243: How Do I Talk with My Teen About Alcohol and Weed?

Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens

Dr. Lisa Damour/Reena Ninan

Kids & Family, Mental Health, Parenting, Health & Fitness

4.8 • 720 Ratings

🗓️ 28 October 2025

⏱️ 37 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

How do you tell your teen not to drink or use weed… while also letting them know they can let you know if they’ve made a bad choice? It can feel impossible to balance rules with approachability. In this episode, psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan unpack how to have open, judgment-free conversations about alcohol and marijuana--conversations that keep kids safe and keep communication flowing. Substance use among teens can feel scary and overwhelming, especially with today’s high-potency marijuana and the social pressure to experiment. Dr. Lisa shares science-based guidance that helps parents know when to start these talks, what messages really matter, and how to model healthy behavior at home. 💡 YOU’LL LEARN: - Why it’s best to start the substance conversation early — ideally around 7th grade - How to frame the discussion around safety instead of punishment or judgment - What to say about the risks of alcohol and marijuana for the developing brain - How to respond if your teen says, “But you drink,” or “Everyone does it” - How to keep communication open so your teen knows they can always call you, no matter what Warm, practical, and grounded in real science, this episode gives parents a roadmap for navigating one of the hardest (and most important) conversations you’ll ever have. Follow and subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can see all our latest video episodes: https://youtube.com/@asklisapodcast And follow us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn @AskLisaPodcast, @Lisa.Damour, @ReenaNinan. Checkout Dr. Lisa’s website for more resources: https://www.drlisadamour.com/ Ask Lisa is produced by: https://www.goodtroubleproductions.com Episode keywords: teen substance use, weed, alcohol, parenting advice, teen safety Podcast keywords: ask lisa podcast, dr lisa damour, reena ninan, psychology, parenting, podcast, teens, tweens, parenting teens, parenting tweens, teen parenting, tween parenting, parenting tips, parenting advice, positive parenting, parenting podcast, teen behavior, tween challenges, raising tweens, raising teens, parenting hacks, parenting help, family dynamics, kids podcast, mental health, teen mental health, attachment styles, emotional intelligence

Transcript

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0:00.0	Hi, I'm Dr. Lisa D'Amore, and I'm thrilled to share some exciting news.
0:05.3	Untangled, guiding teenage girls through the seven transitions into adulthood has just been re-released in a newly revised edition.
0:13.4	Lisa, this book is a total game changer for parents of teens.
0:17.1	You walk us through the seven developmental stages every girl goes through, helping us understand what's normal, what's not, and how we can support them every step of the way.
0:26.7	That's right, Rina.
0:27.7	And in this updated edition, I've added fresh insights and research to help parents navigate today's challenges, from social media to school pressures and more.
0:37.1	And though the book centers on raising girls, at least 80% of the content applies to all kids.
0:42.5	So if you're raising a teen or a preteen, this book is the guide that you've been looking for.
0:47.4	And of course, we'll continue to explore these topics on the Ask Lisa, the Psychology of Parenting Podcast.
0:53.3	So grab your copy of the revised Untangled today, and let's navigate this journey together.
0:58.7	Available, everywhere books are sold.
1:04.0	Tell me a parenting issue everyone struggles with with tweens and teens, but no one talks about.
1:09.5	Rina, I think a lot of people feel like they just don't know how to connect to their kid anymore.
1:15.3	I'm Rina Nainen, and welcome to Ask Lisa, the psychology of raising tweens and teens.
1:20.3	And I'm Dr. Lisa DeMore.
1:21.7	We bring you science-back strategies for managing anxiety, discipline, intense emotions, and more. We decode tough parenting issues
1:29.7	with tips you can use right now. So subscribe to Ask Lisa the Psychology of Raising Twins and Teens
1:35.5	and join our YouTube community today. Just Google, Ask Lisa podcast. We're here to help you
1:41.8	untangle family life.
1:51.1	Episode 243. How do I talk with my kid about alcohol and weed?
2:04.5	Important topic today. Alcohol and weed. Has wheat changed from our years, 30 years ago, 30 decades ago?
2:12.1	Three decades ago. Actually, it's funny you should ask us. I was just looking at an article in my academic journal that I get as a psychologist.
	...

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