Last week, Steve Pasierb, President and CEO, of The Partnership for a Drug-Free America said the following on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s recent study findings:

“Communication between parents and kids is the most effective prevention tool when it comes to protecting your teen from abusing medications.”

Children who are well educated on the dangers of drugs at home are up to 50 percent less likely to use them. In recent research, teens stated that the number one reason they avoid drug use is because they don’t want to disappoint their parents. You have a voice and an influence in your child’s decisions. Whether or not you think they are listening, talk to them today about how to make the right choices. If you’re having difficulty starting a conversation, TimeToTalk.org can help with easy tips, useful advice and a free monthly newsletter. You can even join an online parent forum to discuss what’s worked for others in the fight to prevent cough medicine abuse.