How to Encourage Your Teenager to Avoid Drugs
Teaching your teenager to avoid drugs starts with straightforward discussion about the consequences of taking mind-altering substances. The U.S. Department of Education recommends the following guidelines.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Talk about the immediate and long-term effects of consuming drugs, tobacco or alcohol: bad breath, stained teeth, increased risk of cancer and liver disease.
-
2
Discuss impaired judgment and related risks of mind altering substances such as driving under the influence or getting into dangerous sexual situations.
-
-
3
Mention the role of drugs in interfering with a student's future plans, such as going to college and eventually starting a family.
-
4
Point out the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use in relation to pregnancy, including birth defects in newborns.
-
5
Warn your teen about the hazards of combining drugs.
-
6
Discuss medical marijuana and the debate over legalization of marijuana.
-
7
Explain that the component of marijuana with medicinal value is delta-9-terhydrocannabinol (THC). It can be prescribed by doctors in pill form, which lacks the cancer-causing chemicals of smoked marijuana.
-
8
Praise and encourage your teen when he or she makes good decisions and achieves long-worked-for goals.
-
1
More Like This
Comments
View all 9 Comments-
Jun 30, 2006
My parents never talked to me about anything. Now they expect me to talk to them about things. I can't, it's how I was raised. I keep to myself and I can't help it. Talk to your child when they are young; this will help you when he/she get caught drinking or smoking. Because my parents never talked to me about anything (I really do mean anything), I don't talk to them about when I got caught. You must have a good and active relationship with your child. -
Jun 30, 2006
My parents never talked to me about anything. Now they expect me to talk to them about things. I can't, it's how I was raised. I keep to myself and I can't help it. Talk to your child when they are young; this will help you when he/she get caught drinking or smoking. Because my parents never talked to me about anything (I really do mean anything), I don't talk to them about when I got caught. You must have a good and active relationship with your child.
-
Nov 22, 2005
No matter what you say or do, it is bound to happen. Your kids will be exposed to drugs. If you raise your children with love and respect, most likely they will see no reason to pick up a drug habit. Trust them to make the right decision.
-
Nov 22, 2005
Explain the fact that most drugs are illegal. The fact that they may do it for a while and not get caught may make you feel invincible for a while, but your time will come. Don't think it can't happen to you because it will - it always does.
-
Nov 22, 2005
My parents have always been very open about drugs and alcohol with me. It also helped that my parents let me drink casualy at home, such as wine with dinner, or a beer durring the game. It's natural for a kid to hide drugs or alcohol in the begining no matter how open you are. The first time my parents caught me, they just teased me about it, and then they talked with me about it later (when i was sober). I'm still under 21 and i still go drink but i'm smart about it, and they know that. Most kids do at least experiment, i know all of my friends have, the important thing is to make sure they're smart about it.
