We developed the 
EZ To Use Drug Test and the EZ To Use Alcohol Saliva Test to help parents communicate with their children. When your teenager comes home and the EZ To Use Drug Test is on your refrigerator, they are going to be curious. Your child will very likely ask you what it is and why you bought it. Opening the lines of communication, and keeping them open, is the BEST way to prevent your children from using drugs or alcohol.
So, what do you talk about? Here is a list of how some experts say you should discuss drugs and alcohol with your teen:
A big part of communicating is LISTENING. When your child wants to talk, do not say “Just a minute” or “Not now I am busy.” Stop what you are doing, and listen to what they have to say. Don’t make the mistake of putting off these important conversations.
And here is one tip about how to talk to them, ask open ended questions, not questions your teenager can answer with a “yes” or “no”. For example, don’t ask “Do any of your friends smoke pot?” Instead, ask “Which of your friends smoke pot?” Then follow up with, “When do they smoke pot?” “How does it affect them?” “Where do they get it?” See how easy this is? Each question naturally leads to another one.
So, what do you talk about? Here is a list of how some experts say you should discuss drugs and alcohol with your teen:
1. Create and review expectations. Children look to their parents for guidance, whether they admit it or not. Two-thirds of children say that losing their parents’ respect is the primary reason that they do not smoke marijuana or use other drugs! You must tell your children that drug and alcohol use is not acceptable. Create a set of family rules concerning substance use and the consequences when rules are broken. If you do not want your teen to use any substances (including cigarettes and alcohol), make that clear to them. Talk to them about it, and review it with them often.
2. Let Them That You Will Be There. Tell your teen that if they go to a party and drugs are being used, that you will come to pick them up. Let them that if they are riding with someone who is drinking or using drugs, that you will drop whatever you are doing and come to get them immediately. All they have to do is call. Then, keep your end of the bargain.
3. Explain that you bought to help them. Explain to your child that having the EZ To Use Drug Test and the EZ To Use Alcohol Test in your home gives them a reason to tell their friends that they cannot drink or use drugs. Explain that it helps them to not use drugs when they are otherwise tempted. Most importantly, explain to them that you are concerned about them, that you love them and do not want anything to happen to them.
4. Share your concerns with your teen. Talk about your concerns about their health and safety, not only about drug and alcohol abuse. Talk about tragic stories you have read in the news, or of people you whose lives were ruined or severely affected by drugs or alcohol.
5. Ask them about use. Ask them what substances they or their friends have tried, what effects the substances had, and how he or she feels about the substance use. Listen carefully to what your teen liked about using the substance and why. The closeness of your relationship will determine the quality and accuracy of the information shared with you. Ask your teen about peers who provided drugs and peers with whom your teen used drugs.
6. If they have been using drugs or alcohol, ask them to stop. Ask your teen to stop, especially if there is a strong family history of substance abuse or dependence. If your teen stops now, he or she will not develop a substance abuse problem.
7. Provide drug education. This is an important time to provide additional drug information, like the kind we have on this website. Tell your teen about the immediate effects and consequences of using alcohol, inhalants, cigarettes, and/or other drugs. Don't talk only about long-term health problems.
8. Be prepared to answer questions about your own drug or alcohol use. Most people are most afraid of these questions, but being honest with your teen is the most important step towards open communication. If you have not communicated honestly with them before, it may take time to regain their trust. If your teenager knows you are being honest, they will be more likely to be honest with you. And if you acknowledge your use of drugs or alcohol in the past (or in the present) it will strengthen your credibility and offer a good starting point for your discussions.
9. Listen and try to not be judgmental. You need to be accepting and open to what your teen is telling you. Listen to them, but try to avoid communication barriers like saying “You must….” or “You have to….” or “You better or else.” Instead, ask your teenager what they see as potential problems and what they think is the right thing to do. Your teen probably realizes the answers that are most appropriate for them. They may seek guidance from you, but offer it as advice, not a lecture. Encourage them to think about the problem and address it themselves, but with your help.
10. Most importantly, if needed, seek professional help. If you simply cannot communicate with your teenager, there are professional services available. Call your pediatrician or your family doctor for a referral. Don’t be afraid to seek assistance. Your child’s life is worth it.