If you’re a parent or teacher and suspect your child or student is experimenting with drugs, you’re not alone. A parent’s dream is not to have a child struggling with addiction. However, denying the problem is the biggest mistake a parent can make and can cost a life. In today's society, children have access to many different harmful substances that can be addictive and damaging. Like adults, some teens use and or “experiment” with substances to escape their problems; however they don't realize that it is not an escape but rather a deep dark hole. Other teens use substances to "fit in" with the rest of their peers. That’s why it’s crucial for parents, teachers and other adults understand how the teenage brain works and how to identify signs of experimentation or drug abuse. Teaching a child to “just say no” is not enough. Education, communication and knowing what’s going on in today’s society is the key to saving a teenagers life.