a physical activity, take medications, or cannot keep your drinking moderate.
• Be clear and consistent in stating your expectation that underage youth in your charge will not use ATOD. Let other parents know your views if your children are going to be guests in their homes.
• If a family member exhibits signs of an ATOD problem, be prepared to connect your loved one with appropriate help in your area. Learn about alcoholism, addiction, and co-dependence and find helpful local resources.
• Help your children understand that they are not responsible for problems adults experience and that adult behavior while under the influence of ATOD does not necessarily reflect true attitudes. Learn what you can do to help buffer stress for children in this situation and reduce their risk of developing serious problems in their own lives.
• Help children and adolescents learn the health, safety, and legal consequences of using ATOD; be sure they understand that alcohol and tobacco are drugs and are as dangerous as illegal drugs.
• Model low-risk alcohol use and ask others in your community to do so as well. Be a responsible host.
• Model and encourage good health practices. Serve balanced and nutritious meals at regular times, and plan ATOD-free family activities.
• Be sure your children have easy access to a wide range of appealing, ATOD-free activities and safe, monitored areas where they can gather.
• Discuss alcohol and tobacco advertising with your children. Ask what they think about these messages, whether they understand their purpose and whether they recognize that these messages do not teach the harmful effects of using these products.
• Provide lots of love, support, and encouragement; help your child learn to do something well.

If you or someone you know has a problem with alcohol or other drugs, E.ON U.S.'s Family Assistance Program offers free, confidential help. Contact the FAP Provider, Wayne Corp., at (502) 451-8262 or 1-800-441-1327 or online at www.waynecorp.com. (Use lge for the username and LGE for the password.)