Addiction is something dangerous that can destroy the life of a teenager or an adult. One of the best ways to prevent addiction is to talk to your teens early about the problem.
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These conversations can be difficult. A few tips will help you to talk to your teen about the dangers of addiction.
Do your homework first
Do your homework about addiction, drugs and alcohol before you talk to your teen. Learn about the causes of addiction, the drugs being abused today and recent news stories.
This information will allow you to speak with authority and answer questions your teen might have.
Speak constructively and avoid accusatory statements
Always speak constructively when talking about addiction with your teen. Do not use accusatory or judgmental language since this will immediately cause your teen to shut down and become defensive.
Although the topic can be difficult, positive and constructive language is best.
Be honest in your answers
If your teen asks you something about addiction, then be as honest as possible. This should hold true for your personal feelings and for general addiction information.
Never lie or make up an answer since this can damage the validity of what you say. Simply say you do not know if you have no answer.
Ask your teen about personal concerns
Stop and ask your teen if there are any personal concerns about addiction. Your teen could have real concerns about alcohol addiction or drug abuse, and it’s important to listen, say the experts at Willow Tree Recovery.
You might be able to directly help your teen or a close friend to get treatment for the alcohol addiction. Asking questions also keeps your teen engaged.
Use real-life examples
Use real-life examples of the dangers of addiction if possible. These could be friends or even family members if your teen can handle the information.
Avoid using celebrities as examples. Real-life examples of people close to them or you can make the destructive nature of addiction clearer.
Conclude by stating your position on drugs and drinking
A final tip is to conclude the talk by clearly stating your position on drugs, drinking and addiction. This is important because a teenager might not know where you stand. Stating your position will allow your teen to understand the reasoning behind the rules in the home dealing with drugs and alcohol.
The talk you have with your teen about addiction is very important. It can make a lasting difference that keeps your teen out of trouble with drugs and alcohol far into the future. Make sure you are prepared, ask questions and remain constructive when talking to your teen about the dangers of addiction.
Anita Ginsburg
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