Minimising Risks With Alcohol & Drugs

 

Parents are often anxious about possible use of alcohol and other drugs by young people. Risk-taking increases under the influence of alcohol and other drugs.

Sex without a condom with casual sexual partners is more likely to happen when a person is affected by alcohol or other drugs.

Parents can help by setting some boundaries for their children about alcohol use. You can negotiate with your child that they:

• Eat a meal before driving
• Pour only their own drinks or allow only trusted people to buy drinks for them
• Have a trusted person stay to mind their drinks when they are dancing/away from their drinks
• Never get into a car with a driver who has been drinking or using drugs
• Having a non-drinking or drug-taking friend with them to ensure their safety and get them home
• Always have taxi money and a cellphone or a phone card for emergencies
• Know they can call you any time of the night or day and you will be supportive even if annoyed
• Plan ahead with you about how to handle potential emergencies