How To Talk To Your Kids About Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Opening the Lines of Communication About Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Drugs and alcohol don’t discriminate against age. School children and teenagers alike are exposed to drugs and alcohol through school, parties, sports teams, etc. Parents have the opportunity to open the lines of communication about drug and alcohol abuse and encourage their kids to abstain from using these substances, despite the pressure they may feel from peers. Starting this conversation is tough, uncomfortable and scary– but necessary. But how to talk to your kids about drug and alcohol abuse?

Here are some helpful tools for starting a conversation with your children/teens about drug and alcohol abuse:

• Open Communication: Be prepared to hear things that may be alarming. Your kids have most likely encountered a friend or peer who has talked about drug and alcohol abuse. Let your kids know that they can come to you with questions, comments, concerns, etc. Keep calm, and ensure them that they can always come to you—no matter what.
• Teach them: Explain the different kinds of drugs, how they affect the body and mind, and how they can impact people beyond themselves. Even if they don’t have much to say, they’re listening.
• Prepare them for Peer Pressure: Many kids partake in drug and alcohol abuse because “everyone is doing it” and it will somehow help them fit in and be “cool”. Sit your kids down and come up with ways to say no. Give them an out no matter where they are, and be available when they need you to help them say no by picking them up and removing them from questionable circumstances.

No matter the age, talking to your kids about drug and alcohol abuse is so important. Keep the conversation open, stay strong, and continue to build trust.

How to Talk to Your Child About Drugs and Alcohol

Once parents open up communication with children, it becomes easier to approach the subject of drug and alcohol abuse. From preschool to adulthood, children should learn more about the effects of drugs from you and not friends at school or tv. Take advantage of teachable moments that come up from tv commercials or products at the grocery store to bring up the conversation. As your child gets older, a verbal or written contract about curfews and car usage with clear consequences may deter drug and alcohol usage.

Even with preventative groundwork and open communication, any child can end up using drugs and alcohol. Mental health and substance abuse services provide support for your family and adult children for any of their problems. Counseling services at Beaches Recovery include:

• Individual counseling
• Group therapy
• Family counseling services in Jacksonville
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Trauma & PTSD therapy in FL

Addiction Treatment Options for Substance Abuse

If your teenager or someone you know needs help with drug or alcohol abuse, Beaches Recovery is here to lend a hand. Our top-tier drug and alcohol recovery programs are multi-faceted and tailored to your unique needs. We offer sober living programs, inpatient and individual/group therapy that can run from 1-3 months long.

Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida is adamant about your success and eradicating the hindrances to your happiness. Our addiction treatment programs will set you up for success against relapse and steer you towards a fulfilling life devoid of drug and alcohol abuse. We celebrate our patients’ success and renew their optimism daily. Call us at 866.605.0532 today to get started!