Talking To Teens About Drugs & Alcohol
Chapa-De Indian Health Auburn Grass Valley | Medical Clinic
Teens experiment with alcohol and drugs for many reasons. It might be curiosity, stress, peer pressure, or simply not knowing the negative effects. At Chapa-De, we want to encourage parents to talk to their teens and kids about alcohol and drugs.
What is Alcohol and Drug Use?
The National Institute on Drug Abuse defines alcohol and drug use in two categories.
- Drug Use: The use of illegal drugs
- Drug Misuse: The use of prescription drugs or medication in improper or unhealthy ways
There are many different types of alcohol and drugs. Some examples are:
- Beer, Wine, Liquor
- Tobacco, Nicotine, Vaping, Marijuana
- Cocaine, Heroin, MDMA, Methamphetamine
- OxyContin, Xanax, Adderall
Why is it Important to Talk About it?
Alcohol and drugs can be harmful for a developing brain. Research shows that a person’s brain continues to develop into their 20’s. Teens are more likely to have tried alcohol or other drugs the older they get. It is important to talk to teens about alcohol and drugs so they can understand the risks involved.
Talking with your teens about alcohol and drugs can help them be prepared to say no!
How to Talk About it
Talking to teens about alcohol and drugs can be hard. Some tips on how to make it easier include:
- Stay involved in their lives so asking questions is more normal
- Approach the conversation with an open mind
- Stay away from “yes” or “no” questions
- Use “I” statements to avoid placing blame or judgement on others
- Talk while walking or driving so there is less eye contact
Learn more about these tips HERE.
It can be helpful to have the talk as a discussion instead of a lecture. Teens should be encouraged to ask questions, and it is okay if you do not know all the answers. Teens often have tough questions, such as:
“You drink alcohol, so why can’t I?” OR “Did you try marijuana when you were a kid?”
These can be difficult to answer. Learn more about how to answer tough questions HERE.
Resources at Chapa-De
Many of the medical providers at Chapa-De are Addiction Specialists. We can help answer your questions and provide more information about alcohol and drugs to you and your teens. Call us today to schedule an appointment!
For more information, call our Auburn location at (530) 887-2800 or our Grass Valley location at (530) 477-8545 or visit us online at chapa-de.org.
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Chapa-De provides medical care, dental care, optometry, behavioral health, pharmacy services and much more.
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Chapa-De Indian Healthcare Auburn Grass Valley