Drug use occurs at different levels ranging from experimental use, social use, and binge use to drug abuse and addiction. Any level of drug use has harmful effects and each level has characteristics that define its boundaries.

Experimental use is limited to "sampling" a drug one or two times, while social use describes infrequent use on "special" occasions. Binge use describes using larges amounts of a substance in a short amount of time. For example binge drinking is defined as drinking five or more drinks at one setting. The term "drug abuse" involves frequent drug use in spite of frequent negative consequences. More specifically, the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-4th revision (DSM-IV) defines substance abuse as a maladaptive pattern of drug use that results in harm or places the individual at risk. The line between abuse and addiction is a little confusing because the behaviors look very similar. However, some distinguishing characteristics that separate abuse and addiction include: a lack of control over drug use, the need for drug use to feel "normal," and failed attempts to stop using drugs.

The ideal is to prevent drug use altogether through effective prevention efforts. If that's not possible, its important for you as parents or caring adults to know how to respond appropriately at each stage.

	Signs and Symptoms The Partnership for a Drug-Free America's website provides parents and adults with an excellent overview of the signs and symptoms you should look for if you suspect your child is using drugs.

Major transitions are significant risk periods in children's lives. Therefore, it is important that as parents and caring adults, you are involved in their lives so you can help them through these transitional periods. It is necessary for you to strengthen protective factors and reduce risk factors at each stage of your children's development. For example, when children enter middle school they may face certain challenges-meeting new friends, dealing with peer pressure, or having more schoolwork-which can increase their risk of substance abuse. Encouraging them to participate in extra-curricular activities, volunteering to facilitate for their activities, and communicating with them daily are some things you can do to strengthen protective factors that will help them make the right choices.

Every day, children nationwide are deciding whether or not to try drugs, and too many of them are making the wrong decision. As parents and caring adults, another thing you can do to help your children make the right choices is to make sure they know the dangers of abusing drugs, as well as the benefits of being drug free. You also need to educate yourselves by keeping up with the drug trends, knowing the many different types of drugs, and being aware of the signs and symptoms of substance abuse. The more educated you are, the better it will be for you, your children, and society as a whole.

	Drug Information The National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign has created a website (www.theantidrug.com) that presents the tools you need to raise drug-free children. The website includes in-depth information about different drugs and also a description of the signs and symptoms you should look for if you suspect your child is using drugs.