Five Strategies to Help Your Teen Reduce Their Risk of Substance Use

Apr 7

Ryan C. Warner Ph.D., January 30, 2025

The teenage years are a time of rapid growth, self-discovery, and opportunity. But with these changes also comes unique challenges, including the pressures of navigating relationships, managing stress, and making independent decisions. For some teens, these pressures lead to risky behaviors, including experimenting with drugs and alcohol — a reality that can have some serious long term implications for their mental and physical health.

Recently, to explore this topic further, I spoke with Maks Ezrin, founder and CEO of Youth Prevention Mentors (YPM), an international mentorship program geared towards young adult mental health and substance use. Ezrin shared practical, research-backed strategies that parents can use to protect their teens from the dangers of substance use and foster resilience during these formative years.

1. The Power of Open Communication

The prevalence of substance abuse among teens underscore a critical truth: exposure is almost inevitable. With over a half of high school seniors reporting drug or alcohol use, avoiding the conversation entirely is not an option. Research highlights that teens who feel they can talk to their parents without the fear of judgement are less likely to engage in risky behaviors, including substance use.

Many parents fear that discussing drugs and alcohol will unintentionally spark curiosity, but studies show the opposite is true. Early and ongoing conversations about decision-making, peer pressure, and the consequences of substance use equip teens with the knowledge to make healthier choices. Ezrin emphasizes that these conversations should evolve with the teen’s age, starting with simple discussions in childhood about making good choices and gradually introducing more complex topics as they grow older. By fostering an open dialogue, parents can begin to normalize these discussions and reduce the stigma surrounding them.

2. Enlist the Help of a Mentor

While parents are a vital influence, other role models can play a transformative role in a young person’s life. Research shows that mentoring relationships significantly impact a teen's development, particularly those facing vulnerabilities. According to recent literature, youth with mentors are 55% more likely to enroll in college, 78% more likely to volunteer regularly, and 46% less likely to start using illegal drugs.

Furthermore, structured mentorship programs have demonstrated that teens with strong mentor connections experience higher self-esteem, improved academic performance, and lower rates of substance use. These evaluations highlight how mentorship provides the guidance teens need to navigate challenges and succeed both socially and academically.

It is important to note that mentored teens demonstrate improved self-esteem, better academic outcomes, and stronger interpersonal relationships. Ezrin also indicated that “Parents sometimes give the best advice that their children never hear. Parents, teachers, therapists, and other professionals are grouped together as ‘authority figures.’ Developmentally, most teens are more willing to listen and learn from their peers — the group is the guru.” By building trust and encouraging personal growth, mentorship creates a supportive environment that counteracts peer pressure and provides teens with a trusted ally beyond their immediate family.

3. Recognizing Behavioral Shifts

Experts emphasize that when parents stay aware of their teen’s activities and maintain a sense of what’s happening in their day-to-day lives, it can make a big difference. Teens who feel that their parents are paying attention are less likely to start using substances, while those who sense a lack of parental involvement are more likely to experiment. Recognizing these behavior shifts early gives parents an opportunity to step in before problems escalate.

Ezrin explains that paying attention to these patterns can help parents identify whether a change in behavior stems from healthy exploration or a potential red flag. Open-ended questions and empathetic conversations can provide valuable insight into what’s driving these shifts.

4. Steps Parents Can Take

Here are some actionable tips to help guide and support your teen through these formative years.

Create an Open Dialogue Early: Begin conversations about decision-making and substance use long before it becomes an issue. Use everyday moments—like media portrayals or current events—as natural entry points to discuss values, risks, and peer pressure. Adjust your tone and content as your teen matures to ensure the dialogue stays relevant and engaging.
Facilitate Access to Mentorship Programs: Proactively connect your teen with mentorship opportunities through schools, clubs, or community initiatives. Look for programs that align with your teen’s interests, such as sports, arts, or academics, to ensure they feel a sense of connection and engagement with their mentor.
Examine and Adapt Family Routines: Reflect on family habits and routines that might unintentionally model unhealthy behaviors. Introduce shared activities like family walks, cooking, or yoga sessions to promote stress management in a positive, observable way. Invite your teen to participate, subtly reinforcing these alternatives.
Monitor Social and Emotional Well-Being: Stay attuned to your teen’s mood, interests, and social circles through regular check-ins that feel natural and non-intrusive. For instance, you might notice your teen becoming more withdrawn, spending more time alone in their room, or disengaging from social activities they once enjoyed, like playing sports or hanging out with friends. These changes could signal a shift in their emotional well-being. In a casual moment, like during dinner or a car ride, you could gently ask, “I’ve noticed you’ve been spending a lot of time in your room lately. Is everything okay?” This opens up the conversation and shows you're paying attention to their needs.
Revisit Family Rules Periodically: Family rules shouldn’t be static. As your teen grows and gains independence, revisit curfews, boundaries, and expectations to ensure they still make sense. Involve your teen in the process to strengthen their investment and make room for open discussions about their evolving challenges and responsibilities.

Bottom Line

Teens face countless challenges during this pivotal time, but with proactive steps, parents can be their most important allies. By fostering mentorship opportunities, promoting healthier habits, and staying engaged in their emotional lives, parents can help their teens navigate adolescence with confidence. Ultimately, prevention is not about control—it’s about building a partnership rooted in trust, accountability, and resilience. By showing up for them, listening with empathy, and offering guidance when needed, parents can empower their teens to thrive during these crucial years.

References

Carver, H., Elliott, L., Kennedy, C., & Hanley, J. (2016). Parent–child connectedness and communication in relation to alcohol, tobacco and drug use in adolescence: An integrative review of the literature. Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy, 24(2), 119–133. https://doi.org/10.1080/09687637.2016.1221060

Bohm, M. K., & Esser, M. B. (2023a). Associations between parental drinking and alcohol use among their adolescent children: Findings from a National Survey of United States Parent-Child dyads. Journal of Adolescent Health, 73(5), 961–964. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.05.028

Drug Enforcement Administration. (2024, February 7). Prescription for disaster: How teens misuse medicine (English). Retrieved December 10, 2024, from https://www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov/publication/prescription-disaster-how-teens-misuse-medicine-english

Herrera, C., Grossman, J. B., Kauh, T. J., & McMaken, J. (2011). Mentoring in Schools: An Impact Study of Big Brothers Big Sisters School-Based Mentoring. Child Development, 82(1), 346–361. http://www.jstor.org/stable/29782835

Musyoka, C. M., Mbwayo, A., Donovan, D. M., & Mathai, M. (2021). mHealth-based peer mentoring for prevention of alcohol and substance abuse among first year university students: protocol for quasi-experimental intervention. Journal of Substance Use, 26(1), 53-59.

Pelham, W. E., Tapert, S. F., Gonzalez, M. R., Wade, N. E., Lisdahl, K. M., Guillaume, M., Marshall, A. T., Van Rinsveld, A., Dick, A. S., Baker, F. C., Breslin, F. J., Baskin-Sommers, A., Sheth, C. S., & Brown, S. A. (2023). Parental knowledge/monitoring and adolescent substance use: A causal relationship?. Health psychology : official journal of the Division of Health Psychology, American Psychological Association, 42(12), 913–923. https://doi.org/10.1037/hea0001245

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