9 Tips to Consider when Discussing Prior Drug Use with Your Children

If you are like many people, you may have indulged in experimentation with drugs in your younger years and are unsure of how to discuss this issue with your children. You understandably do not wish to give them the idea that taking recreational drugs is acceptable because you did so yourself, so you may be tempted to lie and tell them that you declined to try drugs in the past. Your child may already have some knowledge of drug use because of family and friends. My children have an uncle we badly wish would consider doing a detox from drugs and alcohol in Wisconsin. While he refuses to see the harm he is doing to his family, the children do see it! Following are nine tips that may help you when the time comes to seriously discuss drug use with your children.

1. Keep in mind that it’s going to take more than just one discussion to guide your children away from using drugs. Think of it as an ongoing conversation.

2. If you lose your calm when talking to your child about drugs, you should consider taking a break from the discussion. Losing your cool will not accomplish anything.

3. Experts recommend that you do not lie to your children about your former drug use. However, you may want to practice circumspection regarding details.

4. It’s important to remember that conversations are two-way streets. Don’t simply talk at your child. Giving him or her the chance to ask questions and to express opinions will ensure that your child actually benefits from the discussion.

5. While it’s okay to admit to your child that you experimented with drugs when you were younger, use your own judgment about how much information to disclose. It isn’t necessary to tell them absolutely everything.

6. If you struggled with addiction prior to having children, talking candidly about ways that substance abuse almost destroyed your life might act as a deterrent to experimentation with drugs on their part.

7. The experts recommend being direct when discussing drug use with your children. Making vague statements leaves too much room for subjective interpretation of comments and statements.

8. If your former drug use was of a casual nature and didn’t have any lasting substantial impact on your quality of life, explain to your children that while doing drugs may not have damaged your life, it certainly didn’t enhance it.

9. If you tell your children that you’ve tried drugs in the past, put it in perspective by mentioning celebrities and others who have died from overdoses.

10. Remember that it’s not all about you, and don’t allow your own former drug use to be the continuing focal point of the conversation.

Author Bio

Hayley is a drug counselor, author and blogger residing in Florida. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance addiction, click here. For more information on the harmful effects of drugs, visit www.drugscope.org.uk/.