Alcohol and cannabis: Young people talking about how parents respond to their use of these two drugs

Abstract

In recent years, there has been increasing concern over rising levels of alcohol and cannabis use among young people. This paper reports findings from a qualitative investigation of young people's cannabis-related beliefs and behaviour. Fifty-nine boys and girls aged 13 to 15 years were interviewed, mostly in self-selected friendship pairs, in six contrasting locations in east central Scotland. This paper explores how young people talked about their parents' responses, actual and anticipated, to knowledge of their alcohol and cannabis use. These accounts suggest three similar sets of responses for both alcohol and cannabis, but one significant difference. Some young people reported parents taking a prohibitive approach, others reportedly responded with varying degrees of passive tolerance. In the final set of responses, relating mostly to alcohol, many young people reported their parents talking openly and negotiating boundaries around their drinking. This approach appeared to be largely effective in helping them to develop a responsible approach to alcohol. By contrast, cannabis was rarely talked about openly, becoming instead the subject of speculation and assumption. The paper concludes that supporting parents openly to discuss their children's actual or potential cannabis use before it begins or before it becomes problematic is an important step in helping to reduce the harms associated with misuse of cannabis.

Parent–child connectedness and communication in relation to alcohol, tobacco and drug use in adolescence: An integrative review of the literature

“…In terms of alcohol use, parents feel that it is necessary to negotiate boundaries around drinking behaviour, preferring to use a harm reduction than an abstinence based approach (Bourdeau et al, 2012;Highet, 2005;Sherriff et al, 2008). As might be expected, such an approach does not extend to smoking and drug use, when adolescents are specifically told not to engage in these behaviours (Highet, 2005;Levy et al, 2010;Maggi et al, 2014). In six studies, parents reported a range of issues when communicating with their children about substance use.…”

“…The way in which parents talk to their children about substance use is crucial; when they are perceived as lecturing them, adolescents are often unreceptive and do not assimilate these messages (Guilamo-Ramos et al, 2008;Levy et al, 2010;Maggi et al, 2014;Metzger et al, 2013;Sherriff et al, 2008). Having constructive conversations in which parents and children participate equally appears to be more effective (Chaplin et al, 2014;Highet, 2005). When conversations are open and involve discussions rather than lectures, adolescents feel more comfortable and report lower rates of substance use (Chaplin et al, 2014).…”

“…/09687637.2016 can have a considerable impact on their conversations about substance use and subsequent behaviours. (Guilamo-Ramos et al, 2008;Highet, 2005;Kulbok et al, 2010;Sherriff, Cox, Coleman, & Roker, 2008). The way in which parents talk to their children about substance use is crucial; when they are perceived as lecturing them, adolescents are often unreceptive and do not assimilate these messages (Guilamo-Ramos et al, 2008;Levy et al, 2010;Maggi et al, 2014;Metzger et al, 2013;Sherriff et al, 2008).…”

“…Drugs are viewed as particularly harmful and, as a result, are often difficult to discuss. In one study, adolescents noted that their parents frequently discussed alcohol use, but rarely discussed cannabis use, with discussions only occurring after they had been caught using (Highet, 2005). Permissive messages and inconsistent rules around alcohol use can be confusing and increase use (Koning et al, 2013;Reimuller et al, 2013), while forbidding the use of tobacco and drugs can also increase use (Chaplin et al, 2014;Huver et al, 2006;Kam, 2011).…”

“…One of the central messages promoted by parents in another study was that alcohol, when used in moderation, is a normal part of life; parents reported trying to limit the types of alcohol their adolescents could drink and the occasions and locations in which alcohol use was allowed (Sherriff et al, 2008). Parents attempt to negotiate boundaries around alcohol use and ensure that adolescents drink safely and in moderation, as well as providing information about the risks and harms (Highet, 2005). However, inconsistent rules around alcohol use may be confusing for young people and therefore increase use (Koning et al, 2013).…”