- I've noticed that my son sometimes comes home from out with his friends at night and has been drinking alcohol. For now, I'm pretending not to notice. Should I continue like this, or should I talk to him?
- How can I explain to my daughter that it's not good to drink alcohol when we drink wine and beer at home?
- Can I tell my children that I understand they drink, but that they should do so in moderation, or is it better to tell them not to drink at all?
- I have a 14-year-old daughter, and I've seen more than one of her friends pass out from alcohol. But when we talk about it, she doesn't see how serious it is. How can I make her understand the seriousness of alcohol consumption, especially when it's excessive?
- Is it advisable for adults to buy alcohol for our children so they don't secretly buy the cheapest and most harmful kind?
- I'm a teacher and I've noticed that a 16-year-old student who is experiencing a very recent loss is drinking alcohol. How can I help her?
- Are there any training or prevention programs on alcohol consumption for schools in Catalonia?
- What signs can tell us that a teenager really has a problem with alcohol consumption?
- What can I do if I know my teenage son is abusing alcohol, but he doesn't listen to me?
- Should I allow my daughter to have parties at home with friends where I know they consume alcohol?
- At what age and how can we start talking to our children about alcohol?
- Any guidelines or tips for prevention from home?
- Should we allow minors in the family to drink wine or cava on special occasions like Christmas or birthdays?
- Should advertising of alcoholic beverages be banned in establishments, supermarkets and bars?
I have a 14-year-old daughter, and I've seen more than one of her friends pass out from alcohol. But when we talk about it, she doesn't see how serious it is. How can I make her understand the seriousness of alcohol consumption, especially when it's excessive?
At that age, even if certain situations are objectively worrying, overly alarmist messages tend to undermine our credibility. Therefore, it's important to adjust the message you want to convey: transmit clear information, without downplaying what you've observed, but without dramatizing or causing alarm.
During adolescence, the idea of "it won't happen to me" or "this isn't serious" is very common. Rather than dwelling on the danger, a dialogue-based approach usually works better: asking her what she thinks, what she saw, how she interprets what happened to her friends, and how she feels about it. This way, it's possible to support her with useful and realistic information, strengthening her ability to take care of herself and make safer decisions.
It's important to keep in mind that the results of these conversations aren't always immediate or obvious. Patience and a gradual approach are key.
It is important to convey clear information, without downplaying what you have observed, but without dramatization or alarmism.
Adjusting our perception of risk can also be a useful strategy. When a person feels dizzy or starts vomiting, we're talking about a moderate risk ; experiencing very low energy, drowsiness, or motor difficulties after these situations is common. On the other hand, when someone faints, the risk is already high ; and if they lose consciousness or experience lapses in consciousness, we may be dealing with an alcohol-induced coma.
Talking about harm reduction guidelines is more effective than a fear-based approach. Messages like drinking slowly and at your own pace (avoiding games), not mixing different types of drinks, not drinking on an empty stomach, and alternating with water are strategies that help prevent harm and escalation to undesirable situations, including those you mentioned.