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Preventing Youth
Substance Use
Talking to children/teens about the dangers of substance use is HARD. New in 2023, the Gratiot County Substance and Suicide Prevention Program (GCSSPP) now offers a Teen Mock Bedroom. This interactive display is an educational experience that walks adults through a typical teenage bedroom. However, as participants look more closely, what they find may be a shock. Hidden within plain sight are common household items that can indicate current trends in youth substance misuses, drug paraphernalia, and common hiding places for illegal drugs and alcohol.
The primary goal of this room is to educate adults on what to look for and where to look for signs of substance use. Throughout the display, informational cards help explain why these items can indicate substance misuse. During the experience, GCSSPP staff share strategies on how to talk to youth about substance use.
Research shows that the sooner a parent can intervene in their child’s substance use, the better the outcome. GCSSPP wants parents to have the knowledge to feel comfortable talking to their kids about these difficult topics. In collaboration with the Mock Teen Bedroom, parents will be able to take home additional information found in our new Parent Toolkit. The Parent Tool Kit: Preventing & Identifying Youth Substance Use aims to increase awareness and empower parents to identify signs of youth substance use in their own homes.
To assist parents, we have put together information and resources to help navigate these hard conversations:
Keep substances out of sight and out of reach of youth. Explain that prescription medicines can help your body if they are sick but only if prescribed by a doctor and taken as directed. Be sure to keep all medicines and substances safely locked away and out of reach.
Make it clear that you disapprove of drug use. Make sure your child knows your expectations and that there are consequences if rules are broken. Let them know that you disapprove of youth substance use and their negative consequences. Kids are less likely to use substances if their parents have established expectations, rules, and consequences.
Teach children how to say “No!” If your children/teens can assert themselves with confidence in their values, they will be better able to withstand peer pressure to use substances. Additionally, listen to them when they state their concerns and opinions, and if you disagree, do so politely and respectfully. Revisit these conversations often to build confidence and empowerment!
Get to know your child’s friends and their parents. Aim to be actively involved in your child’s friendships. Check in with their parents regularly to make sure they are on the same page as you in regards to supervision and preventing youth substance use.
Building connection is important. Many influences can distract youth and add obstacles to parenting. Children need adults who can connect, communicate, and show a genuine interest in their activities. Help your children/teens understand that both their current and future health and well-being are not a matter of chance, but a matter of choices they make along the way. For more information, visit cdc.gov/healthyyouth/parents/.
Educate on the dangers of substances while brains and bodies are developing. Parents can provide correct information and clear up common misconceptions about substance use. Incorporate talking about substance use in everyday conversations. When discussing, use terms that your child can understand. Visit talksooner.org to learn more and for help with these tough conversations.
Last but not least, ask for help! Do not be afraid to ask for help from others as you navigate the tough world of parenting. Contact Child Advocacy at 989-463-1422 or visit gratiotdrugfree.org to learn about upcoming training opportunities, local resources, and how to schedule our Mock Teen Bedroom!
*These initiatives were made possible by Coalition Support & Community Change (C3) Funding through Prevention Network Michigan.
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