CHALLENGE ACCEPTED
When you see these nonverbal cues in your teens, don’t let them stop you. Keep the conversation going.
“Fine” is what most parents hear when they ask their teen a question. Get eight tips to get past that one-word answer.
Emily had big dreams that were devastated by drugs after high school. Watch her video story and learn about seven addiction myths.
Find out what four things you should watch out for when it comes to your child’s mental health.
Talk to your teens about drugs
Talking About Vaping
Talking About Alcohol
Talking About Rx Drugs
Talking About Marijuana
Is it a sign of something more?
Sometimes substance use is an indication of a broader issue. Use the resources below to see if there’s something beneath the surface that’s affecting your child.
Everyone gets anxious at times. But if it interferes with a person’s ability to lead a normal life, it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder.
Depression is more than a bout of the blues. It’s a mood disorder that makes a person feel sad all the time and lose interest in life.
These are brought on if a person feels there’s no way to solve their problems and that ending their life is the only option to stop the pain.
“Am I the kind of adult I would like my kids to become?”
As the saying goes, actions speak louder than words. That’s definitely true with kids. If they notice you’re not following your own advice, then they will tune out. So before you to talk to your teen about drinking, drugs and smoking, take a look in the mirror. Even though that kind of self-examination may be hard, if you want what you say to have an effect, you need to do it. Ask yourself questions like, “Is there anything I’m struggling with that I haven’t addressed?” “Do I react to negative things in a positive way?” “Am I the role model my teenager deserves?”
This saying is true, too—before you can help someone else, you have to help yourself.
Take the first step. Find Help
Show them they're worth the effort.
Dig deeper
If you really want to help your kid, then you need to know what you’re dealing with. Research each substance for specific warning signs, health concerns and treatment options.