3. Establish ground rules and enforce consequences
Educate your child on your family’s rules and expectations for one another. Remind them not to ride in a vehicle where there may be an intoxicated driver, or leave a party where drug use occurs. If your rules are broken, enforce appropriate consequences.
4. Talk to your teen
Yes, it can be that simple. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) states that when parents do talk to their kids about alcohol or drug use while simultaneously educating them with facts about substance abuse, their children are 400% less likely to abuse substances later in life.
What is SAMHSA’s National Helpline?
SAMHSA’s National Helpline, (800) 662-HELP (4357), (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service) or TTY: (800) 487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.