Some reasons for employing an Abstinence Contract are:

• It provides an incentive to avoid illegal substances

• It is helpful if your teen is in a new school
  (This transition time can be difficult, so a contract provides a strong foundation for your teen in this new situation)

• Your child isn’t participating in school-sanctioned athletics or extracurricular activities which mandate a signed abstinence contract

•  You need an opportunity to discuss your beliefs about illegal substance use

• If trust has been broken by prior substance use, this contract can provide a fresh step for you both.