Talking to your teen about drugs

It can be hard to talk to your kids about drug use, suicidal thoughts, mental health or alcohol use. But it is important to keep them safe.

Your Life Iowa can help you have these conversations. We can also help you and your child connect with support when there is a question or concern. It's free and confidential. 

Many youth begin to use drugs in their teen years.1 This often puts themselves or their friends at risk.

Many times, parents may not know their child is using drugs until it’s too late. Overdose is a real possibility. It's important to learn how to prevent drug overdoses. 

Alcohol, tobacco/nicotine and marijuana are the top three substances used by teens.  But here’s a list of other substances that teens may use: 

• Adderall and other prescription stimulants
• Cocaine
• Cough medicines/over-the-counter medicine
• Inhalants (spray paint, cleaning supplies, markers, glue, etc.)
• Prescription drugs like opioids
• Fake pills

Don't wait. Talk to your kids about the dangers of drug use. If you're unsure how to start the conversation with your child about drug use, we can help.

Signs of drug use in teens 

Being able to tell if your teen is engaging in illicit or risky drug use might not be as obvious as you think. Catching drug use early is important to getting someone the help they need. 

Warning signs that your child may be using drugs include:

• Sudden changes in friends
• Isolating from family activities
• Breaking curfew
• Increased anger or violence

Drug use risks

Negative consequences of teen drug use might include:

• Some teens who use drugs are at an increased risk of substance use disorder
• Teenage drug use may result in poor judgement in social and personal interactions
• Drug use may result in high-risk sexual activity, unsafe sex and unplanned pregnancy
• Drug use can complicate or increase the risk of mental health disorders, especially anxiety and depression
• Impair driving. Driving under the influence of any drug affects driving skills. It puts the driver, passengers and others on the road at risk
• Drug use can result in worse grades, attendance or experience in school

Talk to your child about drug use

Talking to your child about drug use is an important step to getting them the help they need. 

• Make sure to find an appropriate time and place to have the conversation
• Make sure your child is sober at the time
• Keep your emotions and anger in check. Lashing out at a teen who is using drugs can often cause them to become angry or defensive

Understand that your child may not feel comfortable talking about their drug use. If they don't feel comfortable talking with you, they could reach out to Your Life Iowa. 

You want to make sure your teen feels safe and supported when talking to them. List the behaviors you've noticed. Remind them that you want to help them. Focus on getting them help and treatment rather than discipline and punishment.

Conversation starters:3

• "You seem like you haven't been yourself lately. Is there something going on?"
• "Do you feel comfortable discussing the with me or someone else?"
• "I'm worried about you and want to support you. How can I help?"
• "I've noticed some changes in you lately. Can we talk?"
• "I'm here to support you. Is there's something going on in your life you want to talk about?"

Do you know a young adult using drugs? View information and resources with Help for College Students.

Resources

Marijuana: Facts Parents Need to Know
NIDA website with "a letter to parents" about talking to teens about marijuana use. 

Opioids: Facts Parents Need to Know
NIDA website with "a letter to parents" about talking to teens about opioid use. 

Parent & Caregiver Resources
SAMHSA webpage with fact sheets on how to talk to teens about drug use.

Families Conversation Guide
Conversation guide on Supporting a Loved One Dealing With Mental And/Or Substance Use Disorders.

Tween and Teen Health
Mayo Clinic website on how to help your tween or teen avoid drugs.