How to keep kids off drugs

I think this is a good topic. Uncontrolled drug use has caused many people to fall well short of their full potential. When you have kids, you obviously hope they will not fall into the life of dependence, but many people do. The problem with kids and drugs is that by the time they are exposed to drugs, it's almost too late to try and change their minds. I agree with some of the other blogs I've read which talked about a healthy relationship between the child and parents. I think as a parent, the most important thing you can teach your children is to think things through and make good decisions. I would assume most kids will try some type of drugs or alcohol, but what is the difference between those who have fun then don't really care about doing it again, and those who are instantly hooked?  I feel like a child who may be experiencing depression, or who does not feel like they fit in, is at a high risk for developing dependance. Children who are missing something, or who feel like they are missing something, are usually the first to become dependent. If I were a parent I would do things with my children to nurture their self-esteem and self-confidence, as well as teach them the importance of independence. I think out of all the different things in life people can become dependent on, shopping, gambling, drugs & alcohol, risky behavior, all of these people are trying to fill the same hole in their soul. Maybe these people have experienced tragedies such as divorce, a death in the family, or other traumatic events, but for some reason they choose a temporary fix, instead of a healthy long lasting resolution. To be a good parent I think it's important to be psychologically healthy, and pick a mate who is on the same page with you. So many children who go through divorces are affected by it throughout their entire lives, and quite often times end up on that same self destructive road they saw growing up.