Your teenager is already old enough to be tempted by the mirage of drugs. How do you “attack” the issue? At a time when you and your child are relaxed, approach the problem as an “adult” discussion: you’ve heard that drugs are circulating more and more around schools – has he also heard it from colleagues who boast that do they use such substances? It’s a good way to start the discussion, especially since your kid has the opportunity to express his opinion on this sensitive topic.
Talk about the danger of addiction
Once the ice is broken, ask him what he knows about banned substances. Punctuate his interventions with information about the subject (be sure to thoroughly document yourself beforehand). Talk about dependency, first of all.
What does this state entail, how can it endanger a person’s freedom of action and thought, how does it capture and control his life.
Emphasize the idea of self-control, the fact that everyone must be in control of their own lives (this type of approach will appeal to the adolescent, as he himself is in the process of consolidating his own autonomy).
Tell him that young people who use even light drugs are at risk of becoming addicted: they will always want to try something else, more and more powerful, with dangerous side effects.
Is your teenager between 16 and 19 years old, going to high school, preparing for college and walking through environments where smoking “a joint” is most often a commonplace act?
Even if he disapproves of this practice, your child will not be outraged to see his colleagues or friends dedicating themselves to this “fun”. Your role is to show them that what seems harmless can become extremely dangerous. Avoid arguments like “It’s bad for your health” and “Oh, but it’s horrible to take drugs!”
Rather, show him a well-made documentary or organize a face-to-face discussion with a person who has faced the problem of addiction.
Tell him that if he’s looking for thrills, drugs are the easiest and most inglorious option, which is a good argument, because your teenager is looking for unprecedented sensations that make him feel unique. Also tell him that if he suffers (from love, from loneliness), the drug is not the solution, but only delusion.
The dialogue you have with your child must be constant, and this attitude will be decisive in his daily behavior. Dialogue means, first of all, to listen to him, then to speak to him, with logical arguments, with strong impact.
To prevent it, take an interest in the school and extra-school environment in which your child revolves. Invite their friends over, observe their behavior (without looking like you’re spying).
And don’t forget that you always lead by example. If you too are a victim of any addiction – tobacco, alcohol – you will not be able to have credibility in the eyes of the teenager you want to keep away from another type of such vices.
