Your Teen Doesn't Need You to Know Everything About Drugs

 7-OH.

Kratom.

Nicotine pouches.

THC concentrates.

Counterfeit pills.

Fentanyl analogues.

For parents, keeping up with the changing drug landscape can feel overwhelming.

Here's the good news:

You don't need to be a drug expert to be an effective prevention parent.

You need a relationship.

Ask questions when you don't know something.

“What is that?”

“Is that something kids at school are talking about?”

“What have you heard about it?”

“What do your friends think?”

Then listen.

Parents can also establish a few expectations that don't change every time a new substance appears.

Don't take medication that wasn't prescribed to you.

Don't get into a vehicle with someone who is impaired.

Call me if you're somewhere you don't feel safe.

Don't bring alcohol or drugs into our home.

And if you make a bad decision, I still want you to call me when you need help.

The substances may keep changing.

The importance of parent connection doesn't.

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