Five 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.