Substance Use Conversations
Effective substance use conversations are ongoing, not one-time lectures. Research shows that parental disapproval of substance use is the number one reason teenagers cite for not using drugs—more than fear of consequences or lack of availability. Start conversations early (ages 10-12) with factual information: alcohol affects the developing brain differently than adult brains, nicotine is highly addictive and vaping delivers it efficiently, and marijuana use before age 25 affects memory and learning. Use open-ended questions: 'Have you seen kids vaping at school? What do you think about it?' Share your values clearly but without moralizing: 'I do not want you to use substances because your brain is still developing and I want to protect that development.'