Talking about teen drug abuse

Choose a time when you're unlikely to be interrupted — and set aside phones. If you're anxious, share your feelings with your teen.

To talk to your teen about drugs:

• Ask your teen's views. Avoid lectures. Instead, listen to your teen's opinions and questions about drugs. Assure your teen that he or she can be honest with you. Watch your teen's body language to see how he or she feels about the topic.
• Discuss reasons not to abuse drugs. Avoid scare tactics. Emphasize how drug use can affect things important to your teen — such as sports, driving, health and appearance.
• Consider media messages. Some television programs, movies, websites or songs glamorize or trivialize drug use. Talk about what your teen sees and hears.
• Discuss ways to resist peer pressure. Brainstorm with your teen about how to turn down offers of drugs.
• Be ready to discuss your own drug use. Think how you'll respond if your teen asks about your own drug use. If you chose not to use drugs, explain why. If you did use drugs, share what the experience taught you.