Information for Parents & Youth

Take the initiative.

Get an early start.

Begin talking to your children about alcohol, drugs and medicines while they are preschoolers.

Parents Are Important

Don't underestimate your power to influence your teenager's life.

Become a healthy role model for your teen.

What you can do:

• eat for health.
• get active.
• live smoke-free.
• follow the Low-risk Drinking Guidelines and be drug-free.
• manage your stress.

Stay Connected

Teens need parents and other adults to stay involved. Teens who have a good relationship with their parents or another adult do better at school and make healthier choices.

What you can do:

• keep communicating; take time to talk with your teen every day and spend time doing meaningful things together.
• ask questions. Know where your teen is going and with whom.
• set clear and realistic expectations and limits for your teen.
• TALK and LISTEN.

Recognize Teachable Moments

You are your teen's No. 1 teacher. Teens would rather learn information from their parents than from their peers.

What you can do:

• use newspaper and magazine articles to discuss and share viewpoints.
• look for everyday examples of risk-taking behaviour: discuss your positions on these issues with your teen.
• watch TV with your teen. Use the programs to talk about issues such as smoking, drinking and drug use.

Risk-Taking Behaviour

The main threat to teens' health is the risky behaviours they choose.

Underage drinking is associated with:

• Academic Failure
• Illicit Drug Use
• Tobacco Use
• Risky Sexual Behaviour
• Sexual Assault
• Fights and Injuries (from falls and crashes)

Studies show that compared to their peers, teenagers who abuse alcohol have problems with memory, learning and other brain functions. The earlier teens start drinking, the more likely they are to do permanent damage to the part of their brain that helps them make good decisions.

Signs, Symptoms & Areas of Concern

To learn more about recognizing the signs and symptoms of substance use, check our Signs and Symptoms of Drug Use page.

Profile of Youth Who Drink & Use Drugs

For a detailed profile of people who drink alcohol and do drugs, check our Profile of People Who Drink Alcohol and Use Drugs page.

Why Youth Try Alcohol & Drugs

Transition periods are vulnerable times for teens.

Research shows...

• Adolescence is a time of experimentation.
• Peer pressure is difficult to resist. Friends may be using the substance and therefore it seems normal.
• Family members may model the behaviour, talking as if the use of these substances is acceptable, or they may downplay the harmful effects.
• Advertising of alcohol and cigarettes may give some young people the idea that using these substances makes them seem older.
• When people feel stressed and cannot cope, they may turn to drugs, including alcohol, to numb their pain or avoid feelings of loneliness or sadness.
• Youth may feel awkward at parties and use alcohol or drugs to be more social. Unfortunately, by masking social awkwardness, they never learn these skills. Consequently, they are much more likely to be more dependent on alcohol later in life.
• The earlier youth start drinking or using drugs, the much more likely they are to become dependent.

Influences on Teenage Decisions

Peers

Friends are important to teens. Their need to talk to and be with friends can begin early. It may be difficult to tell if their friendships are a positive or negative influence.

If your teen expresses difficulty making friends, or is having a problem with a friend, listen and empathize. Then problem-solve together, exploring various ways your teen can resolve the conflict with a friend. This is a great opportunity to teach independence, problem-solving and decision-making skills.

What you can do:

• continue to be absolutely clear in telling your teen what your family values are. Research clearly shows that teens who know their parents' values and expectations are more likely to follow them and not participate in risky behaviour.
• make an effort to get to know your teen's friends and make them feel welcome.
• be clear with your teen about what really matters for their health and safety, such as not smoking, being active, not using drugs or alcohol, not gambling, etc.
• continue regular family activities which provide time to discuss what is going on in the teen's life.
• educate yourself through websites and books at the library.
• walk the talk. You are an important role model. What messages are you sending? Do you know when you need help and where to get it?
• help your teen deal with peer pressure by staying connected.

School

Teens spend most of their waking hours at school. It is important to help them feel positive and connected there. Maintain good communication with your teen's teachers; attend school functions and notify the school of any concerns you have about your teen.

What you can do:

• encourage your teen to take part in school activities from an early age.
• support the school work and assignments your teen is expected to do at home.
• establish routines your teen can count on, such as eating supper, having time to talk or doing certain activities together each week.

Resources

To learn more, check all the resources and links on our Prevention and Treatment Resources for Parents & Youth page.