Alcohol, Cannabis, and Other Substance Use: A Family Guide

How to respond calmly, protect safety, and get help for a child or teen

MEDICALLY REVIEWED - APPROVED FOR WEBSITE PUBLICATION

This page is for general education only and does not replace individualized medical advice. This resource does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. For questions about your own child, contact your child's current healthcare professional.

Magnolia Pediatrics, Valley Children's Healthcare
2497 E. Herndon Avenue, Suite 101, Clovis, CA 93611 | 559-538-3070

A concern about alcohol, cannabis, pills, or another substance can feel frightening. The most helpful first response is to protect immediate safety, stay connected, and get support early. A single change in behavior does not prove substance use, but patterns that are new, worsening, or affecting daily life deserve a caring conversation and professional guidance.

Urgent safety actions - check this first

Call 911 now if your child is hard to wake, has trouble breathing, has a seizure, collapses, is severely confused or agitated, may have overdosed, has taken an unknown substance, has a serious injury, or you believe there is an immediate life-threatening emergency.

For a possible poisoning or ingestion, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away. Do not wait for symptoms, do not make the child vomit, and do not give food, drink, or a home remedy unless Poison Control tells you to do so.

Changes that may signal a problem

New changes in mood, sleep, appetite, energy, friendships, school attendance or performance, activities, personal care, money, or rules at home.
Repeated secrecy, unexplained items or charges, new smells, red eyes, behavior that seems intoxicated, or a pattern of needing more privacy. These signs can have many causes; they are a reason to ask, not to accuse.
Use of alcohol, cannabis, vaping products, pills not prescribed to the child, inhalants, or any unknown substance. Counterfeit pills can contain unexpected and dangerous drugs.
Substance use together with depression, anxiety, trauma, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, risky driving, violence, or unsafe sexual situations.

How to start the conversation

Choose a calm, private time. Start with concern and connection: "I have noticed some changes and I care about you. Can we talk about what is going on?"
Use open questions and listen. Avoid yelling, shame, labels, threats, or a long lecture. The goal is honest information and safety, not winning an argument.
Be clear about family expectations: no underage alcohol, cannabis, vaping, pills not prescribed to the child, or other drug use; never drive or ride with anyone who has used a substance.
Make a safety plan for rides. Tell your child they can call or text a trusted adult for a safe ride when needed. Address consequences later, after safety is secure.
Ask directly about mood and safety when appropriate: "Have you felt so overwhelmed that you have thought about hurting yourself?" Contact 988 or emergency services if safety is uncertain.

When to contact a healthcare professional

You suspect substance use, find an unknown pill or product, or notice repeated changes affecting school, relationships, sleep, mood, or functioning.
There is use of alcohol or drugs with a prescription medicine, use before driving, an overdose concern, a blackout, repeated intoxication, withdrawal-like symptoms, or inability to stop.
Mental-health symptoms, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, trauma, eating concerns, or attention problems occur along with substance use. These concerns should be evaluated together.

A child's clinician can speak privately with the child or teen, assess health and safety, and help connect the family to counseling or substance-use treatment. Early help is more effective than waiting for a crisis.

Prevention and home safety

Keep alcohol, cannabis products, medicines, and other potentially harmful substances secured and out of reach. Store prescription medicines in their original containers and dispose of unused medicines safely.
Know where your teen is, who they are with, and when they will be home. Clear expectations and regular check-ins are protective, especially when paired with a supportive relationship.
Continue brief conversations over time. A teen who has experimented still benefits from a calm adult who listens, sets boundaries, and helps them make a safer next choice.

Sources and medical review

Sources checked: August 14, 2026 | Medical review completed: August 14, 2026