When Saying No Isn't Enough. Many adolescents experiment with alcohol, and there are a variety of reasons why they do so. Experimentation does not usually lead to alcohol or drug abuse. Your best bet at influencing your teenage son or daughter positively is to offer open channels of communication. If he or she is drinking alcohol or experimenting with drugs, they are probably aware that what they are doing would displease you if you knew.
Most families have rules regarding their children's drug and alcohol use.
Sometimes clear consequences for drug or alcohol use have been articulated. You must ask yourself how important knowing why your child is using alcohol or drugs is to you. If you are like most parents it is vital. Recall your own experience in school.