This booklet provides information for parents to help prevent substance abuse in their children. The first section contains excerpts from the keynote address, "Drugs and the American Family," given by Mitchell Rosenthal to the Ohio Drug Studies Institute in Columbus, Ohio. The second section contains specific recommendations for setting limits and teaching through example. The third section provides statistics about current drug use in school-aged children. The fourth section provides information to help parents determine if the activities their children are attending are appropriate for the age of the child, properly supervised, and safe. The fifth section provides general guidelines for teaching responsibility to children. Guidelines for youth attending activities outside the home, age-appropriateness of the activity, supervision, adult liability for minors, and suggestions for weekend hours and hosting a party for youth are included. Information is also given about the "safe homes" program. The sixth section discusses alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana as gateway drugs. Other drugs are described, and the concept of addiction is examined. The seventh section provides guidelines for talking with children about alcohol and other drugs. The eighth section lists danger signals for substance abuse, and discusses family issues and children of alcoholism. The ninth section focuses on prevention. The role of the church/synagogue/mosque is described, and information is provided for finding help. A bibliography of materials for adults and youth is included. (LLL)