The good news is that overall drug use among America’s high school students is declining. Parents, however, shouldn’t take that as a sign they can back off of talking to their kids about drugs. In fact, it shows the opposite: Conversations, awareness and education are helping keep kids off drugs. At the same time, Georgia is one of the 11 U.S. states with the most opioid overdose deaths, so parents need to be aware and involved.

If you haven’t talked with your children about drugs, this week is the perfect opportunity. Schools across the country are celebrating Red Ribbon Week, a time to celebrate inclusiveness and staying healthy, and staying off drugs and alcohol.

Conversations about drugs can be an intimidating one for parents to start. Here are nine tips you can keep in mind to have a helpful, respectful and productive talk with your family about drugs and alcohol.

9 Tips for a Positive, Impactful Conversation About Drugs

1. Start the conversation when they’re young. It’s never too early to talk to kids about drug use. When a preschooler needs medicine, explain how it’s only safe to take medication from Mom, Dad or a trusted caregiver, and how you carefully measure the amount to give him or her so you know it’s safe. You should also talk to young kids about the dangers of picking unknown items off the ground.

As your children age, shift that conversation to more age-appropriate topics. Kids Health has great information and advice on how to talk to children of all ages about drugs.

2. Talk about drugs as a health issue. Research has shown that when parents talk with kids about drugs like a health issue, kids are more receptive to hearing what their parents are saying. Talking about how drugs impact health can also take the shame and blame out of the conversation. It gives kids a concrete reason and explanation why drugs are unhealthy and the side effects they can have on our bodies.

3. Teach them how to say no. Telling kids that they should “just say no” doesn’t go far enough. It can be hard to stand up to friends and resist peer pressure. When you talk with kids about drugs, give them a few ways to tell friends “no” when they’re offered drugs or alcohol, like:

• “Sorry, but my parents would kill me.”
• “No, thanks.”
• “Thanks, but I already have a drink.” (Encourage kids to carry around a coke or water throughout the night.)
• “I’m the designated driver tonight.”
• “I can’t tonight. I have practice/a family event/housework tomorrow.”
• “That stuff makes me sleepy.”

Since it can get harder each time a teen has to tell a friend no, teach them how to say no several times. Role play a few situations to give them practice and get them comfortable with their response. They may seem embarrassed to practice with you, but it can go a long way in making them feel prepared.

4. Create an “X plan.” We can all think back to situations as teenagers (and young adults) where we found ourselves uncomfortable and wishing we had an easy way out. One parent’s viral advice about a creating an X plan with their teen can give your child just that — a way out of an unsafe situation.

The idea is straightforward: Come up with a word, phrase or letter that can be texted to a parent, older sibling or trusted adult. If a teen texts that safe word, then the person who receives it immediately calls the teen and says that something has happened at home and they are on their way to pick them up. It’s a simple and effective way to help kids out of unsafe and high-pressure situations.

5. Build trust with your children. Establishing trust between parents and their kids starts long before the phrase “drugs” or “alcohol” is even mentioned. Demonstrate active listening, empathy and a non-judgmental approach to talking with your kids, and you can pave the way for an open and honest dialogue about the “hard” conversations like drugs and alcohol. It also models great behavior to your kids and shows that you expect the same courtesy and respect when they listen to you.

6. Set clear boundaries and expectations. Another step that begins long before teaching kids how to stay off drugs is setting clear boundaries, expectations and consequences. When it comes time to talk about drugs and alcohol, tell them why you don’t want them to do drugs, how it impacts their health and what will happen if they’re caught abusing drugs and alcohol. By the time they’re in middle school or high school, they should know you have high expectations for their behavior and the clear consequences if they don’t follow your rules.

7. Address issues or concerns immediately. If you believe your child has been exposed to drugs or alcohol, address it right away. Be open and non-confrontational and let them know you’re concerned. This may be before they head to their first party, if you suspect previous bad choices, or when you just want to continue the conversation about drugs and alcohol.

8. Build emotional resiliency. Research shows that kids who have a difficult time managing their emotions or have mental health issues are more likely to turn to drugs and alcohol. Start teaching them at an early age how to manage their emotions and build strong emotional bonds. One of the easiest ways to do that is with family dinner. A study by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse discovered that teens who had less than three family dinners per week were more likely to experiment with drugs and alcohol.

9. Continue the conversation. Talking about drugs or alcohol is a conversation that keeps happening — one that continues as children advance through school and into their teenage years. Keep checking in with your kids to make sure they don’t have any concerns or questions. Talk with them in the car, while making dinner or out on a walk. Be sure to stay positive and non-confrontational for an open and honest dialogue.

If you have questions about talking to your children about drugs or concerns about drug use, Willowbrooke at Tanner is here to help. For more information or to schedule a confidential mental health or substance abuse screening, please call our 24-hour help line at 770-812-9551. Learn more at WillowbrookeAtTanner.org.