Vaping, Weed, & Alcohol: Tips for Discussing the Dangers With Your Teen

While legal in some states and easily accessible in many more, vaping, weed, and alcohol still present some of the biggest dangers; especially for teens.

When it comes to underage drinking or drug use, the consequences can be catastrophic. This is why it’s important to discuss these dangers with your child. Understanding and communicating the dangers of drug use, even in drugs that are considered more mainstream, is important to support the teens in your life.

What is Vaping And Why is it Dangerous?

Vaping is the inhaling of vapor, produced by an e-cigarette or other battery-powered device like a Juul. 

Instead of burning tobacco like a cigarette, vaping uses cartridges filled with nicotine and flavorings that can appeal to a younger audience. Vaping first appeared around 2007. Because vaping is so new, the long-term effects of vaping are not yet known. However, serious lung damage has already been seen in those who vape. We know nicotine affects the brain development of teens and is highly addictive, leading to greater health risks later on.

How Common is Drinking And Drug Use in Teens?

According to studies cited by the CDC, by the time a teenager reaches their senior year of high school, two-thirds of students have engaged in underage drinking and two in 10 reported using prescription drugs not prescribed to them. 

Half of high school students reported trying marijuana, and about the same amount of teens admitted to trying cigarettes.

Five Ways to Discuss The Dangers of Drug Use

1. Establish Clear And Consistent “House Rules”

Clear communication and mutually-understood boundaries are essential to developing a trusting relationship with your teen as they mature. Demystify your expectations by giving clear instructions and following through with consequences or praise that reinforce your boundary.

Instead of saying something ambiguous like, “make good choices,” instead establish a specific boundary with your teen. Consider saying, “you can go to the party on Friday, but you will not be drinking at the party.”

2. Invite a Dialogue

Your teen is getting older, and knowing how to conduct respectful, productive conversations about difficult topics like the dangers of drug use in teens is an important life skill to master. You can help them explore these complex situations by modeling healthy dialogue at home.

Ask open-ended questions like, “what do you already know about vaping?” to make the conversation feel like both parties are approaching the topic on even ground. Join them in finding the answers if you don’t know.

Although you are their parent, approaching sensitive topics on even ground with your teen will help them feel confident and safe talking to you.  This sets up a positive experience not only for this exchange but for future conversations as well.

3. Understand The Skeletons in Your Closet

A family history of drug use and abuse may also be a contributing factor in teens smoking weed, teen drinking, or vaping. 

Substance abuse disorders are passed on genetically, so children of relatives who abuse substances are at greater risk.
Clearly communicate the history of addiction in your family, and what that means for your teen. If substances are used in the home, it is important to address the example being set for your child. 

Having these difficult and honest conversations will demonstrate the reality of the dangers of drug use and the benefits of never starting in the first place.

Know Where to Seek Help

Situations may develop where the help your teen needs is beyond your capability as their loving parent or guardian. Before you begin these difficult conversations about the dangers of drug use with your teen, know your plan for seeking outside help. A therapist’s and group therapy focused on mental health support for teens is often invaluable.  

Are you ready for help with your teen? Please read more about teen therapy and reach out soon for a consultation.