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.