How to Talk to Your Kids about Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Even though you may not think your child is old enough, you may want to learn how to talk to them about alcohol and drug abuse at an early age rather than waiting. If you wait too long, it may be too late. Every year more and more children begin experimenting with drugs and alcohol, which could lead to a lifelong problem with substance abuse.

If you begin telling children how you feel about drug and alcohol use while they’re young, you’l have a better chance of instilling that same belief in them. Talk about how drugs and alcohol in terms they will understand. Explain that people who use them sometimes hurt other people because they can’t control their actions.

You can also explain to them how people who use alcohol and drugs are hurting themselves. Drug and alcohol use causes damage to the body in any number of ways. You can help your child avoid developing serious health issues related to substance abuse by talking to them early and often about it.

Talk to your children of all ages about keeping a healthy mind and body. Give them some ideas of things to do (eat a healthy diet, exercise, and get plenty of rest) and things to avoid (drugs, alcohol, overeating, and being sedentary). You may also tell them how important it is for you, as a parent, to know they understand the importance of staying healthy.

When it comes to older children, of course you’ll want to continue talking to them about your feelings toward alcohol and drug abuse. Another way you can encourage them to abstain is by leading by example. If they see you drinking often they may be less inclined to believe it’s something to avoid. In fact, if you drink or use recreational drugs the chances are higher that they’ll feel drugs and alcohol are alright for them, too.

If you’ve been talking to your children about drugs and alcohol since they were young, keep doing that. As they get older and understand more, you may want to be more specific when you talk about the damage alcohol and drugs can do to your body. Find pictures on the internet of accidents caused by drunk drivers. Pull together pamphlets from anti-drug organizations that are geared toward children. They may be able to explain the seriousness of alcohol and drug use better than you could ever do.

Take time to listen. If your children ask questions about drugs or alcohol, listen to what they’re really asking and try to figure out why. More than anything you’ll want to do your best to keep the lines of communication open with them. They want to know you care and one way you can do so is to give them guidance, especially about such a serious topic.

Learning how to talk to your kids about alcohol and drug abuse isn’t difficult but it can make parents uncomfortable. There are organizations that provide guidance and you’re encouraged to use them. However, if you start talking to them about it while they’re young, they are more likely to listen to your advice and know you have their best interest at heart.

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