Whether or not addiction runs in your family, you may be worried your child is at risk for developing a problem with alcohol, marijuana or other addictive substance. This is understandable considering as a parent, one of your main priorities is your children. You want to keep them happy, healthy, and safe.

Here's how to minimize your child's risk of addiction.

Limit Their Access to Substances

Maintain a substance free home. If you do keep alcohol in the home, for example, keep it locked up in a cabinet that only the adults have access to. Don’t keep large quantities stock piled. Know what should be there so you know if it comes up missing. When away from home, such as on vacation or at a wedding, know where the access points are and be mindful of what your kids are doing.

Know Their Friends

Talk with your kids about their friend groups. Have their friends over. Get to know both their friends and their friends’ immediate family members. If a sleepover is requested, don’t be afraid to ask the other parent(s) about their rules about alcohol and other substances in their homes. Make it known your child(ren) is/are not permitted access in your home or any other.

Talk with Your Kids

Educate your kids on the disease of addiction. Inform them of any family history of addiction. Read books yourself on how alcohol impacts the brain of developing young people to prepare for this talk so you can be prepared. Know young people’s brains are still developing until about the age of 25. Talk with your kids about peer pressure. Be open to hearing their examples of peer pressure to date. Set up a contractual agreement that safety is Priority #1 and they can call you for help, including a ride home in any situation.

Set a Good Example

If you drink, do so in moderation when in your kids’ presence. Don’t use other substances, i.e., illegal substances in your kids’ presence. Never drive under the influence of any substance. If your kids or others express concern about your drinking or other substance use, take them seriously. This is a sign you may have a problem. Kids almost always know more about their parents substance use than their parents think they do.

Ask for Help

Despite doing everything in your power to make sure your child is safe and making good choices, you cannot watch your child 24/7. If your child develops a substance use disorder, know that it is never one thing that causes it. It’s not your fault. One of the hardest and best things you can do is ask for help. Reaching out for help doesn't mean you're weak or a bad parent; it actually means the complete opposite. It's one of the strongest things you can do and shows how much care and love you have for your child. You just want what's best for them.

If you're wondering what next step you should take, reach out to me today to schedule a consultation for substance use disorder counseling. If your child is an adult, encourage them to reach out!