How to Talk to Teens About Drugs

Once your child starts reaching their teen years, they may feel peer pressure or want to experiment with drugs. Keeping an open line of communication may be your best bet to keep your teen away from drugs. In a comfortable setting, take the time to discuss with your teen about the harmful effects of drugs.

Talk about Why Your Teen Should Not Use Drugs

It’s hard for teenagers to vision the future. They think they are invincible and that being addicted to drugs can’t happen to them. Put real life scenarios and current consequences in their head such as how their health will fail, they will lose weight and not be attractive, how they will lose their momentum with sports, and how it can affect their driving privileges.

Talk about Popular People Whose Lives Have Been Ruined Because of Drugs

Another tip to bring the realities of drug to life is to talk to them about celebrities they know of that have been affected by drugs. Explain how a once successful teen television star or music artist turned to drugs and how their lives are now ruined because of drugs. Give an example of another teen celebrity during that time that are living well because they chose not to do drugs. There would be many sportsmen as well, who fought the battle with drugs, and came out triumphant in getting their life back on track. Perhaps you could arrange a talk for a group of teens with such celebrities, by heading to https://www.sportsspeakers360.com/baseball-speakers.php or similar sites, who can instill some motivation in them and keep them away from the destructive path of drugs.

Rehabilitation Options

As a parent, you can get an idea if you feel your child may be on drugs during your discussion. Very anxious answers or fidgeting will give it away that they have at least tried it. If so, don’t confront them now. Start seeking out a rehabilitation facility like these Paramount Recovery Centers that you would be comfortable with. Depending on the situation, you can either slowly introduce your child to counselling or place them directly into the facility. You can also talk to other parents or professionals to find out more about drug abuse and the rehabilitation process. It is important to be patient and understanding with your child.

Ask for Your Teens Opinions

Make sure to ask open ended questions. This gives your teen an opportunity to explain the pressures that may be going through. Good questions include asking how they would feel about their best friend being on drugs or what would make them and their friends try drugs. You could also ask if they know where they could get help if they do find themselves struggling with an addiction, which would enable you to share resources like this hotline https://www.aristarecovery.com/drug-addiction/addiction-hotline/ so that they know that professional support is out there.

Talk With Your Teens Together

Have a discussion with all your teens together. Teens find it easier to speak freely with another teen present. They are more comfortable. It’s even a good idea if you and your teen’s friend’s parents all get together and has a discussion together. This would open up the options of role playing so your teens can learn how to turn down drugs.