In today’s society, drinking alcohol seems like a normal part of growing up, where turning the legal drinking age is a highly celebrated milestone. However, not all of our children are waiting for this milestone in their lives to begin experimenting with alcohol. A report from the CDC revealed almost one-third of US high school students admit to drinking alcohol, and 14 percent say they binge drink. Sadly, alcohol appears to be one of the most widely used substances among teenagers.
We all want the best for our children, especially where their well-being and safety are concerned. Therefore, it can be devastating to discover that your teenager has a dangerous relationship with alcohol. You want to help them, but where do you start? How do you help them without pushing them away? How can you get your teenager to stop drinking?
What Are Some Ways You Can Help?
If your teenager is struggling with alcohol consumption, here are several ways you can help:
1. Communicate with your teenager openly and honestly
2. Educate your teenager on the risks of drinking
3. Eliminate temptation
Open and Honest Communication
It might feel daunting to have a conversation with your teenager about alcohol. After all, they can be hard to talk to at the best of times! It can be easier to try having a slower conversation, whereby you’re doing more of the listening than the talking. It’s important not to potentially create a judgmental atmosphere by talking “at” them instead of “with” them. A good conversation involves an open dialogue. Share your views and set the expectation for your child. Be cautious not to lecture or mandate behavior, as adolescence is a time where autonomy is critical.
When a person of any age is being “talked at”, there’s an increased risk of becoming cagey and defensive. If a conversation becomes defensive, it might become more difficult to yield productive results. While you as a parent will probably have to start the conversation, make sure that your child can open up and express themselves.
Try to understand why your teenager might be drinking, is it their friend group, maybe they’re under too much pressure, is it boredom or curiosity even? Learning why your child might be drinking can be very helpful in finding a successful resolution.
However, the journey won’t end with one conversation. Make sure your child knows that you are present and ready to listen if they’d like to talk again, and tell them that you’ll continue to check in from time to time in a non-judgmental way. Mutual respect, honesty, and understanding are essential to create the road towards a healthy future.
Educate Them on the Risks
By virtue of being older, parents have more life experiences to draw upon when they look at certain issues, especially when it comes to potentially risky behaviors. Even if we have never engaged in risky behavior ourselves, it could be likely that we have seen the fruits of someone else’s risk-taking. It can be difficult to convey risks in a way that will resonate with teenagers.
Unfortunately, a range of negative consequences from drinking can occur, some of which can be lifelong or potentially even fatal. Given that, the thought of our children undergoing any of these consequences can be stomach churning, it may be an initial reaction to list off all the consequences. But, as with the last point, keep the conversation a two-way street. Invite your child to share their feelings and help you to understand the root of their drinking.
Eliminate Temptation and Form Healthy Habits
As with any addiction, temptations from others can be very triggering. Suppose you suspect that your teenager may be experiencing difficulties with alcohol consumption. In that case, it could be helpful to curtail your own alcohol consumption as well, at least while they are present.
It can help to send a message of solidarity and that they are not being judged. By helping to remove temptations, you are reinforcing the bonds of support and mutual respect that can help to pave future success.
Helping your teenager to form healthy habits can help remove future temptations and also provide them with an outlet to channel energy away from drinking.
You Can Get Help
While you can’t overcome the issue for them, your support, patience and guidance are crucial in their journey. If you’d like to learn more about what supports are available to you and your teenager contact The Walker Center to get help now.
Check out our blog if you want more information on addiction, mental health, or recovery.
