Knowing some of the risky behaviors that put kids at risk for using drugs can help parents prevent their children from abusing drugs. Aggressive behavior, lack of parental supervision and availability of drugs are some of the risk factors associated with drug abuse. Although, not all children who are at risk will try drugs, parents should still take steps to protect children. http://www.nida.nih.gov/prevention/risk.html

Helping children learn how to transform aggressive behavior into positive behavior can help diminish the risk. http://www.nida.nih.gov/prevention/risk.html Parents must also make sure that children are in a nurturing, positive environment. Supervising children, paying close attention to them in their tween years is also of importance. Children who have a strong relationship with their parents are less likely to try drugs for fear of disappointing them. http://www.ncpc.org/topics/drug-abuse/alcohol-tobacco-and-other-drugs Communicating with children, asking them about their lives and talking with them about the dangers of drugs can help prevent children from abusing drugs.

Peers sometimes convince children to use drugs. Teach children that they do not need the company of friends who use drugs. http://www.treatmentsolutionsnetwork.com/blog/index.php/2009/11/12/top-5-ways-to-prevent-substance-abuse/ Watching documentaries that show the negative impact that drugs have on families can help children have a better understanding of the danger of using drugs. Teaching children strategies for dealing with peer pressure will give them the tools that they need to handle friends who convince children to use drugs. Parents can use role playing so children can practice saying "no" to drugs.

Parents can prevent their children from using drugs by living in an environment where drug use is not tolerated. Children may become drug abusers if they live in areas where drug use is accepted or glorified. http://www.treatmentsolutionsnetwork.com/blog/index.php/2009/11/12/top-5-ways-to-prevent-substance-abuse/ However, a child may not necessarily use drugs, because the child lives in an area where drugs are used.