The Real Drug Talk #5

Turn on your television set or pick up the newspaper and teachable moments abound. Stories about fictional or faraway people allow teens to comfortably ask and answer questions. Critiquing marketing efforts — such as e-cigarette ads — can get teens thinking about substances, making them realize how much their emotions can be manipulated by messaging. Sometimes these conversations turn up problems closer to home, and in those cases, understand that you’re not alone and teach your teen that getting help is a sign of strength. Even families with open communication channels benefit from guidance from other adults such as doctors or therapists. 

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