Kids, Questions, Drugs and Alcohol. Tips on how to answer

Young people can come up with some pretty challenging questions for parents when it comes to drugs and alcohol

So here are some ideas for dealing with challenging questions and some answers to some of the more baffling questions we might have to deal with.

1. (First) Stay calm, be yourself
2. Let your core beliefs guide you
3. Be willing to talk about the topic at length, but don’t get into a debate.
4. Don’t make something up. Know the facts or research the facts from trustworthy sources together.
5. Focus the discussion on the facts and the values you hold.

Some of the more common questions you may be asked, and ideas on how to respond to them.

Q: You smoked/drank/did drugs when you were younger and you turned out okay…

A: I made a lot of mistakes I would hope you wouldn’t make because I want you to have every advantage in life. And, I was fortunate, there’s no guarantee you will be. When I was younger there were no such things as bicycle helmets and very few cars had seat belts and I turned out okay. That doesn’t mean we should abolish seat belts and bicycle helmets.

Q: At 18, I can get married, join the army, vote, etc., but I can’t drink, that’s not fair.

A: It’s not a matter of fair, it’s a matter of your brain not being fully developed enough to handle alcohol until you’re 21. You greatly increase your chances of becoming an alcoholic if you drink when you’re younger.

Q: Marijuana is good for you, it’s a medicine…

A: First of all …do you have AIDS, glaucoma or cancer? (No) Then it’s not for you! Also, it’s illegal, it’s dangerous, and it’s just not worth it.

These are a few of the more common challenging questions a parent may face. Remember to stay focused on your values and your goals for your children, address the questions proactively and remember to keep reaching out for knowledge and support.

First Call is an agency of recovery referral, prevention, and education.  Make the First Call for help; we have counselors available 24/7.  Visit our Speas Resource Center for books, videos and DVDs on prevention, recovery and treatment of substance use disorder.  More about us at  www.firstcallkc.org