Be prepared to answer if your child asks, "Did you ever use drugs?"

Here are some possible responses to your child's questions:

1. "I took drugs because some of my friends used them, and I thought I needed to in order to fit in. In those days, people didn't know as much as they do now about all the bad things that can happen when you smoke marijuana or do other drugs. If I'd known then what I know now, I never would have tried them, and I'll do everything I can to keep you away from drugs."
   
   
2. "Everyone makes mistakes, and when I used drugs, I made a big one. I'm telling you about this, even though it's embarrassing, because I love you, and I want to save you from making the same stupid decision that I made when I was your age. You can learn from my mistakes without repeating them."
   
   
3. "I did drugs because I was bored and wanted to take some risks, but I soon found that I couldn't control the risks - they were controlling me. There are much better ways of challenging yourself than doing drugs."
   
   
4. "At your age, between homework, friends, sports, and other interests, there are a lot of fun things going on. If you get into taking drugs, you're pretty much giving up those other things, because you may stop being able to concentrate, control your moods or keep to a schedule. You'll miss out on all these great experiences, and you'll never get those times back."
   
   
5. "You don't know how your body will react to drugs. Some people can get addicted really quickly or can get really sick or even die using a drug for the first time."
   
   
6. "I started drinking/doing drugs when I was young, and I've been battling them ever since. They made me miss a big part of growing up, and every day I have to stay positive so they don't make me miss more - my job, my relationships, and my time with you. I love you too much to watch you fight a similar battle."

Source: The National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign's Behavior Change Expert Panel.

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