But psychological dependence can develop relatively rapidly. Parents should establish codes of behavior to guide their children and should be prepared to use discipline to enforce these rules. But the parents should explain the reasons for the rules so that their children can see that they are not just arbitrary restrictions. Parents should learn how the various drugs affect the mind and body and should explain these effects to their children. Parents should also abstain from smoking and drinking.
Drug use is less common in families where a good relationship exists between parents and children.
Parents should take an active interest in their children. They should help the children with their homework and help to fill their leisure time creatively. If parents suspect that a child is using drugs, they should try to act calmly but decisively. The sooner the parents act, the greater the likelihood of their preventing addiction. It may be difficult to determine whether or not a child is taking drugs, but there may be several indications.