Monitoring is an effective way you can help your tween or teen stay drug-free, and an important thing to do — even if you don't suspect your teen is using drugs.

Rules don't alienate kids. Rules about what's acceptable — from obeying curfews to calling in to tell you where they are — make children feel loved and secure.

Many teens think prescription medications are safe because they have legitimate uses, but taking them without a prescription to get high or “self-medicate” can be as dangerous – and addictive – as using street narcotics and other illicit drugs.