Tips to Talk to Your Teen about Alcohol
How do you talk to your teen about alcohol?
Some parents find serious conversations like talking to your teen about alcohol awkward or uncomfortable so they avoid them. However, if you plan out what you want to say it can help keep you on track.
Here are a few tips when it comes to talking to your teen about alcohol.
Be conversational
You don’t want to make this a lecture or a conversation based around punishments. Be willing to hear what they have to say and let them know why you want to talk about the risks of alcohol. Talk about the peer pressures that they might face and the risks involved. For example, drunk driving, poor grades, losing ability to compete in sports, or becoming dependent.
Be honest
Teenagers, like most kids, can sense if someone isn’t telling the truth. If they have questions, be honest because that will also build trust. The more your teenager can trust you, the more they will listen.
Remain calm
The more you are calm, the more your teen will feel comfortable. While it may be an emotional subject for you, you don’t want it to be an emotionally charged situation for them and cause them to shut down. Be clear about your expectations but in a non-threatening way.
Understand the obstacles your teen faces
Biological factors
Genetics play a frequent role in because they can predispose an individual to addictive type behaviors and enhance the physical basis of substance use disorder. Teenagers who are genetically predisposed may be more inclined to continue using a drug after experimenting.
Social factors
The teen years increase the role of social pressure which can influence the misuse of substances or alcohol. Peer pressure to experiment or exposure to family and friends who misuse substances can entice a teen to try these substances and/or alcohol for themselves. Stress from academic, social, and/or family life can also affect their choices and studies have shown that teenagers who have high stress are twice as likely as their low-stress peers to use illegal substances, drink, or smoke. Combined with peer pressure stress can be a powerful driver in leading a teen to develop a substance use disorder.
Psychological factors
There are many mental health and psychological stressors that can put teens at risk. The most common mental health disorders that can co-occur include depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorders. All of these mental health disorders manifest during the teen years. Psychological stressors such as childhood neglect, abuse, or any kind of trauma can also increase the likelihood of misusing substances. If a teen has not dealt with underlying psychological issues, drugs and alcohol may be used as a coping mechanism. Hormonal fluctuations and body changes increase stress and may further weaken their ability to cope with psychological issues.
Focus on prevention
There are many causes of substance use disorder but being aware of the reason(s) is an important part of prevention. Despite the large number of risk factors, teenagers can be positively influenced by parents and loved ones to avoid the damaging cycle of substance use disorder. Become involved in your teenager’s life, offer support, encouragement, and a listening ear. A strong relationship with your child can be one of the greatest protective factors for them.
Treatment for Your Teen
If a teen you know does develop a substance use disorder, they need to receive treatment quickly. There are many substance use treatment centers that specialize in helping this age group. Lifeline Connections also specializes with teens involved in Clark County Juvenile Recovery Court. If you are in Oregon and Washington and want substance use treatment for your teen, please contact the professional team at Lifeline Connections. You can visit our website or call (360) 397-8246 for more information.
Updated 4/11/2023
