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04 Mar 2019

Communication is the Key: How to Talk to Your Teen About Substance Abuse

How to Talk to Your Child About Teen Drug and Alcohol Abuse

When your child enters high school pressure to do drink and do drugs becomes a huge issue. Here is how to talk to your child about teen drug and alcohol abuse.

Teen drug and alcohol abuse is not news. It's been an issue for several decades. But it's important to track how drug abuse among the teen population is shifting. 

Teens are turning to new drugs for high buzz effects or what they consider as safer alternatives. The truth is quite the opposite, and if anything, teens are more at risk now than ever before. We're here to give you the insider details on teen drug abuse, what to do, and how to prevent it. 

Read on to learn about teen drug/alcohol abuse and effective communication.  

Vaping Is the New and Dangerous Trend

According to studies, in 2018 there was a vast increase of 8th-12th graders vaping. More and more teen substance abuse statistics reveal the same trend. Vaping is becoming the number one choice of drug among the young population. 

The real question is why is this happening? There is the belief that vaping is less harmful to your body than smoking. This leads many to believe vaping is safe. 

Yet, the truth is not as promising. Vaping may be a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes, but e-cigs contain nicotine. Nicotine is both addictive and damaging to the human body. 

Consuming too much nicotine at once can cause uncomfortable symptoms like: 

  • Upset stomach or vomiting
  • Dizziness or headaches 
  • Coughing
  • And more 

In fact, you can overdose on nicotine, and the medical field calls this: nicotine poisoning. Vape juices come in tasty flavors like mint or cookie dough. This makes them super dangerous because the labels market and cater to the young.

They don't believe they're in harm! 

Teen Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention

Communicating with your teen might be difficult and awkward, but prevention is key. The best way to keep your teen safe is to express the dangers of using drugs. Mention these key elements: 

  1. Different types of drugs and what they do to the body. Education is a key ingredient for helping your teen learn of the dangers of drug usage. 
  2. Share or provide stories of bad choices made while under the influence of drugs. Inform them of laws restricting alcohol and drugs [they might not know]. 
  3. Educate them on peer pressure, and what relationships are worth keeping. Mention that some friends are real friends if they want something bad for them. 
  4. Tell them you are a safe person who is willing to listen or answer any questions. 

It's important to always have an open door with your teen. If you can't do this because your emotions get in the way, contact a local teen counselor to help. Never ignore your teen and their questions—it could save their future and life! 

Getting Help

You can prevent teen drug and alcohol abuse with these five warning signs. Don't wait to intervene when it comes to drug usage. The sooner you get help, the better chance a teen has at getting healthy. 

Most teens need guidance and resources, don't let this issue sit on the back-burner. Give them a fresh start at life and contact us today with any inquiries. 


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