SAFETY TIP OF THE WEEK

Having open and honest conversations about drugs is a great way to create a safe space for your child to talk with you about drug use they are seeing or participating in.

TODAY’S TOPIC

Drug Use Among Teens: Talking to Your Child about Substance Abuse

When you were in high school, you may remember teachers, administrators, and special guests coming to your class to talk about drugs. They often came with horror stories, or cheesy slogans encouraging you to stay off drugs. You may have seen in your adult life that these messages didn’t quite stop your peers from using drugs anyway. So, how can you talk to your kids about drugs in a way that will sink in? Let’s get some perspective on the issue. 

Statistically, adolescents today have actually been using illicit substances less than previous generations. The National Institute of Health reports that drug use among adolescents declined during the pandemic, and has stayed steadily low since then. This trend could have many explanations. It may be that kids have missed the chance to build in-person connections with their peers—connections that might encourage them to try drugs or put them in touch with dealers. Easy access to drug-awareness information may also contribute to this trend, as kids can have a better sense of the context and consequences of drug use among their peers. The rising trend in fentanyl overdoses may also discourage adolescents from even attempting drugs. 

Whatever the reason for this declining trend in adolescent drug use may be, the dangers of drug abuse are still very real. Fentanyl overdose deaths have increased each year since 2014, especially when used with stimulants like cocaine. Often, unsuspecting users take cocaine without realizing that it has been cut with fentanyl, and this combination is deadly without readily available Narcan. 

Vapes, which vaporize a liquid form of nicotine or THC, are very popular among young people, and these can have lasting negative health effects. A flavoring agent in vapes called diacetyl can cause inflammation and long-term damage to the lungs. Long-term use can result in “popcorn lung,” a condition that can lead to chronic breathing problems.

_{WHAT CAN YOU DO?}

So, how can you prevent your child from using drugs? Below is a list of tips for talking about drugs with your children.

• Start Early: Begin age-appropriate conversations about drugs and their risks as early as possible. Know the short and long-term consequences of substance abuse and share those with your child.

• Be Honest and Open: Encourage questions and provide truthful answers to build trust. It is easy for kids to tune you out if they suspect you are not being honest with them, and this discourages them from being open and honest with you.

• Set Clear Rules and Expectations: Clearly explain your stance on drug use and the consequences of breaking rules. 

• Be a Good Role Model: Demonstrate healthy coping strategies and avoid substance misuse yourself.

• Know Your Child’s Friends: Be aware of who they’re spending time with online and encourage positive friendships. Changes in your child’s friend group may be a sign that they are trying drugs.

• Educate Yourself so You Can Better Educate Them: Share accurate, age-appropriate information about the dangers and consequences of drug use.

• Monitor Online Conversations: Know what words kids might use as euphemisms for drugs when they are interacting with their peers online.

• Encourage Healthy Activities: Support involvement in sports, clubs, arts, or other positive outlets.

• Support Self-Esteem: Praise effort, not just results, and help them feel confident and valued.

• Recognize Warning Signs: Be alert to changes in behavior, mood, or physical appearance.

• Seek Help if Needed: Don’t hesitate to involve a counselor or healthcare provider if you’re concerned.

▶ Slang Word of the Week: “cart” - a slang word used for the liquid cartridge on a vape device.

They can look like any of the cars in the vapes below!