Last Updated on October 14, 2025
How To Educate Children About Addiction
At a Glance: How to Educate Children About Addiction
- Start early and keep the conversation going: use open, age-appropriate dialogue from preschool through the teen years, focusing on facts, boundaries, and consistent modeling at home.
- Tailor guidance by age: teach safety and healthy choices (ages 3–5), set clear rules and media-guided teachable moments (5–8), and reinforce refusal skills, supervision, and confidence-building (8+).
- Watch for warning signs of use: sudden friend-group changes, slipping grades, rule-breaking, mood swings, hygiene shifts, and physical indicators (e.g., frequent nosebleeds, pinpoint pupils).
- Know the risk factors: early first use, family history, mental health issues, access to substances, stress/trauma, weak supervision, and negative peer influences raise the likelihood of addiction.
- Support the whole family: children are affected physically, mentally, and emotionally by addiction; family-centered treatment and therapy help parents recover and kids heal.
Table of Contents
Children are likely to be exposed to drugs and alcohol in some capacity at an early age. The best thing parents can do to prepare and protect kids is to educate them about the risks. The ways in which parents approach discussions about addiction will vary as children grow and change, but keeping the dialogue open is the best way to help them navigate peer pressure, addiction in the family, and other significant related issues they may face as they grow.
What Do Current Statistics Show About Adolescent Drug and Alcohol Use?
- According to the 2024 NSDUH, 12.7 million people ages 12 to 20 (32.9%) reported having had at least one drink in their life.
- In 2024, 27.0% of youth ages 12 to 20 reported drinking in the past year.
- Past-month alcohol use among 12- to 20-year olds was 13.3% (5.1 million people) per the 2024 NSDUH.
- In 2024, 2.9 million people ages 12 to 20 (7.6%) reported binge drinking in the past month.
- Among adolescents in grades 8, 10, and 12, most illicit drug use (other than marijuana and vaping) has remained relatively stable, with 4.6% (8th graders), 5.1% (10th graders), and 7.4% (12th graders) reporting use in the past year.
- In 2023, overdose deaths involving fentanyl among those aged 15–24 rose sharply: the share of overdose deaths involving fentanyl increased from 2.7% in 2018 to 80.8% in 2023.
- Alcohol use among 8th and 10th graders has remained stable (15.1% and 30.6%, respectively), while alcohol use among 12th graders declined to 45.7% in recent years.
- Among youth assessed for substance use disorder treatment (ages 13–18), about half of those misusing prescription drugs reported using alone, and common motivators include experimenting, coping with stress, or “feeling mellow.”
How Do You Teach Kids About Drugs and Drinking?
Teaching kids about drugs and alcohol isn’t as simple as having a single conversation.
Instead, it’s a long-term process that spans many years of their life. Preventing kids from making harmful decisions regarding drugs and alcohol is more about maintaining a strong relationship with them than initiating a well-polished lecture about the dangers of drug abuse.
Although every child and parent is different, when it comes to drugs and alcohol, guiding children to make good decisions requires the following factors:
- Open and honest communication: Talk openly, parents should be willing to talk with children about drugs and alcohol. Ask them to share their views about substance abuse and listen before jumping to any conclusions. Get to know the child’s friends and their parents and talk with them in order to gauge their household rules regarding alcohol and drugs. Share your own experiences with addictive substances and become a valuable resource for a child.
- Education: Educate, parents should educate their children about the risks of drug and alcohol use by sharing accurate and age-appropriate details about the risks of substance abuse. Try not to sugarcoat things or be overly dramatic. Simply give children the facts so they can use that knowledge to make good decisions.
- Support: Support, parents should make sure children know they are available to talk about anything. Set clearly defined boundaries within the household and teach kids how to say “no” if peers offer them drugs or alcohol. Build their self-confidence by encouraging them to make decisions based on their own interests and opinions instead of following the trends simply because their friends are.
- Modeling: Model, parents should model good behavior by drinking responsibly and using medication only as prescribed by a doctor. Show kids what it looks like to communicate difficult emotions and feelings and manage stressful life circumstances without relying on addictive substances to cope.
At What Age Do You Talk About Drugs With Your Kids?
There is no perfect age at which parents should start a dialogue about drugs and alcohol with their kids. Many parents start the conversation when children are as young as three years old.
