Having a conversation with teenagers about their use of drugs is a problematic matter. I am a substance abuse counselor, and have been at Gallup High School in New Mexico for the past two years. I make presentations on the abuse of drugs, and the direct and indirect effects that result. I also do individual and group counseling with students referred by others, or themselves, for substance abuse issues. The issues may be the result of the student's own behaviors, or the behaviors of others in their lives. The ability to establish a relationship depends as much, if not more, on the behaviors of the counselor as it does on the attitudes of the student. Although I am considerably older than my clients, I find that the road to a genuine connection and productive relationship lies through openness, caring, and honesty. In the pages that follow, you will see some specific techniques that I use to establish a connection that works.