<p>My focus as a parent has always been on preventing future substance abuse problems, particularly since my family has a history of substance abuse. All the statistics indicate that the younger an individual is when he/she starts drinking, the higher the odds are that he/she will have an alcohol abuse problem down the road. (Ditto for other substances.) We pointed out and commented on the frequent news articles about star athletes and actors who “had it all”, but completely screwed up their lives due to substance abuse. We have also focused on the school’s zero tolerance suspension policy for EC participation, and how if you’re dedicated to your EC, you do not want to take the chance of forfeiting participation in it. So far this focus seems to have worked with our kids, at least with regard to hs.</p>