Use terms a child can understand, while still being specific about a particular drug. Talk about the effects of the drugs, how they make a person feel, the risk of overdose, and long-term damage to the mind and body. You may have to research the drugs, as well as how to explain them to a young child in simple terms.
Full Answer
How can I talk to my child about drugs?
Take advantage of "teachable moments" now. If you see a character in a movie or on TV with a cigarette, talk about smoking and what it does to a person's body. This can lead to a talk about other drugs and how they can harm. Keep your tone calm and use terms that your child can understand.
How can I keep my kids away from drugs?
However, by speaking with your kids and being honest, you take responsibility for your mistakes. This level of transparency can help keep your children away from drugs. As they understand the realities of addiction, the benefits of this knowledge will outweigh any pain it could bring.
How do you deal with a child with an addiction?
Especially if the child has an addict in their life, they need to feel like they have someone they can trust. As your child gets older, they can tell when you’re trying to gloss over a situation or speak down to them. So, speak directly to the situation. Listening is critical: Listening is the difference between a dialogue and a lecture.
How do your views on Drugs and alcohol affect your kids?
This can make them less likely to experiment with drugs or to rely on friends for answers. You're a role models for your kids, and your views on alcohol, tobacco, and drugs can strongly affect how they think about them.
How do you explain what a drug is to a child?
Explain what drugs are, their functions, and which drugs are harmful or illegal. Stick to the facts. Don't make drugs sound glamorous or fun, and don't over exaggerate the harms. Always consider what is age-appropriate information for your child.
How do you start a conversation about drugs?
Try not to start conversations when they are on their way out of the house. It is OK to ask directly about drug use, but don't make assumptions that they are using drugs, how often, or why they use it. Try to find out what your child's life is like. Be relaxed and give them a chance to express their views.
What are 3 options for drug abuse treatment?
There are many options that have been successful in treating drug addiction, including:behavioral counseling.medication.medical devices and applications used to treat withdrawal symptoms or deliver skills training.evaluation and treatment for co-occurring mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.More items...•
How do you talk to a tween about drugs?
Teens and drugs: 5 tips for talking with your kidsMake your values and your rules clear. ... Ask and listen, but resist the urge to lecture. ... If your child has used substances, try to explore the reasons. ... Know when (and how) to intervene.
What to tell someone who is on drugs?
How should I approach the conversation?Try to find out more about alcohol or drugs first. ... Choose a good time and place to talk. ... Give yourself plenty of time to chat. ... Begin by explaining your concerns. ... Talk about specific times that you've been concerned. ... Listen carefully to what they're saying.More items...
How do you talk to someone under the influence of drugs?
Express your concerns honestly. Emphasize that you care for the person and are worried about their well-being. Offer specific examples of your loved one's drug-related behavior that have made you concerned—and be honest about your own feelings.
What are the 6 types of drug dependence?
Within the above categories are six types of drug dependency: alcohol dependence, opioid dependence, hypnotics/sedative dependence, cannabis dependence, hallucinogen dependence, and cocaine abuse. Some authorities may recognize seven categories of drug dependence.
How can we prevent drug abuse in youth?
Consider other strategies to prevent teen drug abuse:Know your teen's activities. Pay attention to your teen's whereabouts. ... Establish rules and consequences. ... Know your teen's friends. ... Keep track of prescription drugs. ... Provide support. ... Set a good example.
What is the most effective treatment for addiction?
According to American Addiction Centers, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a valuable treatment tool because it can be used for many different types of addiction including, but not limited to, food addiction, alcohol addiction, and prescription drug addiction.
How do you talk to a 13 year old about drugs?
As kids grow older, start talks with them by asking them what they've heard about drugs. Ask in a nonjudgmental, open-ended way, so you're more likely to get an honest response. Remember to show your kids that you're listening and really paying attention to their concerns and questions.
What do you say to your teenager on drugs?
How to talk to your teenager about drugsThe use of scare tactics can backfire and make your teen less likely to believe or trust you.Be honest about the real risks.Where possible, avoid directly accusing them of doing drugs.Don't be afraid to admit you don't know something. Look it up and learn together.
How do you explain drugs to a 5 year old?
How to talk about itDiscuss the dangers in terms she can understand. ... Be approachable. ... Talk about good health. ... Teach her how to say no. ... Make sure your values are clear. ... Reassure your child that you approve of her.More items...
How to help a child with addiction?
Especially if the child has an addict in their life, they need to feel like they have someone they can trust . As your child gets older, they can tell ...
Can everyone try drugs?
Not everyone tries drugs or alcohol, and some people never use them. Using drugs or drinking alcohol is not a rite of passage. Experimenting one time can lead to addiction or problems at school or with the law. Using drugs and alcohol often creates issues at home or with friends.
Is drug addiction a difficult topic?
