Depression and Drug and Alcohol Use: Taking Steps to Reduce Risk in Children

Research supports the idea that children who have depression may be at a higher risk for using drugs or alcohol as they grow and develop. Drug and alcohol use and mental health problems — such as depression — can be closely related. Building a strong connection with your child, giving a lot of encouragement and support, and having clear and consistent rules can be some of the most important things you can do to reduce your child's risk for using drugs or alcohol. Here are some tips to help your child avoid drug and alcohol use.

Parenting tips to help your child avoid drug and alcohol use

  • Communicate with your child
    Talking to your child every day, being present, and offering support is very important. Listen and accept your child's feelings by creating a caring and supportive family setting. Children whose parents talk with them about drug and alcohol use when they are young are less likely to use.
  • Be involved in your child's life
    Recognize your child's good behavior and strengths — let your child know what you love about them. Support your child's efforts in school, sports, and hobbies.
  • Set clear rules and expectations
    Let your child know that you don't approve of them using drugs or alcohol. Make sure your child knows what's expected of them. Praise your child for following the rules and being safe and let them know what will happen if they break the rules. Discuss risks of drug and alcohol use and provide support, firm direction, and rules for your child.
  • Be a good role model for your child
    What parents say and do are big factors in influencing children's decisions. Keep alcohol out of reach and be aware of how you talk about drugs and alcohol in front of your child. Teach your child to question media messages that show drug and alcohol use as cool or attractive. Model healthy ways to deal with stress.
  • Know what your child is doing
    Loneliness, boredom, isolation, stress, and a lot of unsupervised time are risk factors for drug and alcohol use. Know where your child is and what they are doing. Have your child check in with you at regular times. Know your child's friends, and get to know their friends' parents.
  • Teach your child to choose good friends and resist peer pressure
    It's important your child knows how to deal with peer pressure and make the right choices. Helping your child practice what to say if they are offered drugs or alcohol builds confidence. Remind your child that most youth do not use drugs and alcohol. Encourage your child to make friends with kids who are involved in healthy activities.

Adapted from: SAMHSA: Keeping Youth Drug Free (PDF)

Possible Signs of Drug or Alcohol Use in Children Checklist

◻ Change in mood or personality
◻ Change in relationships with family or friends
◻ Red or flushed cheeks or face
◻ Loss of interest in school or activities
◻ Sudden weight loss
◻ Secretive behavior
◻ Alcohol or drugs hidden in bedroom
◻ Using eye drops to mask bloodshot eyes
◻ New use of mouthwash or breath mints
◻ Change in sleep from oversleeping to high energy

Adapted from How to Spot the Signs of Teen or Young Adult Substance Use, Partnership to End Addiction, DrugFree.org.

If you have seen any of these behaviors in your child, you can contact your child's behavioral health provider or primary care provider. If your child is not receiving services or if you have additional questions, please call PerformCare Member Services.

There is also support available for helping a child become their best. Each Pennsylvania county includes prevention programs that support children in becoming confident young adults. Contact numbers for these programs are listed below. Contact the county agency where you live and request to speak to someone about prevention programs if you believe your child is at risk.

Links to additional resources

Self-management tools