How to Talk to a Teenager About Drugs
No parent relishes the thought of talking to her teenager about drugs. However, it's a conversation that cannot be avoided. It's never too soon to talk to your teen about drugs. As well as identifying potential areas of concern, it can help to improve the relationship between you and your teen. If she feels comfortable talking to you about serious issues, she's more likely to confide in you if she does get herself into trouble.
Instructions
Choose a suitable time to talk to your teenager about drugs. Do it when he's fairly happy and relaxed, but lucid. Make sure you have plenty of time to talk and won't be disturbed or distracted. Think about what you're going to say in advance. If you suspect your teen is using drugs, or has done in the past, try to stay calm. Getting angry, upset or emotional won't help you to get through to your teen. Aim for a two-way discussion rather than a long monologue, which is likely to bore or irritate her. Encourage your teen to talk about drugs by inviting statements or asking open-ended questions instead of direct questions, advises Margarita Tartakovsky in the article, "How to Talk to Your Kids When You Think They're Using Drugs," on the Psych Central website. For example, say something like, "I'd like to hear your thoughts on this"; or "How did you feel in that situation?" If your teen admits to using drugs, continue with your open-ended questions to establish what, where and when she used them. Thank your teen for her honesty and tell her you are there to help her, says Tartakovsky. Discuss the reasons not to abuse drugs without using scare tactics, says Mayo Clinic. Make your teen aware of the negative consequences of drug abuse, such as impaired driving if under the influence of drugs, concentration problems, health issues and unsafe sexual activity. Explain that anybody can start off using drugs occasionally and it can quickly develop into a serious problem. Tell your teen that you only have his health and well-being at heart. Keep your own drug use to yourself, advises addiction treatment specialist Kate Green in the article, "Talking with Your Teen About Drugs and Alcohol," also on the Psych Central website. Don't think you are being a hypocrite for encouraging your teen to avoid drugs if you once experimented yourself. Your teen may be more likely to view drugs use as acceptable if she knows you have dabbled. ("My mom tried it, so it must be okay.") Use your experience to help your teen make appropriate, informed decisions. Help your teen move forward, whatever has been revealed during your conversation. If he has never tried drugs but has been tempted to because some of his friends do, discuss how he can resist peer pressure. If he has used drugs in the past, ask him if he plans to use them again and, if so, discuss how you can help him stay away from them. If he is currently using drugs, be compassionate but firm. Tell him you love him and that as his parent you are going to take control of the situation and get him professional help to stop using drugs.
