The booklet first emphasizes the important role that Hispanic parents play in their children's lives and the urgency of addressing the issue of drug use with their children. Hispanic eighth graders in the United States have the highest rates of using most illegal drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, and heroin. So that Hispanic parents may understand the adverse effects of marijuana and other drugs, the booklet reviews the harmful effects of marijuana, such as memory loss, attention deficits, and learning handicaps, which undermine school and work performance. Also noted are the adverse effects of alcohol use, MDMA, methamphetamine, inhalants, prescription and over-the-counter drugs, and anabolic steroids. After reviewing the negative effects of specific drugs, parents are advised about how to interact and communicate with their children in ways that will assist their children in avoiding drug use. The booklet advises parents to tell their children that they expect them to avoid drugs because of the harm they can cause. This involves setting clear rules and expectations, enforcing the rule consistently and fairly, and specifying the consequences if rules are violated. Parents should also teach their children to be aware of messages in the media that encourage or trivialize drug use. Other advice to parents is to encourage their teens to become involved in healthy activities such as sports, drama clubs, music groups, religious groups, or volunteer activities. The booklet concludes with a listing of the warning signs that a teen may be using drugs. This is followed by advice on when and how to seek outside help for a drug-using teen. Sources of information on treatment and drug prevention are provided as well.