5 Tips for Talking with your Teen About Substance Use
Talk about substance use regularly and often
It’s not about having one giant talk about substance use. It’s about the many mini-conversations. Always consider your teen’s point of view, and approach your conversations with empathy and understanding
Listen to and respect their opinions
Approach these issues with curiosity and genuine interest rather than fear and concern.
Be informed
Parents should be a child’s first source of information about substance use. Provide information that is meaningful and balanced so that your teen feels empowered to make healthy choices. You don’t have to be the expert on drugs and alcohol, but can be there to discuss concerns or questions in an informed way.
Look for opportunities to talk
Take advantage of teachable moments, such as a situation that arises at school or in the media. Often the best moments for these conversations are organic, in the midst of daily life — like while you’re driving in the car or at the dinner table.
Understand why teens choose to use drugs and alcohol
By exploring the factors that often motivate young people to experiment with substance use, you can help your teen better understand why and how to make these choices. These motivating factors include peer pressure, friends’ influence, curiosity, stress relief, and seeing it as a way to have fun.
