Talking to Your Child About Drugs and Alcohol Christina Andersson, LMFT, CSAC Alika Cuttie, CSAC

Discussion…  Anyone here already talk to your child about alcohol or drug use?  At what age do you think youth typically begin using drugs?  Should teens be allowed to drink and use drugs at home?  How would you react if you found out your child is using drugs or alcohol?  How many of you are familiar with where to get help?

Tonight’s Topics  Why is it important to talk to your kids about drugs and alcohol?  Laying the foundation  Is just a little okay?  Supporting your teen  Talking about your past…  Signs and Symptoms  Getting Help  Community Resources

Why is it important to talk to your kids about drugs and alcohol?  27 percent of teens say they're learning a lot at home about the risks of drugs.  It's not about a 5-minute "talk" - it's about building an ongoing dialogue.

Why is it important to talk to your kids about drugs and alcohol?  Where do kids get their information if not from their parents?  Uninformed kids are at a higher risk of engaging in unsafe behaviors and experimenting with drugs.  Educated parents can help correct any misconceptions children may have.

Why is it important to talk to your kids about drugs and alcohol?  General health and safety conversations with your child should include alcohol and drugs.  Parents are role models for their children.

Laying the Foundation  No parent, child, or family is immune to the effects of drugs.  Who do you think is at higher risk of drug and alcohol use?

Laying the Foundation  It's important to know your child's friends — and their parents.  Pay attention to how your kids are feeling.  Recognize when your kids are going through difficult times.

Is just a little okay?  Adolescent brains are still developing and are vulnerable to damage.  Giving a teen any leeway with drugs and alcohol is risky.

Is just a little okay?  Research shows that a no-use policy is the best way to keep teens safe.  Studies indicate that teens who begin smoking or using alcohol when they are very young are more likely to be heavy users of these substances later on.  One study showed that more than 40 percent of teens who started drinking at age 14 or younger developed alcohol dependence compared with 10 percent of those who began drinking at age 20 or older.  Genes may increase the risk for addiction.

Supporting Your Teen  How do you support your teen?  Your guidance helps support your teen. Be warm but firm.

Supporting Your Teen  Ideally "the talk" is a series of talks that begins when our kids are young.  Grades 4-6, "Smoking pot makes you cough and feel tired. What sounds fun about that? Grades 4-6  Grades 7-9, "Did you hear about that ninth grader who got drunk last weekend? He was trying to impress a bunch of seniors. Instead he ended up puking and looking like a fool.“ Grades 7-9  Grades 10-12, "That girl with the drug problem really needs help. If she doesn't get some soon, she's going to screw up her chances of getting a steady job or going to a good college.“ Grades  To start conversations, look for "teachable moments“.

Talking about your past…  "Did you do drugs or drink when you were my age? How come?" "If you did, why can't I?" If your teen hasn't asked you questions like these yet, they will. Don't panic. Just get ready to:  Be honest.  Be specific.  Be an example.  Be convincing.

Signs and Symptoms  Changes in appetite or sleep patterns  Deterioration of physical appearance.  Withdrawal from social or important activities.  Unexplained need for money or secretive about spending habits.  Sudden change in friends or locations.  Increased interpersonal or legal problems.

Getting help  If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to talk to someone – starting with your teen.  Remember, the object of the conversation is to get them to talk to you, not for them to shut down.

Community Resources  Maui Youth and Family Services  Ke Ala Pono -School Based Substance Abuse Services  Intensive Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment  Emergency Shelter Program  Outreach & Advocacy Services  After School Prevention Services

Community Resources  Residential Programs  Bobby Benson Center, Oahu  12 Step Programs  Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.)  Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.)  Alanon  Alateen

References  Durani,Y. MD, Date reviewed: October 2011,Originally reviewed by: Van Vranken, M. MD. Talking to Your Child About Drugs KidsHealth.org  Jacob, T, &Johnson, S.(1997). Parenting Influences on the Development of Alcohol Abuse and Dependence, Alcohol Health & Research World,, Vol. 21 Issue 3, p  White, D. (2012). Symptoms of Teen Substance Abuse. Psych Central. Retrieved on April 18, 2014, from teen-substance-abuse/

Questions?