Drug Addiction Treatment. Addiction can be a difficult topic to discuss with your children. Even though this issue can have a serious impact on their lives, many parents are unsure when and if they should bring up this topic. Whether you or someone close to your family struggles with addiction or you want to minimize your child’s risk of addiction, ...
Can you talk to your kids about not using?
Talking About Your Own Struggles With Substance Abuse. If you struggle with addiction now or you’re a recovering addict, it’s still okay to speak with your children about not using. In fact, the experiences you had as well as the negative consequences of your use are the perfect way to begin a conversation.
How to talk to kids about drugs?
As your kids grow older, you can begin talks with them by asking them what they think about drugs. By asking the questions in a nonjudgmental, open-ended way, you're more likely to get an honest response. Remember to show your kids that you're listening and really paying attention to their concerns and questions.
How to help a child turn down drugs?
Role-playing can help your child develop strategies to turn down drugs if they are offered. Act out possible scenarios they may encounter. Helping them construct phrases and responses to say no prepares them to know how to respond before they are even in that situation.
What to do when censored in your own home?
When censored in their own homes, kids go elsewhere to find support and answers to their most important questions. Make talking and having conversations with your kids a regular part of your day. Finding time to do things you enjoy together as a family helps everyone stay connected and maintain open communication.
Why are kids not properly informed?
And kids who aren't properly informed are at greater risk of engaging in unsafe behaviors and experimenting with drugs.
Why is it important to start a dialogue with kids?
Starting a dialogue now helps keep the door open as kids get older and are less inclined to share their thoughts and feelings. Even if your questions don't immediately result in a discussion, you'll get your kids thinking about the issue.
What to talk about when watching a movie with a cigarette?
If you see a character in a movie or on TV with a cigarette, talk about smoking, nicotine addiction, and what smoking does to a person's body. This can lead into a discussion about other drugs and how they could cause harm. Keep the tone of these discussions calm and use terms that your child can understand.
Is a parent immune to drugs?
No parent, child, or family is immune to the effects of drugs. Any kid can end up in trouble, even those who have made an effort to avoid it and even when they have been given the proper guidance from their parents.
How to talk to teens about drugs?
Consider these four do's and don'ts for talking to your teens about drugs, and then get the conversation started: 1 DO explain the dangers using language they understand.#N#DON'T react in anger -- even if your child makes a statement that shocks you. 2 DO explain why you do not want them to use drugs.#N#For example, explain that drugs can mess up their concentration, memory, and motor skills and can lead to poor grades.#N#DON'T expect all conversations with your children to be perfect. They won't be. 3 DO be there when your child wants to talk, no matter the time of day or night or other demands on your time.#N#DON'T assume your kids know how to handle temptation. In fact, you may want to consider role-playing with your teen to educate them about real-life risks and alternatives to temptations so they can make healthy decisions. 4 DO praise your children when they deserve it. This builds their self-esteem and makes them naturally feel good.#N#DON'T make stuff up. If your child asks a question you can't answer, promise to find the answer so you can learn together. Then follow up.
How to explain why you don't want to use drugs?
For example, explain that drugs can mess up their concentration, memory, and motor skills and can lead to poor grades. DON'T expect all conversations with your children to be perfect. They won't be. DO be there when your child wants to talk, no matter the time of day or night or other demands on ...
How to start a conversation about drugs?
A good way to start this conversation is asking what your child knows about drug use, or if this is conversation is already happening in school. A great way to build on it is to start asking what they learned today, or simply asking them what questions they have about drugs.
Is it important to talk to children about drugs?
While it may be difficult to talk to young children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, it is a very important conversation to have. Learn some tips below to help make the conversation a success.
Is it good to talk about drugs with your kids?
Likely, this will be just the start of the conversations about drugs, but remember, having talks about use and abuse is a very good thing; it shows you care and will talk with them about difficult subjects. This will go a long way towards helping your children as they grow and make healthy choices throughout their lives.
When your child is 8 or 9 years old, start talking to them about drugs
If your child gets in the habit of talking with you while they’re young, they’ll feel more comfortable coming to you when they’re older. That’s true for any sensitive subject.
Check in with your child about recent events
The Hartford school overdose is a tragedy, and it’s important for your child to know that they can talk to you about it if they need to. But they might not know how to bring it up. You can start the conversation for them.
Help your child practice their response if someone offers them drugs
It’s hard for kids to know what to do or say when they’re put on the spot by their peers. You can prepare them by coming up with a strategy ahead of time.
Talk to your child about what to do if they spot drug or alcohol abuse at school
Schools have special resources on hand to keep students safe from dangerous substances and get them the support they need.
Watch for warning signs that your child might need help
Be on the lookout for changes in how they normally are, from their mood to physical changes like headaches and tummy aches. That can mean that they’re feeling anxious or depressed, and could use some extra support.
