Many teenagers experiment with alcohol or other drugs. While it may be common, teen drug abuse poses serious health risks, including drug addiction (also called substance use disorder).
As a parent, you can take several steps to protect your child from substance abuse. Here are ten.
10 Tips & Strategies for Preventing Teenage Substance Abuse
1. Set Clear Rules and Boundaries
You might assume that your child knows you want them to avoid drugs. In most cases, though, children and adolescents need clear rules. Describe your expectations, which may include:
- avoiding drug use of any kind
- not spending time with people who use drugs
- immediately leaving parties or other events where people are using drugs
- never getting in a vehicle with a driver who’s drunk or high
Explain the consequences for not following these rules, and enforce those consequences whenever necessary.
2. Explain The Dangers Of Substance Abuse
Some parents feel uncomfortable discussing drugs with their kids. However, it’s your responsibility to educate your teen on the negative consequences of substance abuse, which may include:
- relationship problems
- poor school performance
- poor decision-making skills, which can lead to risky behaviors like drunk driving and unprotected sex
- impaired brain development
- health problems like heart disease, depression, and sleep disorders
Explain that you set rules regarding drugs because you want to protect your child from these issues.
3. Be A Good Role Model
Although it might not always seem like it, teens pay attention to their parents’ behavior. If you abuse alcohol or other drugs, your child will likely follow your lead.