Did you know? One of the reasons we talk so much about talking with young people is that their growing brains are particularly susceptible to dependency and addiction.
People who use alcohol or other drugs before 18 are six times more likely to become addicted than those who don’t start until they’re 21 or older.
Another study shows that 90% of adults who started using alcohol, tobacco or other drugs started using their drug of choice before 18.
But we know we can stop addictions before they start.
- Talk with kids about tobacco and they’re 75 percent less likely to smoke or chew
- Talk about alcohol and they’re almost 60 percent less likely to drink and 67 percent less likely to binge drink.
- Make sure you know where your teens are going and who they’ll be with.
- Download a family plan and talk through possible issues your teen might face when they’re out with friends. Make sure they know the family rules and have clear consequences for breaking the rules.
Together, we can make a difference and stop dependency and addiction in its tracks.
Follow us on Twitter 