The Toxic Cocktail

How to Talk to Teens about the Danger of Drugs and Alcohol

Adolescence is a very challenging time. As teens are navigating tricky waters in trying to figure out their identities, this can in turn translate into testing the limits of parental rules and boundaries.

From a scientific standpoint, maturation of a teens prefrontal cortex begins in adolescence and is fully accomplished around the age of 25. The prefrontal cortex allows us to make sound decisions, drives complex behavioral performance and guides our high level executive functions. So as parents, we have 12 years before we can feel reassured that our teen-to-young-adult is fully prepared to make healthy decisions for their mind and body. Twelve……long……..years !!

Teens feel invincible often, and do not consider the risks of drugs or alcohol. If these boundaries are overstepped, it can lead to damaging or deadly territory. It is critical as parents that we keep an open dialogue with our teens, rather then lecture them about the evils of substance abuse we need to educate them on the dangers of alcohol and drug use. If your family has a genetic predisposition to substance abuse, relay that information that they will tuck into the back of their minds.

Some disturbing facts to consider: 10% of 12 year olds say they have tried alcohol, and by the time they are 15 this number jumps to 50%. 70% of all high school seniors have used alcohol, 50% have taken an illegal drug, and 20% have used a prescription drug for a non- medical purpose.

Counsel that early alcohol or substance abuse increases the risks of addiction, high rates of school drop out, poor interpersonal relationships, impacts health significantly, increase risks for poor academic and athletic performance, and increases risk for depression, mood disorders, and death.

When you speak to your teen, treat them like the adult that you would like for them to become. Model responsible behavior at home. Never glorify your days of partying in high school or college if you did that, as teens can assume it is a right of passage for them to do the same. Parents that create a supportive environment encourage teens to remain open and they will then make better decisions. Talk directly and honestly, your teen will appreciate and reciprocate this when they may need your help or advice.

Talk early and often about the dangers of substance abuse. Ongoing conversations rather than a “one and I’m done” discussion about alcohol and drug dangers will let your teen know where you stand on this issue.

Consider early on in the teen years creating an “Amnesty” policy, that if your teen does make a poor decision and has been drinking or partaking using drugs, they can call you to safely get them or friends home with no scolding or judgement that night. The next morning, they know there will be a calm, adult-like discussion with them on why that is not safe or acceptable. Again, model the behavior that you wish to instill in your teen and you will see the rewards of this in time.

Dr. Laurie Pozun

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