Information for Parents

Fitting In

Some teens may struggle to fit in with peer groups, if they are trying to fit in with teens that use substances, they might fall for peer pressure and use drugs and alcohol too. As well, they may use substances to manage the feeling of loneliness. 

Socializing

Some teens might use drugs and alcohol to overcome their insecurities. They feel that drugs and alcohol can help them feel more sociable, less shy, or connected.

Life Transitions

Some teens turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with divorce, death or illness in the family, changing schools, a friend’s suicide, moving, or puberty. They are trying to deal with their emotions and drugs and alcohol temporarily numb their feelings.

Boredom

Not having activities, hobbies, or quality time with friends and family, can lead some teens to try drugs and alcohol because they are looking for a different experience.

Unstable Home Environment

Domestic violence in the home, neglect, abuse, witnessing parents or older siblings using/selling/smuggling drugs and alcohol.

Stress

Stress can be due to a variety of reasons such as school, home life, friendship problems, relationship issues, inappropriate responsibilities, bullying, and more.

Should I let my teenager and their friends drink alcohol in my home?

No.

Some parents think it’s safer for their kid to drink at home, but by allowing them to drink underage at home you are allowing them to break the rules you set, you are normalizing alcohol and drug consumption, you are not teaching them to respect the law, and you allowing health damages to happen to your child’s body and brain. Also by allowing other teens to drink at your house you are breaking the law. As well, by supplying alcohol to minors you become responsible for any death or injury that happens at your house and you can be arrested for supplying alcohol to a minor.

Should I let my teenager drink in Mexico? The drinking age in Mexico is 18.

No.

The teenage brain should not be consuming alcohol at that age, the brain doesn’t finish developing until age 25.  If your child is intoxicated they have a higher chance of breaking the law in Mexico which can lead to an arrest. They also risk getting involved with cartels or “bad guys” who can take advantage of them or assault them, they do not have the same rights in Mexico as one would have in the United States. The drinking age in Mexico is 18, but once they cross the border back into the U.S. they can be arrested for their body becoming a container for alcohol, driving under the influence (DUI), and/or minor in consumption of alcohol.

What are signs that my teen may be using drugs and alcohol?