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Injury Prevention |
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Sometimes teens find themselves in situations where they make decisions to drink or use marijuana without really thinking about consequences. Here are some topics you and your teen might talk about to help them plan ahead.
Discuss real life situations with your teen that may be difficult for them to handle, such as:
- partying
- being pressured by friends to drink or smoke marijuana
- helping their friends when they are drunk or high
- being in a car when the driver has been drinking or is high
- being asked to lie to cover for a friend who may be drinking or using drugs
Talk about specific events that may happen:
- What would you do if someone at your party was passed out in the bathroom and the door was locked?
- What would you do if you were at a party and a joint was passed to you?
- What would you do if you invited your friends over and they brought alcohol or drugs?
- How would you handle it if your date was encouraging you to have sex and you didn't want to?
Practise with your teen how to say "no" to alcohol and marijuana in different situations:
- Say "No, thanks."
- Use humour "No, thanks..I already can't feel my toes."
- Use repetition. Use a firm, friendly voice each time to say, "No, thanks."
- Make an excuse "No, thanks. I'm the designated driver."
- Reverse the pressure "No, thanks. Friends don't force friends to drink or use."
- Always have a drink in your hand. With pop, no one can tell if there is alcohol in it.
- Leave or make a suggestion to do something else "No, thanks. Let's dance."
Help your teen develop a plan to stay safe, in case they or their friends are drinking or smoking marijuana.
Teach your teen to recognize the signs of alcohol poisoning and know what to do about it.
Talk to your teens about the risks of leaving their drink unattended or
taking a drink from someone they don't know. Someone may slip a
"date rape drug" into it.
Teach your teen how to communicate with people who have been drinking or are high.
Discuss and develop family rules with your teen.
For more safer partying tips, see Party in the Right Spirit.
Teens, Alcohol & Marijuana: Stay a Step Ahead
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