Talking With Your Teenager About Drugs and Alcohol and it's Effects

Talking About Drugs & Alcohol

Teens need to know about dangers of drug use and alcohol abuse. Along with the negative statistics that teens are exposed to, they need to hear positive reasons not to use substances. It is never too soon to begin talking with your children about drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Before they may ever consider using drugs etc. they are curious about it and thinking about it. If you use alcohol or smoke, be prepared for a challenge from your child. Don't get mad. Simply explain the difference between an adult responsibly using alcohol versus abusing alcohol. Your kids may not want to hear it, but there are some things they don't get to do until they're older. Here are some techniques you can use:

1. The best way to solve a problem is by facing it, not escaping it with drugs and alcohol. Drugs and alcohol only cause more problems.

2. Feeling shy and uncertain is part of growing up. You learn social skills by risking embarrassment to change and grow, not by using drugs or alcohol to boost your self-esteem.

3. You feel better when you take good care of yourself and you look better too. Substance abuse can make your eyes red and runny, your skin blotchy, your breath bad, and your health less than optimal. Attractiveness requires good self care.

4. Being in control is cool. Drunk or stoned people embarrass themselves.

5. Short term gains can be long term pains. Chemical shortcuts just about always backfire. Learn to be cool in your own way without chemical assistance. You'll feel much more confident.