Substance Abuse Prevention
LISD Guidance and Counseling
It all starts with a conversation ...
“I don’t want to start now because I am going to put ideas in their heads.”
Having a conversations about drugs and alcohol doesn’t encourage a child or teen to use drugs. They are already getting information about drugs and alcohol from various sources such as social media, TV, internet, their friends. They may have confusion or a misperception from those sources. Having the conversation will allow you to give them correct information that also focuses on values important to your family.
“My kids are too young to talk about substance abuse.”
Having clear and consistent boundaries may actually prevent an issue. Equipping your children with the skills they need to be resilient and able to say no when they are faced with a difficult situation is crucial.
Here are some tips to help get the conversation started:
Use your “teachable” moments. Did you just see a movie or ad that presented substance abuse in a way that you are not comfortable with? Ask what your child’s perception of was? That will open a conversation about your family values.
Make sure to listen to your child. They will likely be more receptive to what you want to communicate if the conversation goes both ways.
Ask open-ended questions. In uncomfortable conversations it is easier to ask yes/no questions. Give your child the opportunity to share their perspective. You want them to think and engage with you.
Acknowledge that they face so many issues with peer pressure and social media. Our kids are living in a different world from the one we grew up in. Give them the opportunity to role-play with you so that they can come up with strategies for when they face difficult peer situations.
Don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know the answer. Rather than stumble over an answer, be vulnerable and admit that you don’t know. Let them know you will research the answer and revisit the discussion again.
Websites for more information
Check out these resources to help you start—and keep up—the conversation about the dangers of substance abuse at a young age.
https://www.samhsa.gov/underage-drinking/parent-resources
https://drugfreegeneration.org/parent-resources/downloadable-prevention-education-tools.html
https://www.pta.org/home/family-resources/health/Substance-Abusehttps://www.pta.org/home/family-resources/health/Substance-Abuse