Talking with your kids about drugs and alcohol can be uncomfortable. While it’s a sensitive subject, it’s worth the time and effort – the consequences of drinking and drugs are high.

Indeed, children’s knowledge and perceptions of drugs and alcohol come from friends, family and the media. According to a survey by the National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC), many teens learn how to use and get drugs from these same sources. In the survey, some teens said that news programs present drug information in such detail that they teach young people how to use drugs.

Parents play a large role in preventing their children from using drugs and alcohol. According to a 2000 study by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA), teens whose parents monitor their media exposure, school performance and whereabouts after school and on weekends are at one-quarter the risk of smoking, drinking and using illegal drugs.

Start as early as possible; even preschoolers can be influenced. At this age, kids form ideas that impact decisions later on. They are eager to know rules and get your opinions on what’s bad and what’s good. Help them make the right decisions about what should go into their bodies, keeping your explanations simple. Point out harmful household products and their labels, such as bleach or furniture polish. Explain to them that not all bad drugs have warnings on them, so they should eat food or medicine only from a parent, grandparent or caregiver.

For elementary school children, discuss how putting anything that’s not food, water or juice into their body is harmful. Explain that people sometimes put bad things into their bodies because they don’t take care of themselves. Praise them for taking good care of their bodies and avoiding things that may harm them.

Kids become even more influenced by peers once they hit middle school or junior high. Teach them why they should avoid alcohol and drugs. Don’t let it become a part of their life because they are bored. Keep them busy after school with activities, chores and homework. Get to know their friends and their parents by chauffeuring kids to and from school activities and volunteering at school functions.

High school kids are older, so you can give them the facts. You and your teen should know the names of popular drugs, their effects and the legal penalties for possessing them.

Be sure to define your rules about drinking and driving. Tell your teen that he can call you for a ride if he is confronted with a driver who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Explain that you’ll pick him up at any time, no questions asked.

Most kids experiment with drugs or alcohol for basic reasons – they are curious and looking for a way to relax. Even more, they want to feel accepted by peers. It’s important to help your children make good decisions. That comes from setting a positive example, staying involved in their lives and talking to them early and often about the consequences of using drugs and alcohol.