Parents
“Talk They Hear You” Campaign
SAMHSA’s “Talk They Hear You” campaign is a substance use prevention campaign geared towards helping parents have conversations with their children about alcohol abuse.
Information for Parents
Parents play a large role in the future of their development. Parents often lose sleep over new dangers that exist for their children, alcohol and drugs are often the source of that panic.
The abuse of substances by youth can affect their long-term plans, as they get older they become co-dependent on these substances and my have long lasting effects that can derail their future. It is important to talk about the effects of illicit substances with your children so they can be aware and ready to decline, invitations for use if the situation arises.
Alcohol use is the most prevalent drug of choice among youth, according to the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, ran by the CDC it detailed some of the more mystifying aspects of Teen Alcohol Use:
29% drank alcohol
14% binge drank
5% of drivers drove after drinking alcohol.
17% rode with a driver who had been drinking alcohol.
Although, alcohol is the most prevalent drug of choice among teens it does not mean it is the only one their also several risks involved in substances such as marijuana, prescription pills and tobacco.
Talking to your Teens about Drug Use
Your child has most likely encountered other individuals at school who may have had talked about, or have used drugs themselves at school or at home. Do not assume, your child has a general naivete when it comes to alcohol and drugs.
Make sure to allow your child the space and cordiality to express their general feelings on alcohol and drugs, be sure to express to your child the effects of illegal drug use, the social, economic and emotional ramifications to those who use drugs and what happens to them over time.
Try to create a gentlemen’s agreement about how and when to use vehicles in the household if you are of age. And to have a system if a user of a motor vehicle is inebriated, they know how and when to contact you if that situation arises.
Be aware of rising drug trends (things like various drug nicknames, how specific drugs affect the body) be informed about the goings-on in your community do not be afraid of asking your child about what is going on at his/her school.
Addiction & Mental Health Resources For BIPOC Parents
32 Resources for Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color