Talking to your children about drugs and alcohol at a young age can greatly decrease the chances that they’ll use when they’re older. While it might seem too young, you can begin laying the foundation as early as age two. Children at this age are just starting to learn healthy habits, like brushing their teeth and taking vitamins. This is a good opportunity to mention abstinence from drugs like just another fact of life. Preschool and elementary age children are able to understand much of what they see on television, so if someone is drinking or smoking onscreen, this can be a teachable moment. Explain that you know it looks like they’re having fun, but really it could make them very sick. Any child who has overindulged on sweets can understand the idea of moderation.
Slightly older children are more curious and likely to bring up things they see on TV or in real life themselves. If you drink or take medications in front of them, they might want to try it for themselves. Keep it simple, but explain that these things can even be dangerous for adults.
Preteens are at an age where they begin to take the opinions of their peers more seriously, and where they are prone to ignore what a parent says. Unfortunately, drug and alcohol use is increasingly common in middle school, so this is the most important time to make sure the message sinks in. Make sure your children understand that they can talk to you, so they will feel less inclined to go behind your back and experiment. If you establish clear rules and consequences on other things, they will be more likely to follow the rules about drugs in order to avoid punishment.
Teenagers are especially vulnerable to peer pressure. Reinforce the idea that they can come to talk to you about anything, and if they do make a mistake you’ll figure it out together. Keep a close eye on your child’s friends at this age, and get to know the friends’ parents. A sudden change in friend groups can be an indicator of substance use, so it’s important to keep track of who they’re spending time with. This is particularly true as some of your teen’s friends will be able to drive, which makes obtaining illicit substances that much easier.
Young adults might be the hardest sell, as they see themselves as all grown up and out from under their parents’ thumbs. Try to strike a balance between acknowledging their independence and reminding them that you’re happy to listen and talk about your own experiences. College can be a stressful time, and many kids turn to drugs and alcohol to relax. Keep an eye out for any signs of mental health issues.
If you had a drug or alcohol problem in your past, be honest about it. It’s better to be open about it than have it come out accidentally because that will lessen your child’s trust in you. Explain the things that led to the problem and the adverse effects it had on your life, and turn this into another lesson.
If you believe that you or a loved one are suffering from a substance abuse problem, call Asana Recovery at (949) 438-4504 to learn about our medical detox and residential and outpatient therapy programs.
