How to talk to teens about drugs and other substances

Show you care that they make choices that keep them healthy and safe:

• Start with one talk and go from there. The car can feel like a safer space for conversation
• Find a time to talk when your teen isn’t tired, grumpy, distracted or on their way out the door (we know this can be challenging!)
• Talk openly and often about substances, focusing on facts rather than fear
• Listen to their perspective and encourage questions
• Help them reflect on how their choices align with your family’s values
• Create opportunities for connection so that your child can feel safe and valued

Acknowledge the risks as well as the benefits

Teens often know more about drugs and other substances than we realize. Be open-minded about learning what they know and their perspectives.

Talk about the benefits that some people get when using alcohol and other drugs, as well as the risks. This will help make you a more credible and a safe person to talk openly with.

Just say “know” instead of just say “no”

You don’t have to be an expert. If you don’t know about different kinds of drugs find reputable sources online and learn together.

You can start by talking to them about:

• The risks of mixing substances
• The risks of using street drugs
• The importance of only taking medicine prescribed to them

Brainstorm refusal skills

Saying “no” isn’t as a simple as it sounds, even for youth who don't want to use alcohol or drugs. Brainstorm with your teen about some ways to refuse substances that might work for them:

• "I don't like the way it makes me feel."
• "I have to work tomorrow."

Encourage healthy behaviours

Help your teen develop a variety of coping skills and interests so they don't feel the need to rely on alcohol or other drugs to cope or to have fun.

Offer to be a safe non-judgmental ride home

Tell your teen you don't want them to drive or get in a vehicle with someone under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Encourage them to plan ahead. Offer to be a safe ride home with no judgement or punishment.

Many substances can reduce inhibitions and impair decision making. Talk with your teen about vulnerabilities with unsafe people and places. Is there supervision? Do they know and trust people they will be with? What are the risks if they are impaired? How could they reach out for help in case of an emergency?

Talk about reducing the risks

Your teen or their friends may decide to use drugs. If they do, they should know how be as safe as possible.

• Talk to them about the risks of mixing drugs or using drugs with alcohol
• Discuss why they should not use alone and the importance of having a buddy system and looking out for their friends
• Make sure they know where to access services like drug checking, and safe supplies and naloxone. If you don't know this information, learn it with your teen

Talk about sex and substance use

Substance use can cloud judgement and increase vulnerability when it comes to sex and sexual assault. Help your teen get access to sexual health resources, condoms and birth control, and educate them about the importance of consent. 

Teens are most likely to use alcohol, cannabis, nicotine and prescription drugs (without a prescription). While these drugs may be legal for adults and people with prescriptions that does not mean they are without risk.

Teens should know what a standard drink is, the risks of drinking games and chugging, what alcohol poisoning is and what to do if someone is experiencing symptoms of poisoning. Know the risks of using someone else's prescription, and the differences between smoking cannabis and eating edibles. Different nicotine products carry different levels of risk, but none are risk-free. Understanding both short and long-term effects can help them make safer choices.

We get it—it’s a lot! Most of us were not taught about these things when we were teens. The good news is that you don't have to be an expert and you can learn more about drugs together with your teen.

The key is that you approach these conversations with an open mind, open ears and a lot of heart.

Downloadable resources

• Talking with Teens about Alcohol and other Drugs
• Empowered Parents – Navigating conversations about drugs and decisions with your child
• Safer Partying Workbook
• Talking with your teen about vaping
• Naloxone: Save a Life
• I quit for me – A guide for youth who want to quit using tobacco, cigarettes, or vapes

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