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Drug abuse is something a lot of parents fear with their teens and the risk of mental health problems, along with suicidal thoughts. The key to handling these concerns is the relationship you have with them. Set yourself up as a good role model, showing them the importance of self-care, and then establish communication and an open relationship between you. This is a crucial part of preventing drug abuse and suicide. Using a behavioral health toolkit you can learn how to handle the time when they experiment with alcohol and drugs. You can spot the warning signs of suicidal thoughts. Do not ignore the problem It is easy to ignore what is happening or what you think is happening and hope it will get better, or go away. But this is something to take very seriously and to use a mental health crisis toolkit if applicable. One of the leading causes of death in teens is suicide and driving while under the influence. 60% of the time a teen commits suicide there are drugs involved. Youths start a lot younger with alcohol than you might think, the average age of a child’s first taste is 11. If children before the age of 15 have used alcohol or drugs 40% go on to have an addiction. Steps to take to better help your teen Here are some things to consider to prepare and help your teen. - Aid them with the issue of peer pressure - A real problem is what their peers are doing and wanting to fit in. Listen to them when it happens and help them work out the cons and pros of the situation. Or talk to them about the possibilities and help them plan appropriate actions. A behavioral health toolkit can help.
- Have very honest and open conversations with them - Be frank about alcohol and drug use and abuse and what it leads to.
- Have clear expectations - Make it clear what you expect when it comes to alcohol and drugs, and set those expectations early and repeat them as they age.
- Know what they are doing and where - It is easy for them to disappear and you do not really know where they are. Make sure you know as well as you can what they are up to! Children with little monitoring are more likely to try drugs and alcohol and abuse it later in life.
- Be an active listener - Listening is a skill and you need to learn how to be alert and active. Have multiple conversations with them not arguments. A mental health crisis toolkit can help with learning certain skills.
Get to know their peers and the parents of their peers - Knowing who your teen hangs out with is quite a good way to know what they are into. Get to know their friends and their personalities, and get to know their parents. Try not to be quick to judge, just let it give you better information on what they might do together.
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