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The widespread use of alcohol and drugs among teenagers is a growing concern that calls for immediate action.
Sadly, even young adolescents as young as 13 fall prey to the temptation of experimenting with these substances, often under heavy peer pressure. As a parent, nothing is more important than keeping your child safe and away from the dangerous realm of substance abuse.
That's why having effective strategies for engaging in meaningful conversations about drugs is essential in today's world. By equipping yourself with the right tools, you can help your child navigate these challenging waters and lead a healthy, fulfilling life.
Effective communication is key when it comes to talking to your teens about alcohol and drugs.
Choose the right time and place for these conversations. Avoid talking when your teen is preoccupied with other things like watching television or scrolling through their phone.
Instead, designate a specific time when both you and your teen can sit down without distractions and have a meaningful conversation. This way, your teen will feel heard, and you can build trust and understanding in your relationship.
Don’t wait until your teens are 15 or 16 to talk to them about substances.
Over half of teens by the age of 15 have already tried alcohol. Sit and talk with your children beginning at the age of 11 or 12 about alcohol, drugs, and addiction. Chances are by the age of 12, they already know other kids who are using the substances at least occasionally.
If you start accusing your teens of drinking or taking drugs, chances are they will shut down or just get angry.
When you discuss drugs and alcohol, approach them in a calm, loving, and non-judgmental way. Have a simple conversation about the topic without accusing, demanding, or making threats.
Ask them what they already know about alcohol and drugs. Then, be sure to inform them of the dangers. As you have the discussion, invite them to ask questions.
Keep your conversation open and honest, letting your teen know about the harmful effects of substances without exaggerating.
Let them know that underage drinking is illegal, as well as taking drugs. Let them know exactly what the consequences will be if you find out they are using substances.
You can tell them various stories about other teens or adults that are struggling with addiction or how their lives were severely burdened by it. If you’re honest with your teens, even when it’s challenging, they’ll be more apt to be honest with you.
I'll be honest, there was a time when my daughter was a teenager and I totally lost my cool.
I found cigarettes in her purse I just flipped out. I started shouting in anger, flushed those cigarettes down the toilet, and made a huge scene. I mean, I wanted to make it crystal clear that smoking was a big no-no, but looking back, I realize I acted like some angry tyrant.
It's kind of embarrassing to admit now. I could have handled the whole situation differently, like maybe keeping my cool and approaching it with a bit more understanding.
It’s not always easy to know how to talk to teens about alcohol or drugs. If your teen tells you that they’ve tried alcohol or some type of drug, try not to freak out. If you react in an angry manner and act out, your teen may never fess up to anything again.
Sure, you might feel angry, but do your best to contain it. Let them know that you’re glad they could tell you the truth, and that you are feeling some anger or disappointment. At the same time, have a conversation around it.
Talk about the harms of drinking or doing drugs and certainly lay down your boundaries for any future use.
Many teens drink or do drugs out of peer pressure. They’re getting something they perceive to be good out of doing it. Maybe drinking helps them deal with their anxiety better or doing drugs makes them feel less emotional pain.
Do your best to affirm your teens often. Give them compliments and let them know that you’re proud of them, regardless of what’s going on. Teens want their parents’ unconditional love and approval, even when they think they might not even deserve it.
Determine to love them without conditions, as this will help build their self-esteem and worth.
The reality is that many teens will try alcohol or some type of drug at some point.
As a parent, set the rules and consequences ahead of time. Let them know that if they’re caught drinking or doing drugs, these consequences will be enforced no matter what.
Then, be sure to enforce them should you need, because if you don’t, your teens may keep drinking or doing drugs because they don’t experience any negative consequences when doing so.
Many teens will try drinking or taking some type of drug, so be sure as a parent that you communicate openly and honestly with your teen about this.
Be a role model for your teens and keep the communication lines open. Don’t just talk about substances once. Look for ways to bring it into the conversation throughout their teen years.
The topic should not feel like it’s taboo. Sure, they may roll their eyes and say, “I know, I know.” But repetition is key when teaching valuable lessons about life.
If your teen is showing clear signs of substance abuse and you haven't made any progress in helping them stop, it may be time to seek professional advice or treatment. Addiction can be a challenging issue to tackle alone, and sometimes, seeking help is the best course of action.
By reaching out to a trained professional, you can work together with your teen to create an effective plan for overcoming addiction and achieving lasting recovery.
Have you had a talk with your teens about alcohol and drugs?
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I've heard this piece of advise from a drug addiction website and thought benefical. As a way out for a teenager to not take any drugs when asked by his peers and risk embarrasment he or she can state," My parents do drug tests on me at home". This way, they don't feel the peer pressure. Maybe the parents test them, maybe they don't, but it's a way out.