BALTIMORE (Map, News) - It’s illegal to serve or allow guests who are under 21 to use alcohol, tobacco or other drugs in your home.

Michael Gimbel, director of substance abuse education at Sheppard Pratt, offered some tips for parents and teens navigating this tumultuous time of year.

“Prom time, graduation and other special occasions in a teenager’s life are the events which make those wonderful memories,” Gimbel said. “Unfortunately, these festive times all too often are destroyed by teens using alcohol and other drugs.”

Tips for Mom and Dad:

» Know where your teens will be.

» Get addresses and phone numbers of the host or hostess.

» Contact the parents.

» Plan your child’s ride and, if needed, be available to provide transportation.

» Set time limits.

» Avoid spontaneous sleepovers.

» If using a limousine service, make sure it doesn’t allow smoking, drinking or drug use.

For information, call 410-938-3100.