Talk. They Hear You.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s campaign “Talk. They Hear You” highlights an important, yet often overlooked, tool in substance use prevention. Whether you believe it or not, as a parent, you have significant influence on your children’s decision to use alcohol and other substances. It is vital that parents are educated around the importance of not only having open and honest conversations regarding substance use, but that they have these conversations starting at a young age. Generally around age 9, children begin to wonder about alcohol and drugs and often question whether these substances are truly only for adult consumption. You are always better off having the tough talks versus ignoring the topics because of anxiety or concern around your ability to have these conversations in a “correct” manner.

If you’d like to learn more about SAMHSA’s campaign, please click here.

When in doubt, have the conversation.