TALKING WITH 

YOUR CHILD 

ABOUT ALCOHOL:

Keeping Your Kids Safe

talktheyhearyou.samhsa.gov

For more information on how to talk with your 

child about underage drinking and other drug 

use, visit talktheyhearyou.samhsa.gov 

and www.samhsa.gov. 

To download and order “Talk. They Hear You.” 

campaign materials online from the SAMHSA 

Store, visit www.store.samhsa.gov.

Research suggests that one of the most 

influential factors for children is a strong, 

open relationship with a parent or caregiver.

CREATE AN EXIT PLAN

Help your child create an “exit plan” in case 

they’re offered or faced with a difficult decision 

about alcohol or other drugs. Peer pressure can 

be powerful and comes in many different forms, 

so work with them to come up with realistic action 

steps and practice those steps together in a safe 

environment. This will prepare and empower them 

to make good choices when it matters.

HELPFUL RESOURCES

Download and use 

“Talk. They Hear You.” 

mobile app.

Subscribe and listen 

to “What Parents Are 

Saying” podcast.

#TalkTheyHearYou

Use and share 

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BE PREPARED

When kids worry about things like grades, 

fitting in, and physical appearance, they may 

drink alcohol or use other drugs to escape their 

problems. Life events, such as changing schools, 

moving, or divorce, can also cause kids to turn to 

alcohol or other drugs. As a parent or caregiver, 

it’s important for you to be prepared for these 

moments.

Use these tips:

• Think about how you’ll start the conversation

– take into account your child’s age and

maturity level.

• Remember the conversation goes both ways

– it’s important to hear their point of view.

• What you say is just as important as what you

do – set a good example.

TAKE ACTION

Parents significantly influence their children’s 

decisions about whether or not to experiment 

with alcohol and other drugs. One of the most 

influential factors during adolescence is having 

a strong, open relationship with a parent or 

caregiver. When parents and caregivers create 

supportive and nurturing environments, kids make 

better choices. Though it may not always seem 

like it, kids really do hear their parents’ concerns, 

which is why it’s important to talk with them about 

the risks and dangers of drinking alcohol or using 

other drugs and convey clear expectations for 

them to avoid substance use.

Use these conversation tips:

• Set clear expectations, and talk with them

early and often about the risks and dangers of

underage drinking and other drug use.

• Use everyday opportunities to talk with

them—in the car, during dinner, or while

watching TV.

• Let them know you’re always there for them.

• Teach them about good health and the

importance of taking care of their minds and

bodies.

• Teach them how to say “no” if someone offers

them alcohol or other drugs.

GET INFORMED

Is alcohol addictive? The short answer is “yes.” 

Alcohol, like other drugs, has a powerful effect on 

the brain, producing both positive and negative 

feelings. These feelings can motivate some 

people to drink alcohol repeatedly, despite risks 

to their health and wellbeing. When people with 

an alcohol use disorder (AUD) stop drinking, they 

experience withdrawal symptoms—or symptoms 

that are opposite to the pleasurable feelings that 

may be experienced when drinking alcohol. These 

symptoms can be physical (sleep disturbances, 

pain, feelings of illness) and emotional (sadness, 

irritability, anxiety, and emotional pain).

Young people are especially at risk for developing 

an AUD. Drinking alcohol during adolescence may 

affect brain development, making it more likely 

that users will be diagnosed with an AUD later 

in life.

The impact of alcohol on kids:

• Kids who drink alcohol have higher rates

of academic problems and poor school

performance compared with nondrinkers.

• Drinking alcohol increases the likelihood

that kids will engage in risky behavior or do 

something that they’ll regret when they’re sober.

• Young people who drink alcohol are more

likely to have mental health issues such as

depression and anxiety disorders.