Talk to your child about drugs

It is internationally recommended that children and young people should not drink or take drugs as their bodies and brains are still developing until early to mid twenties. However, in Ireland despite the legal age for alcohol use being 18 years, the average age for those who do start to experiment with substances is around the age of 15 years. In a pro alcohol environment it can be difficult for parents to prevent children from engaging in this activity.

However, the longer that young people can delay drinking and drug use the less likely it is that problems will occur in later life.Teenagers and young people’s attitudes to alcohol and other drugs are influenced by many things - friends, social media, advertising and, not least, the Irish drinking culture. Fortunately, in spite of these many influences, parents remain the single strongest influence on their child’s substance use behaviours.

Alcohol and Drugs: A Parent’s Guide Practical advice to help you communicate with your child about alcohol and other drugs

The HSE have developed 'Alcohol and Drugs:A Parent’s Guide' aimed at parents, guardians and others who care for children.It can help you to understand the risks related to alcohol and drug use inteenagers. It gives you practical advice on how to tackle issues that may arise.

Download HSE Alcohol and Drugs: A Parent’s Guide

Don’t Lose the Head - Support Booklet for Parents & Guardians

Don't Lose the Head is an easy-to-read booklet developed by Crosscare for parents, whether or not they have teenagers who use drugs. Colourful and catchy, it provides parents with the distilled wisdom of two services involved in drug prevention.  

Download Don't Lose the Head