It is important to distinguish between chemical use, chemical abuse and chemical dependency early on.

Chemical use is the broad category that includes everything from an occasional beer to total debilitating addiction. All users are not abusers, nor are all abusers addicts. Every person reacts differently when presented with a particular drug. Some people will experience side effects that range from mild to deadly.

Chemical abuse refers to a pattern in which using chemical leads to serious harmful consequences. Approximately 70% of all alcoholics start drinking while they are in high school. Alcoholism is the only completely preventable disease, meaning if you don't drink alcohol, you will not become an alcoholic. Its as simple as that.

Not all abusers are physically dependent or addicted to alcohol or drugs. This makes it difficult to diagnose true dependency among teenage abusers. Not only is it more difficult to diagnose addiction in this group, it is also much harder to treat the condition successfully. The influence of a teen's peers can also introduce problems when seeking treatment. Don’t be afraid to step up and talk to the parents of the per that you think might be a bad influence on your child.

One of the most effective predictors of trouble is the quality of communication between parent and teenager. When adolescents feel utterly misunderstood, when they have no sense of trust or security in their family, they are at risk for abusing chemicals. Anyone who abuses drugs or alcohol runs the risk of becoming addicted. If you see signs of abuse, use this opportunity to strengthen the bond of communication with your son or daughter. Be patient, but don't be naïve. Adolescents who are heavily involved with drugs and alcohol usually lie about it, at least initially. Don't be put off by reassuring words if you continue to see signs that disturb you. Don't let your teen's statements lead you to believe their actions aren't risky.

Being a parent of a child on drugs is not easy. There is nothing easy about it. However, its part of the responsibility of bring a child into this world isn’t it? I urge you, please do not abandon your child or think that the issue is just a fad and will simply go away. It may not. I have talked with parents who no longer have their child because of overdoses and terrible accidents. The number one most common statement from them is “I wish I had done more to help them”. Don’t let this happen to you. Step up at all costs!