Drugs and alcohol

Find out the facts

Find out the facts before your start the conversation. 

Think about how you will react

If they say that they have used drugs or alcohol stay calm; we want to encourage open and non-judgemental conversations.

Don’t make assumptions

Don’t make assumptions about what your young person knows or what they do. Ask.

Pick a good time to talk

Think about when and where works best. This can mean taking the opportunity when you see someone drinking to excess or hear something in the news about drugs to open up a conversation. Stories in the news or related storylines on TV can be good ways to start a conversation. Using these to open a conversation may mean that your young person doesn’t feel like you are accusing them of something, and they may be more likely to open up and talk with you.

Listen to them

Listen to what they have to say and don’t lose your temper if you don’t agree with what they say – it may make them rebel more and be less open to talking further. Explain your concerns and tell them why you don’t want them to use drugs and or alcohol.

Let them know that you are there for them and care about them

It is important that young people know that they can come to you with questions and have a conversation with you about substances – that way they are getting clear and reliable information to help their decision-making.

Talk about the different reasons why young people may use drugs and alcohol

Give examples such as wanting to fit in, curiosity or stress. Talk through effective ways to respond if they ever feel pressured to try it.

If your young person is using drugs or drinking

Try to understand why they are doing this by asking questions like, “What do you enjoy about it” or “How does it make you feel?” Understanding this might help you to understand their needs and discuss other ways to meet those needs.

Set boundaries

Make it clear what your house rules are so they know what you will and won’t accept.

Call on your friends, family or wider network

If you or your young person don’t want to talk, why not ask someone else they have a relationship with or respect to have a chat with them?

Go back to it

These conversations can feel really challenging but they are important, don’t give up if it feels like it is all going wrong. Take a break and go back to it another time.