How to Talk to Your Teen About Alcohol and Drugs

About this episode

This episode discusses effective strategies for parents to communicate with their teens about alcohol and drugs, featuring expert insights from Paul Dillon.

Have you ever wanted to talk to your teen about alcohol or drugs but didn’t know where to start? In this episode with Paul Dillon, one of Australia’s leading experts in youth drug and alcohol education, to unpack what actually works when it comes to keeping teenagers safe. This isn’t a fear-based conversation. It’s a practical, evidence-informed discussion about how to build influence, maintain connection, and respond calmly when things don’t go to plan. You’ll learn: • Why ongoing conversations work better than one intense “sit-down talk” • How to ask about peer behavior without interrogating your teen • Why early conversations about medication build respect for substances • How to create a safe exit strategy your teen can use at parties • What to do if your teen calls you intoxicated • The difference between consequences and punishment • How to respond calmly if you find drugs in your child’s room • The three core protective factors every parent should prioritize Paul also explains how communication naturally shifts during adolescence from messaging to consulting and why maintaining connection during Years 9 and 10 can significantly influence long-term outcomes. We also cover…

People in this episode

Host: Dr Shauna Watts

Guest: Paul Dillon

Topics covered

• teen communication
• alcohol education
• drug awareness
• parenting strategies
• youth safety

Keywords

• teenagers
• alcohol
• drugs
• communication
• parenting
• youth education
• safety
• boundaries
• resilience

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Australia

More episodes of All About You With Dr Shauna Watts

• The Iron Deficiency MISTAKE Doctors Keep Missing in Women · June 7, 2026 · 40 min
• What Every Woman in Her 50s, 60s & 70s NEEDS to Know About HRT · May 31, 2026 · 45 min
• The BIGGEST Menopause Misunderstanding of the Last 20 Years · May 26, 2026 · 53 min
• The REAL Story Behind Hormone Replacement Therapy · May 17, 2026 · 38 min
• The Perimenopause Nutrition Advice Women Actually Need · May 10, 2026 · 41 min
• The Medical System Is FAILING Women in Midlife · May 4, 2026 · 1h 16m