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It’s normal for teens to have questions about substances, from alcohol to ADHD meds and more. Connect. Guide. Empower. helps you start a judgment-free conversation with your teen about the risks and how they can stay safe.
With tips, facts, and resources, this site helps you connect with your teen about substances, guide them toward the facts, and empower them to make safe decisions for themselves.
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Lead With Empathy
Tips for Talking to Teens
Between school, sports, part-time jobs, and chores, there’s a lot on teens’ plates. And, let’s face it, talking about drugs at the dinner table can be awkward and unproductive. The most important thing you can do is let your teen know that the door is open when they have questions. Make sure they know you won’t judge them or punish them for being curious—because you know curiosity is normal.
Below are tips for connecting with teens in conversations about substance use, including what teens have said they wish the adults in their lives understood


Lead with Empathy
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There’s a lot of pressure on young people these days, and the world they’re growing up in is different from what you experienced as a teen. Teens want their parents to know that they’re super stressed and how that can connect to substance use. And we don’t always give young people the credit they deserve: They’re smart and want to be empowered to make their own decisions.

Don't Judge
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You know your kid best. But the default language a lot of parents use can come off as judgmental or accusatory—even if that’s unintentional.
If your teen does use substances, there is always risk of addiction, with the level of risk depending a lot on the substance. But it’s important to lay a stigma-free foundation when it comes to talking about addiction. Addiction is a treatable medical condition, but stigma can lead to feelings of shame or the need to hide, and it makes it really hard for teens to ask for help.

Leave the Door Open
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Normalize these types of conversation so that it feels less awkward (for both of you!). That lets your teen know that they can come to you with questions and you won’t jump to conclusions about why they’re asking.
Not sure how to start? Look for mentions about substances in TV shows or movies or in the news. That can help set up the conversation so that it seems less out of the blue. And never imply that you think they are making bad decisions with substances

Be Specific
Not all substances are created equal. While some parents would prefer that their teens don’t taste a drop of alcohol until their 21st birthday, that’s not the reality for many. But wine and opioids have very different risks, so grouping them together can seem extreme and out of touch and make teens less likely to ask questions if they think that’s your perspective.
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Build Two-Way Trust
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Adolescence is a tricky time to navigate: They’re not a kid, but they’re also not an adult yet. Teens want to feel like they have autonomy over their actions; they want to feel like you trust them and are there for them, no matter what. The more your teen feels like you trust them, the more they will trust you as a place to turn to with questions.
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