5 Times To Talk About Drugs

Every parent wants to protect their child from danger, and one way most of us do that is with a talk, at some point in their lives, about the dangers of drug use. But just one “Drug Talk” isn’t enough to make the lesson stick. Before your teen is about to be exposed to peer pressure or a situation involving drugs or alcohol, it’s time to remind them how much you care. So, how do you when the time is? Below are 5 common places teens may encounter drugs in their daily lives.

1 .House Parties

Whether it’s a birthday party or a pool party, the fact is that drugs are a significant part of many kids’ lives, and that often spills over to whoever they hang out with. If your teen is invited to a party with a lot of people you don’t know, just make sure they know you’ll pick them up if anything goes wrong, and remind them to be safe.

2. School Dances

It may seem obvious that there can be dangerous substances in people’s private homes, but be aware that many students also bring drugs to school events. Homecoming and Prom are two common times when kids are looking to break some rules. Make sure your child feels comfortable telling you or another adult at school if they see something that makes them uncomfortable.

3. After School

When you can’t pick them up from school right away, where do your kids go? Do they come home, or go to sports practice or an afterschool activity? These can be places where the line between school and fun blurs, and drug use is not unheard of. Make sure you talk to them about how they spend their time in clubs and on teams, and remind them that illegal drug use can not only harm them, but also get them kicked out of these activities.

4. Overnight Trips

No matter whether it’s a school trip, a camp sleepover, or a road trip with friends, letting loose and using drugs are connected in many teens’ minds. Since you may not be there to see them for several days in these cases, ask them to call however often you want to hear from them, and stick to those rules. If you don’t hear from them, make sure they know you’ll do whatever it takes to get in touch, and that you care about their health and safety even when they’re not living under the same roof as you.

5. College

If your kids have been lucky enough to avoid exposure to drug use up until college, the sad truth is that it will be much harder in that environment. People of all social groups start mixing, and unlike in high school, it may not just be one group of kids that uses a particular drug. Keep in touch with your kids, and keep talking to them about their experiences around drugs and alcohol even into adulthood.