Talk With Your Kids About Drugs
Just Say No To Drugs was the mantra in the late 1980’s. Nancy Reagan championed this phrase give teens a simple response to drug and alcohol peer pressure. Many parents simply tell their kids that drugs are bad and they should stay away from them. But why is this approach just not enough? Talking with kids about drugs and alcohol is a challenge, but it doesn’t have to leave you tongue-tied.
Be Honest About Why Drugs May Seem Fun
It’s tempting for parents to simply demonize drugs and alcohol, attempting to scare their children away from even the idea of trying it. While this approach is understandable and pretty common, it probably leaves some good learning opportunities out of the picture. It’s strong on power but weak on understanding the nature of teenage temptation.
A more effective approach would include being pretty honest about the reasons people think taking drugs and drinking is fun. Honestly describing the attractive effects of drugs doesn’t necessarily make taking them more likely. Being honest keeps the mystery down and keeps the talk straight.
For example, you can say that some people really enjoy how alcohol relaxes them. It makes them feel kind of silly and loose, like they are having fun and forgetting their troubles. It’s also why friends might try to convince someone else to try it (like your kid). Then say how friends are more likely to tell you the “good” things about drinking and taking drugs, or make it seem cool or funny to get in trouble and buck against the adults.
Be Just As Honest About The Dangers of Drugs
Tell them just as honestly how alcohol and drugs affect their feelings in bad ways, too. Sadness gets sadder when they are drinking, anger gets stronger, crazy mood swings are exhausting. They are more likely to do things they would regret while drinking or taking drugs. They have a better chance of hurting themselves accidentally or intentionally, a better chance at having dangerous, abusive, or unprotected sex.
Talk about kids and adults who have had big enough problems that they needed to go to drug rehab or an alcohol treatment center. Even if it hasn’t happened in your community, the internet makes it convenient to look up good examples of kids who went far off the track with drugs and alcohol.
You know your kid better than most other people, what they value, what they wouldn’t want to get off track, what they need from you as a parent. If they have big concerns about friend rejection, they may take drugs to feel like they fit in and have friends. If they have anxiety from academic and success pressure, their weak spot might be tension relief.
Kids Will Listen To What Their Parents Say About Drugs
Kids still listen to their parents as teenagers, and they certainly don’t need their parents less at this age. But peers do become very important to teens and preteens. If you can appreciate this and help your kid see the bigger picture, you will remain a valuable source of support and honesty for them.
You probably won’t be there when those big moments of temptations happen. But locking your kids in the closet isn’t going to teach them much about making good choices either. If you discover that your child already has a problem with drugs and alcohol, you may need to consider drug rehab or alcohol treatment. When you keep the communication open and honest, there’s always a chance for a good outcome.
Tags: Alcohol Rehab, Alcohol Treatment Center, Talk With Your Kids About Drugs
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