to Your Kids About Drugs & Alcohol

Don't wait until it's too late!

Take the time to talk with your children about drugs and alcohol.

Studies show that children as young as age 11 experiment with alcohol and as young as age 12 try marijuana, but kids can become curious about drugs and alcohol at even younger ages. Experimentation can lead to addiction. Addiction can lead to strained relationships with family and friends, upheaval of educational and social routines, and ultimately trouble with law enforcement.

Don't rely on school or community programs to teach your kids all the facts or to express your opinions on substance abuse for you. Starting the discussion may seem daunting, but kids will listen if they feel comfortable with the conversation and sense that you value their input. Listen as well as teach, and be up front and honest. Take heart that you don't have to be an expert to help your kid choose not to use drugs and alcohol, but you do need to show that you are informed.

Most importantly, get involved! The more you get involved in your kids' lives, the more likely they will be to respond favorable to your opinions. Spend time together and show interest in their hobbies and activities. Plan to do things together that are positive and will spur open communication and respect for each others' opinions.

Start the discussion about drugs and alcohol

Young people respond more favorably to discussing drugs and alcohol as part of everyday conversations than they do to one long pre-planned lecture. Use natural opportunities and media cues to start a discussion. Don't miss your chance to take advantage of "teaching moments."

Some things that might provide a door to opening up communication:

Children as young as 3 or 4 years old begin to develop positive or negative impressions of illicit substance use. These impressions come from friends, family, media, etc. and occur even if the child has no direct personal experience with drugs or alcohol. Parents can help guide these impressions in the "right" direction.

Even the subject of good drugs versus bad drugs can be an opportunity to start a conversation. Prescription drug misuse is often just as dangerous as illegal drug abuse.

Successfully get your message through to your child

Expressing your opinions on substance abuse while also giving your child the room to voice their own views is essential. Be firm in your position that you don't want them to ever abuse drugs or alcohol, but beware of the "conflict trap" that could cause you or your child to stop listening.

If you feel that a discussion is moving in to a negative direction, and you feel you can't steer it in a positive way, "let it go." Change the subject or stop the conversation and return to it when another opportunity develops. The important thing is that you've introduced the subject and started your child thinking that it is an important subject to you.

Don't assume that one discussion conveys your message. One discussion is not enough. Keep talking! Always be firm, clear and consistent in conveying your opinions. And be careful not to leave any room for misinterpretation. Always follow up on your child's questions and your own.

Risks and effects of drug and alcohol abuse

Substance abuse leads to a multitude of problems that you can discuss with your child. The physical and mental health effects are particularly troublesome for young people because their bodies and brains are still developing. Substance abuse in youth can cause lie-long detrimental effects.

Health

Social

Mental

Criminal

Why do kids try drugs and alcohol?

Kids give a variety of reasons as to why they experiment with legal and illegal drugs and alcohol.

Responding to the reasons

Countering a young person's reasons for substance use is daunting but not impossible. Expressing your concern and questioning their reasons for choosing a particular substance is a starting point for confronting their curiosity and experiments. What did they expect and did it turn out like they expected? Connect negative experiences with risks and long-term effects. Stress your concern for their safety and health. Discuss other ways to "feel good" or "have fun." If substance abuse is a way of "coping," give them examples of better ways to solve problems or boost confidence and self-esteem.

Tips for parents

Discuss the difference between good friends and bad friends and whether your child's "friends" know the risks of substance misuse. Insist on knowing where your kids are and who they're with. Set firm family rules and boundaries, but let the kids help make the rules. Stay informed on the latest drug street names and lingo that young people use to discuss them.

Particularly, be a good role model. Your words should reflect your own actions and behavior. If you misuse drugs of alcohol, don't expect your child to respect your opinions.