How to Counsel a Teen About Drug Use

One of the best preventions for drug use is communication. Just talking with your kids about drug use and the dangers that are involved can steer them away from making a bad decision. Many parents don't talk to their teens simply because they don't know what to say. But you must talk and you must be willing to listen. Your child's life could depend upon it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Start the conversation. This seems harder than it actually is. Use issues on the news or around the neighborhood to start the conversation. Let them know your opinion about drug use and ask their opinion as well.
2. Stay calm. Never accuse them or lose your composure when discussing their possible use. Talk with them in a controlled manner. They need to trust and be able to talk to you.
3. Listen to them. Be attentive to what they are saying and don't answer the phone or allow outside interruptions. Let them speak without interruption. Acknowledge what they are saying as important and then share your own thoughts on the subject once they are finished.
4. Show them the future. Let them know what drug use can do to their future and how it can ruin their chance of college and a good career. Give them examples of famous people or people in the news that have ruined their futures due to drug use. Kids often learn by example.
5. Ask them to volunteer at a local shelter or victim center. This will allow them to see first hand the harm that drug use can cause.
6. Praise them for making good decisions. If they have stayed away from drugs or have been faced with the decision to say "no" let them know that you are proud of them. Also, if they have decided to stop using drugs and get help, praise and support them.

Tips & Warnings

• Do your research about current slang terms and popular drugs before discussing it with your teen.
• Make sure that they know your opinion about drug use.
• Set rules of what is acceptable and what is not in your household and determine consequences.