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Substance Use

What is substance use?

Substance use refers to using alcohol, drugs, prescription medication, or other substances in ways that can be harmful.

What does substance use look like for your child?

Whether or not your child is using substances, they may know people who drink alcohol, vape, use cannabis (smoking or edibles), or misuse prescription medications.

Talking with your children about substance use

Prepare for the conversations

It can be upsetting to learn that your child has used substances. Before talking about substance use with your child, prepare yourself to listen calmly if your child says something you weren't expecting. Keep an open mind so that you won't close off future communication. Your child may also ask about your own experiences with substance use. Think about how you want to respond. If you have used substances, share what you learned from the experience.

When to start conversations

Has your child’s behavior changed recently? You may suspect that they are using substances if they come home smelling of alcohol or they seem unusually tired. Other signs that hint at substance use include spending time with a new group of friends, acting more secretive and withdrawn, or losing interest in activities they used to love. If you are concerned, don’t make assumptions. Talk with your child.

Encourage them to be open with you. Let them know that you won’t punish them for being honest, and that you want to help keep them safe.

Start a conversation

Acknowledge that many people use substances, both legal and illegal, but they may not understand the risks involved in what they’re doing. For example, some young people think of vaping as inhaling flavored water vapor. They may not realize the liquid also contains nicotine and other addictive chemicals that can affect their health. A pill that looks like real prescription medication may be a fake that contains a deadly amount of fentanyl.

In conversation

Ask your child why they think people use substances. Some people try alcohol, cannabis, or other substances for the first time because their friends use these things. They may just be curious, or they may be looking for a way to rebel.

Substance use may also be related to mental health issues. Some people try to self-medicate with substances because they feel stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed. If your child is struggling, work with them to find healthy ways to cope.

Discuss reasons to avoid substance use, focusing on things that matter to your teen. Substance use could affect how well they play sports, their ability to drive, their health, and their appearance.

Next steps

Understand the conversation

Listen to how your child talks about certain substances. This may give you information on which ones they might consider using. For example, if you live in a place where recreational cannabis use is legal, your child may think edibles are safe—even though many of these substances are very strong.

If something comes up in the conversation that makes you feel that your child or someone they know may be seriously at risk, reach out for help.

Let your child know that their safety is your top priority. Remind them never to get in a car with a driver who has been drinking or using drugs, and never to get behind the wheel if they have been drinking or using drugs. Encourage them to call or text you if they ever need a safe ride home or feel uncomfortable with what is going on around them.

Continue the conversation

If you're watching a TV show or movie with your child and there's a scene with substance use, that can prompt further conversation. Did the depiction feel realistic, or did it glamorize the subject?

Research shows that factors such as family support and parental monitoring can help protect young people from risky behavior such as substance use. Knowing where your child is going and who they’re spending time with can help to keep them safe.

Helpful resources