1. We are in this together. I will not use illegal drugs. You will not use illegal drugs.

2. It's the Law. Alcohol use is against the law for children under 21. Drugs are against the law for children and adults of all ages.

3. What about your reputation. Your reputation will be at risk. Do you want to become known as a druggie or loser?

4. Stay in charge of yourself. Drugs are harmful to your body and mind and drug and alcohol use can result in death. By living a drug-free life, you take charge of your own body. Drugs can't rule you if you are in charge!

5. Jail is a real possibility. You can get caught. Not only are there serious repercussions to your health and mental well-being, but each state puts forth severe penalties for drug use and sales of illegal drugs. Do you want to risk going to prison?

6. It's too expensive. In more ways than one, drugs are an expensive habit. Do you want to take money away from clothes, CDs?

7. Live without Guilt. If you don't use drugs, you have nothing to hide.

8. Set the example. Believe it or not your younger siblings, cousins and friends probably look to you to set an example. Be the leader of the drug-free movement in your circle of family and friends.

9. Drugs are linked with other negative behaviors. Delinquency, eating disorders, and early sexual activity have all been linked with drug abuse. Why look for more trouble?

10. Your appearance. Drug use affects not only how you feel and relate to the world, but how you look to others. Weight loss and weight gain, bloodshot eyes, and unpleasant breath odor are only some of the side effects. For instance, steroid use can cause acne, jaundice, purple or red spots on the skin, swelling of feet and legs, darkening of skin tone, and withered testicles, among some 60 other effects, some of which are irreversible.

Don't oversimplify. For some children and in some cases, tough talk works best. Always be prepared to act and enforce the penalties that you set within your own home. Children are less likely to risk inappropriate behavior when the punishment is swift and certain.

Tough talk...If you tell your child that if he or she is caught using drugs, you will take away their car, then take away the car. Don't go halfway; be prepared to carry out and enforce any punishment that you deem appropriate. Remain strong in your conviction and convey this strength and consistency to your child.

Tougher talk...If you tell your child not to use drugs because you may conduct random drug testing within your home, then proceed with the testing. (Of course, this stance brings up a whole array of ethical and moral guidance issues, which are more fully discussed in our brochure on home drug testing.)