How to Counsel a Teen About Underage Drinking

Talking to your teen about underage drinking may not be an easy conversation to have, but it is a necessary one. The CDC reports that more than 4,700 teens die annually from alcohol-related causes, and, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, more than 189,000 teens visited the emergency room for injuries and other concerns associated with underage drinking in 2010. By starting the conversation early and keeping lines of communication open as your teen matures, you can help her avoid becoming a statistic and lay the groundwork for good decision-making her entire life.

Instructions

    • 1

      Find a time when you and your teen can have a relaxed conversation about the topic. You don̵7;t want her to feel cornered or accused, so keep it light. Try weaving the conversation into an activity you share, or during a car ride when she is more likely to be open to talking about a variety of topics. Break up the big conversation into digestible snippets to avoid overwhelming her.

    • 2

      See where your teen stands on the subject -- he may already know some basic information or have opinions on teen alcohol usage. Use this as a jumping off point for providing facts about the dangers of underage drinking, which include interference with normal physical and mental development, social and school problems, legal issues, increased risk of sexual assault or unplanned pregnancy, a higher chance of injury or death related to alcohol and a much greater chance of developing alcoholism later in life.

    • 3

      Role play with possible alcohol-related scenarios your teen may encounter and help her devise a plan for how to handle each one. For instance, help her know what she can say when offered alcohol and what she should do if alcohol is brought out at a party she is attending. By having a plan in place, she won̵7;t have to make split-second decisions she might later regret, and she can avoid embarrassment, which is of paramount importance for teens.

    • 4

      Recognize risk factors that may increase your teen̵7;s chances of turning to alcohol, such as family issues or a big transition in his life. Keep an eye on him and talk to him often during these stressful times so he is more likely to turn to you and not alcohol. Also realize that teens who have friends who drink are more likely to start drinking, so stay informed about his friends and their parents.

    • 5

      Set a good example for your teen by drinking responsibly and in moderation and by never getting behind the wheel after you have been drinking. Also, don̵7;t send mixed messages to your teen by allowing her to sample your drink at home.

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