However, educating children about drugs, alcohol, and addiction is a long-term process that spans several years. As a child ages, the nature and context of the conversation should mature and will address developmental stages and age-specific challenges he or she is likely to experience.
Although it may not always seem like it, children really hear their parents. As a result, mothers and fathers have a significant influence on their child’s decisions. Choosing not to talk about drugs or alcohol won’t guarantee that a child will ignore these substances. On the contrary, that child is less likely to understand the risks of drugs and alcohol and be unclear about household rules regarding addictive substances.
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What Are Age‑Appropriate Ways to Teach Children About Drugs and Alcohol?
Talking to children about substance abuse and addiction gives parents the opportunity to set clear rules and expectations about how kids should behave when it comes to drugs and alcohol. If you’re not sure where to start, here are some age-appropriate tips.
Ages 3-5
- Share general tips on how to live a healthy life, such as how to take care of your body and yourself.
- Make sure children know substances like cleaning products and prescription medication can be dangerous.
- Give young children opportunities to make decisions. For example, let them pick out what they will wear. Likewise, you could give them the chance to brush their own teeth (with supervision and help) or comb their hair.
- If a parent or older sibling is suffering from a substance use disorder, make sure the child knows that their addicted loved one’s behavior is not their fault. Most importantly, help them express their thoughts and feelings in a healthy way.
Ages 5-8
- Set clear household rules about addictive substances like alcohol and prescription medications.
- Children will spend much more time at school at this age, so get to know their friends and friends’ parents.
- Also, discuss the dangers of alcohol and drugs more specifically. For example, give details about the physical, mental, and emotional risks of substance abuse.
- Discuss, encourage open and honest questions and communication.
- Use movies, TV, songs, life experiences, and social media and substance use as learning opportunities to teach kids about the dangers and reality of drug and alcohol abuse.
- And, teach kids effective problem-solving and make sure they understand the pitfalls of quick fixes that may be appealing.
Ages 8 and up
- As kids grow and gain more independence, they will start testing the limits more often. As a result, it’s important to set strict rules and boundaries regarding drugs and alcohol.
- Continue the ongoing conversation about drug abuse. For example, ask the child to share his or her views on drugs and alcohol and encourage questions.
- Teach kids how to say “no” if their peers offer them alcohol or drugs.
- Build the child’s self-confidence by encouraging him or her to make independent choices and engage in extra-curricular activities that pique their interest. Additionally, provide constructive praise and avoid harsh criticism. Instead, focus on their strengths and help them learn how to do things on their own.
- Supervise parties. Likewise, make sure alcohol and prescription medications are not easily accessible at home.
- Above all, use personal experience with drugs and alcohol to speak sensibly to kids about the risks. Be a valuable resource and source of support as they grow.
All ages
- Most importantly, parents should strive to be good role models by aligning their words with their actions. For example, taking medication responsibly and drinking responsibly are essential because children watch what their parents do.
- So, remain open and available to talk so that even if a child makes a poor decision regarding drugs or alcohol, he or she will feel comfortable coming to a parent for help.
- Encourage healthy, creative activities to reduce boredom and excess free time. For instance, encourage hobbies, crafting, team sports, community events, or volunteer work.
- Encourage positive friendships.
- And, look for ways to spend quality one-on-one time with children, such as taking a walk, having a tea party, or read together. This will provide more opportunities for parents to establish a strong relationship with each child and encourage communication.
Which Children’s Books Help Explain Addiction at Different Ages?
Additionally, parents can use books to start a conversation with kids about substance abuse including an ACoA perspective. However, if you are struggling to find a way to bring up the topic or expand on it, here are some suggestions that are highly rated by parents.
Books That Talk About Addiction for Preschoolers
Books That Talk About Addiction for Elementary Ages
Books That Talk About Addiction for Teens
What Are the Warning Signs of Underage Drug or Alcohol Use?
Sometimes, educating children about addiction isn’t enough to prevent them from using drugs or alcohol. However, recognizing common warning signs of drug and alcohol use can help parents identify problems sooner rather than later. Mood swings are normal, especially during the teenage years. But, according to The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, parents may have cause for concern if they are paired with any of the following symptoms.
