Utah Parents Question Discussing Their Own Teen Drug Use with Kids

With teen drug use on the rise and public opinion mellowing regarding certain drugs such as marijuana, many Utah parents are wondering if it’s the right time to confess their own youthful indiscretions to their children.

Teen Drug Use Statistics

Even before the passing of recent legislation in Colorado and Washington permitting the recreational use of marijuana, a 2011 Study by the Office of Adolescent Health (OAH) found that 20% of Utah high school students reported using marijuana at least once in their life. While this is lower than the national average, Utah teen drug use was reportedly right on par with the rest of the nation when it came to inhalants, cocaine and pain killers. A recent report by the National Institute of Health (NIH) illustrates the trend starting in younger years as well, with 12% of eighth grade students from across the nation reporting using marijuana within the last month.

Should Parents ‘Fess Up’?

Recently President Obama spoke with a group of at-risk kids at Chicago’s Hyde Park Academy High School where he admitted that he had his own struggles with drugs at their age. “I got high without always thinking about the harm that it could do.”

This honesty about his teen drug use has led many Utah parents to wonder if they should do the same. The biggest concern revolves around whether sharing the information is a preventative measure or an encouraging one.

Many parents have spoken in favor of such honesty, especially if they or other family members have had a history of addictive behavior. If nothing else, they believe their children need to be warned of the genetic predisposition to the disease so they can make smart decisions. Some of those parents have stated that it’s unfair to ask children to be honest if the parents themselves aren’t doing so. However, others cite examples where parents telling their children about their own past has led kids to engage in the same activities because it seems more acceptable.

Find a Lesson in the Confession and Find Help When Needed

Most parenting experts will say that the decision to tell a child about a parent’s own teen drug use depends on individual circumstances. If you do make this choice, the key is to make it a learning experience. Try to find an area where the teen and parent can relate. For example, if a teen is using drugs in an attempt to fit in, and the parent also did this, there is room for understanding.

If you are concerned that your child is out of control, this honesty may be enough to set him/her back on track. If your child has already gotten into legal trouble as a result, make sure you consult an experienced and respected juvenile defense attorney.