Straight Talk with Teens Conversations: What to Say if you suspect they are using alcohol or drugs

The major reason you have to have a conversation with your child about drugs and alcohol is because your kids need to be educated by you. They need to hear from their parents that teen drug and alcohol use is not condoned in your family. They need to learn from their parents about the consequences of drug and alcohol use. Most importantly, they need to be held accountable for their actions with alcohol and drug use.
What happens if you suspect that your teen is already using alcohol and drugs? What do you say to them? The conversation is the same: parents need to tell their kids that drug and alcohol use by teens is not allowed in your family.

The issue won’t go away until you do something. You will get to the point where you can’t deny that the problem exists. The signs will be there and you will simply have to acknowledge that your child has a problem. If your child is using drugs things won’t get any better until you take action on your child’s behalf. It is OK to ask for help. In fact, getting help may make it easier for you to have the conversation.

Working with Your Spouse Beforehand
This is a time for you and your spouse or partner to establish rules and consequences for your child if he or she uses drugs or alcohol. The rules should be simple: no drug or alcohol use by teens will be allowed in your family. The consequences should be straightforward and meaningful to the teen. Don’t go to extremes in setting consequences – choose those that you are able to carry out.

Practice the conversation with each other ahead of time. These conversations are not easy but they are important. Talking it over with your spouse/partner beforehand will help you keep a level head, speak to the problem and be united on this issue. (Review the “talking points” below).

Make Agreements with Yourself
Tell yourself that you won’t “lose it” with your child. Anger and hostility won’t get you anywhere in this conversation. Stay as calm as possible. Remember, you are the parent and you are in charge. Be kind, simple, and direct in your statements to your child. Above all, remember to tell your child that you love him or her! The conversation will not be perfect – no conversation ever is. Know that you are doing the right thing for your child. That’s what matters most!

Here are some suggested things to keep in mind when you talk to your child:

Tell your son or daughter that you LOVE him/her, and you are worried that he/she might be using drugs or alcohol;

You KNOW that drugs may seem like the thing to do, but doing drugs can have serious consequences;

It makes you FEEL worried and concerned about them when they do drugs;

You are there to LISTEN to them;

You WANT them to be a part of the solution;

You tell him or her what you WILL do to help them.

KNOW that you will have this discussion many, many times. Talking to your kid about drugs and alcohol is not a one-time event.

Key Talking Points:

       We are here to make it clear that we will not tolerate any drug or alcohol use by you. Tough Love Works.

We have rules in the family. The rules do not permit teen drug and alcohol use.

Even though you think everyone is using drugs or alcohol, it is illegal and not allowable.

You can endanger your life and the lives of others. We don’t want anything bad to happen to you.

We count on you as a family member. Your brothers and sisters look up to you and also care about you.

Drug and alcohol use can ruin your future and chances to…graduate, go to college, get a job, and keep your driver’s license

We are here to support you. What can we do to help you not use?

Sometimes kids use drugs and alcohol because there are other issues going on like stress, unhappiness and social issues. Are there other problems you want to talk about?

Are your friends using? How are you handling that? Is it hard to not use in that environment?

       Finally: We won’t give up on you because we love you. If you need professional help, we will be there to support you and get you the help you need.

CIGNA contributed to this article.

For further information on the dangers of alcohol and other drugs, contact Talbot Partnership at 410-819-8067. Please also visit our website at www.talbotpartnership.org or find us on Facebook.