As kids approach their teen years, they begin to experience many developmental, emotional, and physical changes. During this challenging time, some may choose
to experiment with alcohol or other drugs. For most kids, it’s not just one
thing that influences their decision whether or not to drink alcohol or use
other drugs, but a combination of factors.
Our
prevention partners at SAMHSA offer the “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign
to outline some of the reasons why youth may turn to alcohol or other drugs and
offer helpful tips that parents and caregivers can do to help and support them.
Stress
- when kids worry about things like grades, fitting in, and physical
appearance, they may drink alcohol or use other drugs to escape their problems.
What
you can do
- encourage your child to participate in extracurricular activities as a
healthier way to cope with their problems. Activities may include sports,
music, art, other school clubs, volunteering, faith-based and community events,
or group counseling.
Peer Pressure - from ages 11 to 18, youth are more
likely to be influenced by friends, peers, family members, and the media/social
media.
What
you can do
– help empower and boost your child’s confidence by teaching them realistic
ways to say “no” to alcohol and other drugs. Practice those strategies together
in a safe environment and remind them that real friends shouldn’t pressure them
to use substances.
Transitions – life events such as changing schools, breaking up with
a significant other, moving to a new community, or seeing their parents or
caregivers get divorced can cause kids to turn to alcohol and other drugs as a
way to cope.
What
you can do
– explain to your child that life is full of ups and downs. Reassure them that
things will get easier. Make sure they know that alcohol and other drugs are
not the answer and brainstorm better solutions together.
Environment – if kids grow up in an environment where their parents
and caregivers, family members, or friends and peers drink alcohol or use other
drugs frequently or view substance use favorably, they may be more likely to
drink or use other drugs themselves.
What
you can do
– if you choose to drink alcohol around your child, be sure to do so in
moderation and make sure they know that underage drinking and other drug use
aren’t acceptable. Avoid drinking or using other drugs and driving or getting
in a car if the driver has been using substances. Know where you keep all of
your alcohol and prescription medication. Always remind them that these
substances are off limits.
Family History – although a child’s environment can
influence if they drink alcohol or use other drugs, family history is also a
key factor. Kids who have a history of alcohol or other substance use disorders
in their family have an increased risk of developing alcohol or other
drug-related problems themselves.
What
you can do
– if you have a family history of alcohol or other substance use disorders,
have open and honest conversations with your child to make sure they understand
the seriousness of these disorders.
For
helpful information and materials to help you start the conversation with your
children, visit https://www.samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you
