How To Talk To Teens About Drugs

How To Talk To Teens About Drugs
Very few parents would argue with the idea that teens shouldn’t do drugs – but when it comes to actually imparting that message to their own children, many moms and dads are hesitant to have “the talk” about steering clear of illicit substances. Regardless of the reasons for this reluctance – fear of upsetting their teens, discomfort over being confronted over their own behavior, belief that they don’t know enough to adequately address the subject – the result is often a default “don’t ask, don’t tell policy” that is encourages teen sneakiness and parental ignorance.

The good news for parents is that talking to your kids about drugs isn’t nearly as difficult as you might think it will be. Educating them about these dangerous substances when they are young – and continuing to emphasize your message as they transition through their teen years – can help prepare them to make smart, healthy decisions that will keep them safe and make you proud.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the following advice can help even the most hesitant parents open a healthy line of communication between themselves and their children:
• Educate yourself – There has never been an easier time to learn the basics about issues related to teens and drugs. The Internet, your local library, and the guidance counselors at your children’s schools are three excellent places to begin your education. The more you learn, the more confident you will become – and the more comfortable and authoritative you will be when talking to your teens.
• Be clear and direct – Your children may not agree with everything you tell them, but they need to have a clear understanding of where you stand. Your primary message – zero tolerance when it comes to drugs and alcohol – should be the foundation of every discussion you have with your children about this topic.
• Be open-minded and accessible – Remember: These are discussions, not lectures. It’s important that you clearly express your point of view – but you also need to encourage your teens to share their thoughts, feelings, and perspectives. Your willingness to participate in an ongoing, open, and honest dialogue with your children will make them much more likely to attach value to what you say to them.
• Stay calm – Drug use can be a stressful subject, but that doesn’t mean your discussions have to devolve into shout-fests. You may hear some things from your children that upset you – but by keeping your cool, and focusing on facts, you can show your kids that they can talk to you about uncomfortable issues without fear that you will overreact, belittle, or berate them.
• Stay relaxed – In addition to remaining calm yourself, do whatever you can to keep the entire conversation more casual in nature. A formal family sit-down can create tension, cause your children to “clam up,” and diminish the effectiveness of the talk – all before anything has even been said. Avoid taking a “we have to talk” approach, and instead bring up the topic of drugs and alcohol in relaxed, nonthreatening environments such as a trip to the mall or while sharing a snack in front of the television.
• Use ‘teachable moments’ – Take advantage of opportunities to talk about drugs and alcohol whenever they occur – such as when watching a TV show or movie about the topic, hearing a song that glorifies drug abuse, or reading a news article about teens and illicit substances. This helps continue the dialogue, and emphasizes that “the drug talk” wasn’t just a one-time thing.
• Practice what you preach – Your words are important, but they pale in comparison to your activities. For example, if you regularly drink alcohol or use drugs, don’t think that your kids don’t know – and don’t expect them to follow your “do as I say, not as I do” advice. Avoiding hypocrisy is always a good idea – and when it comes to your children, your honesty and sincerity can make all the difference in the world.
There’s no one “right way” to talk to your children about drugs – and there’s no one-size-fits-all template for how to do so effectively. You may not be an expert on drug use and prevention, but you are an expert on the one thing that matters most: your children. Talk to them openly, honestly, and – most importantly – often. They may not thank you for your efforts, but if they lead healthy lives and make smart decisions, what you’ll receive will be much greater than gratitude.