Ages 14-17: Answering
Tough Questions
Questions about your own alcohol or drug use, either past or present, can be difficult to answer. Sharing your past experience with teens can be helpful, but it’s important to have a plan for these questions should they come up.
Did you drink or try drugs when you were a teenager?
If you did, experts recommend that you give an honest answer. Explain why you were tempted to try drugs but also why it was a poor decision in hindsight. If your experience involved a negative consequence that is also something you may want to share.
Why do you drink?
Explain your reasons for drinking – whether it’s to enhance a meal, share good times with friends, or celebrate a special occasion.
Point out that if you choose to drink, it’s always in moderation.
Talk about the fact that some people shouldn’t drink at all, including people who are underage.
Sometimes you take leftover prescription pain medicine when you have a headache, it can’t be that bad right?
Acknowledge that your teen makes a good point, and that you may have set a bad example, BUT…
Explain that any type of prescription drug should only be taken as directed by a doctor, and that people should only take drugs prescribed to them.