Behaviors that could indicate teen drug abuse or alcohol abuse
- Suddenly abandoning long-time friends for a new friend group
- Losing interest in hobbies and activities that he or she once enjoyed
- Sleeping much more than usual
- Acting angry, aggressive, or depressed
- Consistently breaking rules or curfew
- Stealing money or valuables
Isolating from loved ones - Missing school or work
Suddenly performing poorly at school - Lying to parents regularly
Physical changes that could indicate teen drug abuse or alcohol abuse
- Rapid mood swings
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Tremors and/or shaky hands
- Poor hygiene
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Frequent fidgeting
- Hyperactivity and/or difficulty focusing and concentrating on a task
- Watery or bloodshot eyes
- Large pupils or pinpoint pupils
- Puffy, swollen-looking face
- Track marks on arms or legs
- Wearing long sleeves in warm weather
- Paranoia
- Irritability
If you think your child is abusing drugs or alcohol, take action. First, sit down and talk with them. Then, contact your doctor, an adolescent or child psychiatrist, or an addiction treatment professional for intervention assistance and advice on the next steps.
Are there Factors That Contribute to a Heightened Risk of Addiction in Kids?
Certainly, several biological and environmental factors play a role in a child’s risk of developing a substance use disorder.
Biological risk factors for addiction include
- Age: The earlier a child uses drugs or alcohol, the greater their risk is for developing an addiction later in life.
- Genetics: Addiction runs in families. For example, having a family member who has suffered from a substance use disorder increases a child’s risk of becoming addicted if he or she chooses to use drugs or alcohol.
- Ethnicity: Different ethnic groups metabolize drugs at different rates, which can affect how sensitive a person is to a drug’s effects. Various cultural factors can also influence a child’s attitude or behavior toward drug and alcohol abuse.
- Mental illness: Disorders like anxiety or depression put children at greater risk for using an addictive substance and becoming addicted later on.
- Sensitivity to drugs’ effects: Similarly, people have different sensitivities to the effects of drugs (similar to the way people experience the effects of caffeine) (see our drug classification chart). In other words, these differences affect the likelihood that a child will continue to use addictive substances.
Environmental risk factors for addiction include
- Availability of drugs – If addictive drugs are more available in a child’s home, school, or community, he or she is more likely to develop a drug abuse problem.
- Stress – Early exposure to stress is linked to drug abuse later in life. Examples of stressors include abuse, witnessing violence, a chaotic lifestyle, or poverty.
- Peer influences – Kids with friends who abuse drugs or alcohol are more likely to do so themselves.
- Home and family life – Children who live in a home environment with very little support or supervision have a greater risk of developing an addiction.
- Academic performance – Children and teens who perform poorly at school may suffer from lower self-esteem, which can contribute to drug abuse. As a result, poor academic performance can also be a red flag that a kid is abusing drugs or alcohol.
How Does Addiction Affect Children?
Even if a child or teen is not using drugs or alcohol themselves, parental or sibling addiction can have a profound impact on a child’s overall well-being. For example, research studies have indicated that addiction can have several physical, mental, and emotional side effects on children.
Physical Effects of Addiction on Children
- Physical harm or trauma
- Anxiety-based illnesses (asthma, migraines, etc.)
- Loneliness
- Isolation
- Depression
- Self-harming behaviors
Mental Effects of Addiction on Children
- Poor academic performance
- Rebellion/lack of respect for authority figures
- Substance abuse problems
Emotional Effects of Addiction on Children
- Trust issues
- Guilt
- Shame
- Social disconnection
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Lack of empathy or remorse toward others
Where Can Families Get Help With Family‑Centered Treatment for Addiction?
Educating children about the risks of substance abuse is an essential function of parents everywhere. However, parents who are struggling with addiction themselves will likely find it difficult to have productive conversations with their kids about drugs and alcohol.
Consequently, family-centered treatment for addiction can provide the help parents need to recover from their addiction(s). It also offers family programming and family therapy that will support children who have witnessed addiction in the family.
Far too often, children are the victims of substance abuse in the family, but parents who recover from their substance use disorders can grow to become very valuable resources and supportive influences in their children’s lives.
