As the school year comes to an end, you may find yourself handing over more responsibility to your teen as they transition into a young adult, but that doesn't mean your role is any less important at seventeen as it was when they were thirteen.  While transition years and milestones, such as graduation or prom can bring excitement and dreams of the possibilities ahead, it can also bring increased stress, less supervision, and increased risk-taking behaviors.  In fact, a significant number of teen traffic fatalities during the prom and graduation weekends are alcohol-related. 

• Use this time of year as a teachable moment.  Surveys show that 45 percent of teens whose parents didn't set boundaries around substance use reported they were likely to drink or use drugs at prom or graduation parties this year1.  Know where your teen plans to go and with whom.  Discuss the possibility that substances may be present, and emphasize your family rules, as well as the legal and physical risks they may face.
• Monitor alcohol in your house for potential consumption.
• If your teen will be part of a group of teens who rent a limousine, check with the limo company to make sure there is a policy regarding underage consumption in their car or purchasing alcohol for riders. 
• Be their excuse!  60 percent of teens say they feel pressured to use drugs or alcohol "always" or "frequently" at prom or graduation events, making it more important than ever to remind your teen about the risks of substance use1.
• Use a home drug test kit as a conversation starter and offer it to your teen as a way to say no. 

"I can't.  We have a drug test kit at home.  My parents
will test me, and they'll call your parents too."  

• Provide a safe alternative.  Consider a chaperoned substance-free party for prom or graduation.  Click here for theme ideas!