How to Explain Drugs & Alcohol to Kids

Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) cites that half of all youth fatalities (homicides, suicides, drownings or fires) are associated with alcohol use. Many children begin drinking as early as age 11, and many begin experimenting with marijuana by age 12. Alcohol and marijuana are often considered "gateway drugs," meaning they often lead to the use of harder drugs such as cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine. Educating children about the dangers of alcohol and drugs may help reduce the chance of experimentation and use.

Instructions

• 1

  Approach your child in an open manner. Having a friendly yet authoritative demeanor allows her to feel connected with you while respecting what you have to say. Listen to her fears or concerns and refrain from interrupting or preaching. If she feels heard, she will begin to trust you and view you as a leader.

• 2

  Express that you do not condone alcohol or illicit drug use. Explain the dangers associated with using these substances. For example, intravenous drug use can cause AIDS and hepatitis B and C, particularly when needles are shared. Alcohol and drugs result in impaired coordination and judgment. The emotional damage associated with substance abuse can result in paranoia, isolation and breaking the law, which often leads to imprisonment.

• 3

  Discuss alternatives to drug use that are safe, pleasurable and healthy. Activities such as sports, going to movies, hiking, playing board games or video games, reading, playing an instrument and engaging in creative arts can be fun and educational and help to expand the mind.

• 4

  Establish communication that occurs on an ongoing basis. This is extremely important, because although your child may not be using drugs during your first discussion, peer pressure may change and increase over time.

• 5

  Incorporate role-playing into your discussions, which may be remembered later by your child when she is faced with peer pressure. Act out different scenarios with her, each involving another person encouraging her to use alcohol or drugs. Explain to her that always remembering the dangers of alcohol and drug use will help her to say "no."

• 6

  Remember to "practice what you preach." If you are drinking inappropriately and using drugs, such behavior will dismantle the child's trust in you and make him feel justified in his use. His motto may be, "If she is doing it, then why can't I?"