Kids are curious about how drinking and drugging makes them feel because they hear about it in the lunch rooms and hallways at school.

The ones who partake talk about how much fun they have, how messed up someone was, how funny it was when..., feeling no stress, having a felling of who cares, letting their guards down, and freedom.

What they don't talk about is the consequences of the possibility of addiction.

Trying to keep kids clean these days is growing harder and harder.

What I want my kids to realize is that we all know people in their 40's, 50's, 60's.... who still can't face life without a drink in their hands. If kids could wait until 21 they are more likely to have faced some celebratory events, and disheartening events like getting into college, being on a championship team, the death of a grandparent, or a devastating break-up, on their own and in their right minds! They need practice at dealing with the ups and downs so they are ready for the rest that life has to offer.

Any other ideas on what to say when discussing drugs and alcohol with children of all ages?