Substance use disorder or addiction is a mental health condition induced by environmental factors and genetics, among other factors. Talking to your kids and giving them facts about drugs can help protect them from substance use disorder. Here are ten tips for teaching your kids about drugs and alcohol.
Start Early
It’s crucial that you talk to your kids about drugs and alcohol as early as possible before they are exposed or it’s too late. Ensure the conversation is age-appropriate so they can relate and understand.
Know the Facts
Before talking to your kids about drugs and alcohol, prepare with accurate facts and information. This ensures that you can answer all your kids’ questions accurately. You can seek more information from professionals such as the team from New Horizon.
Be Honest
Your children will probably have many questions, and you must be ready to answer them honestly. If you don’t know the answers to some of the questions, you should also let them know.
Explain the Consequences
It’s essential that your kids know the consequences of using drugs or taking alcohol. They need to know the short-term and long-term impacts of drugs and how they can affect their lives.
Keep the Conversation Open
The conversation about drugs and alcohol should be open and ongoing to cultivate a healthy relationship. This will encourage the kids to talk about uncomfortable topics, and they can turn to you at any time.
Share Your Experience While Teaching Your Kids
If you have any history with drugs and substance use disorder, it’s crucial you be open with your kids when they ask you. This can boost their trust in you and give them a realistic experience they can learn from. You can also tell them of places like New Horizon Counseling Center where people with substance use disorder can get help.
Avoid Forcing the Conversation
Let the conversation with your kids come up organically to avoid embarrassing or pushing them away. Try and find the most appropriate time to start the conversation to ensure it’s more productive.
Show a United Front
Both parents must present a united front when talking about drugs and alcohol to avoid confusion. Being on the same page also makes it easier for the kids to get support from both parents.
Set a Good Example
Setting a good example that your children can emulate is crucial as your children look up to you and tend to pick up your behaviors. If you are struggling with substance use disorder, you can seek help from centers such as New Horizon Counseling Center.
Create a Healthy Home Environment
Providing a safe and healthy environment for your kids can shield them from the risk of addiction. It’s important to protect them from traumas such as abuse, violence, and neglect that can increase their risk of addiction.
New Horizon offers help to people struggling with addiction and provides the necessary skills and knowledge to lead a healthy life. You can book an appointment and meet the New Horizon Counseling Center team, who are empathetic and caring. Family members can join group counseling sessions at New Horizon to learn how to help the affected member.
