Ask any teacher or teen-the level of excitement in high school hallways and classrooms is palpable. The end of the school year is fast approaching, and local teens are preparing to celebrate at proms and graduation parties around the state.

These students have a lot to celebrate and are looking forward to sharing memorable experiences with friends and family. Whether those memories evoke happiness or pain, however, may depend upon crucial decisions about the use of alcohol and drugs.

At proms, graduations, and throughout the year, underage drinking and drug-use is risky business.  Given that teens may be invited to a party where alcohol and drugs will be present, what can parents do to assure their son or daughter's evening will be substance-free and safe?

• Before the party, talk to the parents hosting the party and get all the details. Where is it? What time does it start and end? Who's invited? What activities are planned? Will there be adult supervision for teenage guests? What is the ratio of adult supervisors to teenage guests? What can I do to help? Remember that many "low-risk" kids become casualties of "high-risk" situations, so don't hesitate to gather the necessary information to make an informed decision.
• Ask the parents hosting the party if alcohol will be served at the event. If it's a party with guests over and under age 21 and alcohol will be present, ask about their plans to prevent minors from drinking alcohol. If all of the guests will be under 21, ask about their plans to make sure that no one brings alcohol to the party.
• Talk to your teen about what to do if he or she finds themselves at a party where alcohol or drugs are present. Let them know that even if other teens are drinking or doing drugs, you expect them not to. Tell them you'll come pick them up-no matter how late it is. Because your teen may be calling you surrounded by friends, you may want to create a "code word" that your teen can use if he/she wants you to come get them.

• Teach your teen about the 911 Lifeline Law passed by the Texas Legislature in 2011. That law says a person under 21 won't be charged by the police for possessing or consuming alcohol if the person calls 911 because someone might have alcohol poisoning. This limited immunity applies only to the first person to call for medical assistance, only if the caller remains on the scene until medical assistance arrives and cooperates with EMS and law enforcement.This law was intended to encourage young people to do the right thing and save a life.To learn more, visit www.awareawakealive.org.

During the busy graduation season, parents have to make difficult choices about what parties their kids attend. It can be hard to tell a teen "no" when they want to go to the party that "everyone" is going to. Parents may wonder if their rules are too strict.

But, with the health, well-being, and safety of local teens and their loved ones on the line, the stakes couldn't be higher. So, go ahead, help your teens and their friends plan for substance-free celebrations they want to remember for a lifetime.