Talking To Your Teen About Substance Abuse

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It’s a topic every parent worries about.

As your child gets older, the temptation and availability of different substances often increases.

According to the CDC, alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco are the most commonly used substances among high school students, and the percentages may be higher than you think:

66% have drunk alcohol
50% have tried marijuana
40% have smoked a cigarette
20% of high school seniors have taken prescription medicine without a prescription

Experimenting with one or more of these does not guarantee it will devolve into full-blown abuse. However, there’s always that potential.

Instead of simply ignoring the topic and hoping your teen makes the right choices, one of the best things you can do is talk openly and honestly about substance abuse. It’s an awkward yet essential conversation.

How To Talk To Your Teen About Substance Abuse

There’s not just one right way to talk to your teen. But there are plenty of wrong ways to have that conversation.

“Be open, honest, relaxed, and set a time without interruptions,” says Stephen Jarrell, Executive Director and CEO here at Headwaters Counseling. “If you do not know an answer, be honest. Let them know you don't know and that you will find out shortly.”

As you prepare, keep a few things in mind:

Listen As Well As Speak

If you plan to lecture on the topic, chances are you will be tuned out. Instead, think of this as a discussion. That will require giving your teen time to consider and respond. There may be awkward silences. Embrace them. Patience could be what your teen needs to open up. Be prepared to listen, rather than simply waiting for your turn to speak.

Don’t Spring The Topic On Them

A surprise conversation may make your teen defensive or clam up. Instead, plan it. This allows both of you to think ahead of time. It also ensures that the conversation will have the time it needs, rather than being cut short by other commitments or distractions.

Make It An Ongoing Conversation

This doesn’t have to be a single conversation. When you wrap up that first talk, set the expectation that substance abuse is something you will discuss again. Also, be sure to let your teen know that he or she can bring the topic back up at any time.

Share Your Own Experiences

Your teen may flip the topic around and ask about your own substance usage. Be prepared to answer. A candid conversation about your experiences may help ground the topic in reality. Just be sure not to glamorize your past or frame it in a way that could make drug use appealing.

Provide The Necessary Compassion

During the conversation, your teen may share experiences with one or more substances. Save the consequences, if any are truly needed, for another time. This is a discussion, not a trial. Also, reassure your teen that if any help is needed in the future, it won’t start with an argument or punishment.

Symptoms Of Teen Drug Abuse

No two teens are exactly the same, but common signs of drug abuse may look like:

Poor grades
Bloodshot eyes
Worsening hygiene
Secretive behavior
Missed curfews
Increased sleep
A sudden new group of friends

Substance Abuse Treatment At Headwaters Counseling

If substance abuse counseling is needed, our experienced team is here to help.

We offer programs specifically for teens. After an initial assessment, each individual enters a program that ranges from 20 to 72 hours. Group meetings are held between one and three times per week over a minimum of 10 weeks.

It’s a significant investment of time and energy, but your teen is worth it.

To learn more, download our Youth Program Brochure.

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