The following is from The Partnership for a Drug Free America.  Click on the following link for more information:<http://kintera.org>

1) I Think My Child Is Drinking and Using Drugs
Discovering that a teen is using drugs or alcohol can be a scary experience for parents - many feel alone, ashamed, guilty, and confused about what to do next.

We want to be the first to tell you about our new online help resource for parents and caregivers who suspect or know their child is experimenting, using or has a problem with alcohol or drugs: Time To Act!

Through video and interactive multimedia modules, Time To Act! offers step-by-step advice and compassionate guidance from substance abuse experts, family therapists, scientists and fellow parents to help steer families through the process of understanding alcohol and drug use, confronting a child, setting boundaries, and seeking outside help.

2) Have a Conversation Not a Confrontation
Finding out your teen uses drugs or is drinking definitely stirs up a parent's emotions. But the best way to help your teen - and to make sure she hears you - is to remain as calm as possible throughout the conversation. Here are other things to keep in mind:

• Hold off until she is sober.** Do not start the conversation when you can tell your child is drunk or high.
• Show your concern. **Express to your child that you're worried about her.
• Keep a cool head.** Try your best not to overreact to what your child has done in the past. Instead, focus on making it clear what you want him to do in the future.
• Be direct.** Clearly state your concerns as well as any evidence you've found ("You're not showering, your grades have dropped, and I found empty beer cans in your car").
• Listen.** Don't do all the talking - be sure to give your child a chance to speak, and listen to what she or he has to say.
• Learn more tips for having more productive conversations

3) And the Oscar Goes To..."
The award show season is in full gear: The Golden Globes, The Grammys
and the Academy Awards, just to name a few.

What role do drugs and alcohol play in all of this? Storylines and
references in songs and movies; celebrities' real-life experiences;
references to drinking and drug use while presenting and accepting awards.

Read a recent post about the Golden Globes on our blog Decoder
- and let us know what you think about celebrity behavior and the
message it sends to our kids.

And stay tuned, because there will be more on this topic on Decoder in
the coming months - and we want to hear what you think!

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The Partnership for a Drug-Free America has been recognized by the
following institutions for financial and organizational accountability.