Discussing Alcohol with Your Children: An Open Dialogue for Prevention
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health Data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in 2022, 48.7 million people aged 12 or older (or 17.3%) had a substance use disorder in the past year, including 29.5 million who had an alcohol use disorder.
Today, kids are exposed to so many influences through social media, the Internet, and of course, their friends and family members. As kids approach their teen years, they become more curious and may want to experiment with alcohol. Now is the time to have safe and open conversations about alcohol and substance use with your child to establish trust and prevent alcohol misuse in the future. Here are some questions and information to help guide your discussions:
What are the risks for young people who drink alcohol?
The National Insitute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that those who start drinking before age 15 are more likely to develop a substance use disorder than those who start drinking until 21 or older. Some parents may think it is okay for their children to drink alcohol if it is done at home or not paired with another substance, but it is important to remember that alcohol is a mood-altering drug that affects the mind and body. A young person’s brain is continuously developing at this stage in life and drinking alcohol can alter their brain development, which can lead to long-term changes in the brain’s functions, including memory and learning problems.
How do I have a successful conversation with my child about alcohol?
Your child looks to you for guidance and safety. Having an open conversation with them about alcohol and its effects can make a difference in their potential relationship with alcohol and other substances in the future. Many studies have shown that parents have a great deal of influence on their children’s behaviors. Being silent about how you feel about alcohol use may give your child the impression that it’s okay to experiment with it.
DO: You know your child best, so frame the conversation in a way in which you know they will be receptive and comfortable with.
DON’T: Don’t use fear tactics or talk to your child in a demeaning way.
DO: Let them ask questions.
DON’T: Exaggerate or use punishment to influence your child.
DO: Do your homework beforehand so that you are prepared to answer any questions. Below are some helpful resources that you can use to learn more about substances and substance use disorders.
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: Alcohol’s Effects on Health
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: 2023 NSDUH Annual National Report
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Drunk Driving
How can I prevent my child from drinking alcohol?
While talking to your child about alcohol use and its effects is essential, talking is not always enough and parents should also take actions to help their children resist alcohol use. Active and supportive involvement is needed to avoid underage drinking and prevent alcohol misuse.
DO: Monitor alcohol in your home. If you keep alcohol in your home, keep track of it. You may also want to store alcohol out of reach, like in a locked cabinet.
DO: Connect with other parents. Getting to know the parents or caregivers of your child’s friends can help you keep a closer eye on their activities and make it easier to be on the same page on alcohol and substance use.
DO: Set a good example. As a parent, you are a role model. Studies have proven that if a parent or caregiver uses alcohol, their children are more likely to drink as well. If you do use alcohol, there are other tactics that can lessen the possibility of your child drinking such as:
- Using alcohol in moderation
- Avoid using alcohol to handle problems
- Avoid glamorizing alcohol use with ‘funny stories’
- Never drink and drive or ride with someone who has been drinking
How can ACCESS help?
ACCESS is dedicated to treating patients’ total health and mental well-being. Our Medication Assisted Recovery (M.A.R.) program takes an integrated approach to helping patients with alcohol and substance use disorders, offering weekly visits with an ACCESS provider, support group sessions, behavioral health services and counseling.