Talking to your teen about drugs

Walking down the street today, it’s impossible to not see the presence of alcohol, tobacco and many other drugs. So if we are noticing them, then you can be assured our children are also and questions will begin to ponder in their minds. The media is rife with images that depict drinking and smoking as ‘fun’ and ‘cool’ activities, and a natural part of adult life. So it’s more important than ever that we get talking to our children about this ‘normality’ which surrounds us everywhere.

Sometimes it seems as though half of what we say to our children (our teenagers in particular), goes in one ear and literally out the other. But really it’s up to you as parents to ensure they do listen to the information we provide them on drugs and alcohol. While there is a certain amount of reliance on the education system to ensure they are properly informed, essentially what they learn can be from what they see right in front of them, or what they hear directly from their parents.

According to research, the stronger and more frequent the anti-drug messages are at home, the less likely a child is to become a user. In addition to setting strong examples at home, the older our children get, the more we need to ensure they receive the right type of knowledge and ensure they are as well informed as possible. So HOW is the big question, do we confirm they listen?

Clearly spell out the consequences

Make it clear that any drug use in your home will not be tolerated, and there will be firm punishment if this is ignored. Set the ground rules for what the punishment will be and how it will be implemented. If these goes astray you can later take it further with specific examples for if your child is caught smoking, drinking or using illicit drugs.

Focus on the immediate repercussions

As teenagers are still in the development stages, they tend to focus on what will happen ‘today’ instead of in the long-term. They can only think so far ahead and don’t consider what could happen further down the line. Teenagers being young and free, can tend to think of themselves as invincible, thinking that cancer is just for older generations, and the images you see on the packets of cigarettes are caused after years of tobacco inhalation. So try to focus on the immediate consequences.

Drinking and smoking is expensive

This is something no teenager wants to hear. When working part-time low income jobs in addition to school, these bad habits will ensure all their money is gone in an instant. Remind them of ways their money can be better spent. For example a car, the latest clothes etc.

Drug taking is addictive

This one may be a bit harder to explain. The term addiction is widely used yet poorly understood. Especially when we are younger and inexperienced, we believe that we can stop whenever we like. But the longer we use substances, the greater the changes are in our chemical make up. In which case the only way to stop is through medical treatment, and even then, relapse is extremely common.

Please note that this information provided by Edstart is designed for educational purposes only. It is by no means intended as a substitute for medical care or advice. Please ensure you do not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems you may be recognising in your family, and please consult a doctor if you have any concerns.

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