This guide offers information that can help parents raise drug-free children. Parents may read it from front to back like a book, or pick a topic from the Table of Contents and go directly to that page. This guide includes: (1) An overview of substance use among young people, with a special focus on how it affects academic performance; (2) Descriptions of some substances young people use; (3) A look at risk factors that may make kids more vulnerable to trying and using alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs, and protective factors to offset those risks; (4) Suggestions for how to talk to children about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, regardless of their age; and (5) Tips on what to do if a parents suspects their child is using alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs. Section 6 of this guide lists places where parents can find more information about drug and alcohol abuse prevention. In Section 2, parents can learn about specific substances.