How to Talk to Your Teen About Drugs
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Every generation is faced with a new drug scare issue. Just when we think it is safe to let our guard down, a new designer drug appears and we have to have a difficult conversation with our kids. But how do you do it? And is there a right way to handle this? Here are some tips for talking to your teen about drugs.
Do Not Panic
Let’s be honest with ourselves, a lot of the drama around drugs is stirred up in our own minds. Statically, there is a good chance that your child has never done drugs and will never do drugs. This is very important to remember when you have any sort of drug-related conversation. Going in with the mentality that they are already doing drugs can put up barriers and make it more difficult.
Homework is needed
Drugs and the laws around them can be complicated, and what is classed as an offense in one state may be completely legal in another. For example, the country Portugal in Europe legalized all of the drugs and paved the way for better addiction services, and created a safer community. Arming yourself with knowledge about drugs and the legal implications of taking them can get any points across.
Pick Your Time
As tempting as it is to grab them as soon as they get through the door to have a chat, sometimes they need a moment to relax, especially if you plan on having a heavy conversation with them. Let them know that you would like to have this talk with them, explaining your concerns.
Let them know how you feel
Sometimes the biggest gift we can give our children is our honesty. When having a talk about drugs, let them know how you feel about them. Maybe you have taken them in the past, or maybe you have had to deal with a friend or family member who has struggled with addiction. Whatever your thoughts are, share them. You may be surprised how receptive your child is to the truth.
Do Not Scare Them
As tempting as it might be to scare them into never taking drugs or threatening them with random drug testing from Brad Schaeffer of Medcomp Sciences, it will do more harm than good. Like we said at the beginning, there is a high statistical probability that your child has never and will never take drugs. With this in mind, do you really need to scare them from taking drugs if they already have no intention?
Let Them Know They Can Talk to You
Our kids might be the best kids on the planet, but they can sometimes find themselves in stupid situations. Maybe they have gone for a sleepover and it has ended up a party. How would they feel about phoning you and asking you to pick them up?
If they know they can phone you to be picked up and not get the third degree for being at a party, there is a good chance they will. Trust your kids, let them talk to you, and let them know that they can always talk to you about everything, including drugs.
*This article is based on personal suggestions and/or experiences and is for informational purposes only. This should not be used as professional advice. Please consult a professional where applicable.
