An overview of drug abuse and chemical dependency is followed by a review of the reasons children use drugs. These include the influences of a drug-using society, media advertising, our society's emphasis on stimulation and consumption, rapid social changes, and conflict between parents and children. The relationship between low self-esteem and drug abuse is discussed, along with how parents can help their children develop healthy self-esteem. How parents can encourage their children to engage in a healthy expression of emotions is discussed as one means of cultivating a mental health in children that prevents them from being attracted to drugs. A section on helping children make choices guides parents in assisting their children in identifying and considering options that are available to solve a problem. The development of a no-use rule and consequences is addressed in another section, as parents are instructed in the characteristics of a no-use rule and its enforcement, as well as how parents can explain the rule to their children. A section on teaching children to say no to drugs identifies ineffective approaches and describes effective approaches as well as activities designed to help children say no to drugs. Remaining sections of the booklet focus on monitoring children's whereabouts, detecting drug use by a child, confronting a child's drug use, getting help, and becoming involved in the community to develop and maintain a drug-abuse prevention network. Discussion questions pertinent to each section of the booklet are included. Appended listing of drugs and their effects, a 10-item resource listing, and 10 recommended readings