Despite all of your efforts to keep your kids drug-free, one day you might suspect that your son or daughter is using drugs or alcohol. By the end of eighth grade, approximately 50% of adolescents have had at least one drink and more than 20% report having been “drunk” (American Academy of Pediatrics). Drug and alcohol use increases chances of addiction and it can change the developing brain.
One thing remains true, parents are the most influential people on a teen’s decision about drug use. So what are the facts? Substance use (including alcohol) can change the direction of a young person’s life physically, emotionally, and behaviorally. It can weaken the ability to concentrate and retain information, impair judgment, lead to risky behaviors, and cause poor decision making.
Parents are sometimes afraid that they will push their teen away when talking to them about substance use. You may be worried that your child will get in trouble with the law and it will ruin his ability to qualify for scholarships or hold a job. The ultimate goals is to protect your child from harm and irreparable damages.
When you have your first suspicion that your teen may be using, what should you do?
• Sit down in a place without distractions (yes, your teen should put down his/her cell phone) and
talk with your child. Be sure to choose a time when you are calm and when there is plenty of time.
• Tell your child what you see and/ or feel. Be specific about the things you have observed that have caused concern. Make it known if you have found any alcohol cans/bottles, drug paraphernalia, etc.
• Explain exactly how their appearance or behavior has changed and why it concerns you.
• Directly state your family rules on substance use. “In this family, we don’t smoke marijuana.” Then be clear on your house rules. Most importantly, FOLLOW THROUGH WITH OUTLINED CONSEQUENCES.
• Be prepared for your teen to deny using any substances. Your child may get angry and try to change the subject. If you child asks you about your substance
use history, be honest and share the consequences you experienced.
• Ask your child why he/she is using drugs or alcohol. Once you get a better idea of the situation, pressures, or motivation then you have a clearer direction of what to do next.
• Do not deny any substance use is taking place with your teen.
• Provide a safe, nonjudgmental person for your child to talk to. This could be a counselor, coach, grandparent, church leader, or another mentor.
For more information on talking to your teen about substances visit:
www.drugfree.org
www.theantidrug.com
www.mayoclinic.com/health/teen- drinking
http://www.parentactionondrugs.org/ parentquestions.php
Your pediatrician or family doctor can be a great resource as well.
For more information and to read additional articles on teen trends and talking with teens, visit Wendy Sunderlin's TeenLifeTalks website at http://www.teenlifetalks.com/Resources_Newsletters.php
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