In conclusion, if you’re addicted to drugs or alcohol and you’re ready to make a change for yourself that will also benefit your children, call (512) 605-2955 to learn more about family-centered addiction treatment programs at Nova Recovery Center. Explore care near you: outpatient drug rehab Austin TX, alcohol detox center in Austin, inpatient alcohol rehab in Austin, or our drug rehab centers in Austin.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Educate Children About Addiction
How early should I start talking to my child about drugs and alcohol?
Start early—before exposure—and keep the talks short, frequent, and age‑appropriate. Early, honest conversations help kids respect rules and can reduce risk behaviors.
How do I explain addiction to a child in simple terms?
Use clear, non‑blaming language: addiction is a health condition that changes how the brain works; it’s not the child’s fault. Keep it concrete for younger kids and invite questions.
What are age‑appropriate ways to discuss substance use?
For younger children, focus on safety and healthy choices; for school‑age kids, add rules and media teachable moments; for teens, practice refusal skills and problem‑solving.
How do I start the conversation without using scare tactics?
Ask what they’ve heard, listen first, and stick to facts. Avoid scare tactics; they can backfire and shut down discussion.
What specific facts should kids know about alcohol and drugs?
Share basic health risks, legal consequences, and your family’s rules/expectations. Reinforce that they can always come to you with questions.
How do I teach refusal skills (what to say when offered substances)?
Role‑play confident “no thanks,” offer alternative activities, and create an exit plan (text/code word, call home). Practice regularly to make it feel natural.
Should I talk about vaping, too?
Yes. Explain that vaping isn’t safe for youth and can harm the developing brain; discuss nicotine addiction and marketing myths.
What are warning signs of teen substance use?
Watch for changes in friends/activities, declining grades, secrecy, mood or sleep shifts, and physical signs (e.g., bloodshot eyes). One sign alone isn’t proof—look for patterns.
What if addiction is in our family—what should I tell my child?
Be honest and simple: the person is ill and getting help; the child didn’t cause it and can talk to trusted adults about feelings. Maintain routines and safety.
How often should we talk about drugs and alcohol?
Make it an ongoing dialogue—many brief check‑ins over time are more effective than one “big talk.” Use everyday moments (news, shows, school events) to revisit the topic.
How do I model healthy behavior?
Align actions with words—be tobacco‑free, use medicines as prescribed, and store alcohol/medications securely. Kids notice what parents do.
What should I do if I suspect my child is using?
Stay calm, talk, and seek professional help early. Contact your pediatrician or a qualified counselor for guidance and resources.
How do I answer tough teen questions about drugs?
Use credible sources and be willing to say “I’ll find out and get back to you.” NIDA’s teen Q&A pages can help you prep.
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Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about substance use, addiction, or mental health, consult a licensed healthcare provider or addiction specialist. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or treat substance use disorders without professional guidance. If you or someone you know is experiencing a medical emergency or thoughts of self-harm, call 911 in the United States or seek immediate medical assistance.
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By instituting a policy, we create a standardized approach to how we create, verify, and distribute all content and resources we produce. An editorial policy helps us ensure that any material our writing and clinical team create, both online and in print, meets or exceeds our standards of integrity and accuracy. Our goal is to demonstrate our commitment to education and patient support by creating valuable resources within our realm of expertise, verifying them for accuracy, and providing relevant, respectful, and insightful data to our clients and families.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, October 17). E-cigarette use among youth. Retrieved October 14, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/e-cigarettes/youth.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). E-cigarettes and youth: What parents need to know [PDF]. Retrieved October 14, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/pdfs/osh-e-cigarettes-and-youth-what-parents-need-to-know-508.pdf
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2023, December 13). Reported drug use among adolescents continued to hold below pre-pandemic levels in 2023. Retrieved October 14, 2025, from https://nida.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/2023/12/reported-drug-use-among-adolescents-continued-to-hold-below-pre-pandemic-levels-in-2023
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2024, December 17). Reported use of most drugs among adolescents remained low in 2024. Retrieved October 14, 2025, from https://nida.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/2024/12/reported-use-of-most-drugs-among-adolescents-remained-low-in-2024
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2024, November 6). “Talk. They Hear You.”® parent resources. Retrieved October 14, 2025, from https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/prevention/talk-they-hear-you/parent-resources
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2024, November 6). “Talk. They Hear You.”® underage drinking campaign. Retrieved October 14, 2025, from https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/prevention/talk-they-hear-you
