Skip to content
All toolkits
IEC material · Youth voice

A Young Person's Guide to Talking to Adults About Drug Use

How to prepare, stay calm and use evidence when you need a parent, teacher or mentor to actually hear you.

Audience
Young people and students, age 13 and up
Region
Global
Edition
2026 Edition

Designed PDF edition coming soon to the publications library

Section 01

Prepare With Evidence and Clear Thinking

Preparation is what turns a difficult conversation into a persuasive one.

  1. 1
    Research first

    Understand the facts about drug use, harm reduction and related policies. Use reputable sources such as health organisations and academic studies to build your knowledge base.

  2. 2
    Clarify your perspective

    Write down what you want to say. Focus on the logic behind your concerns or observations. Being clear about your reasoning makes your message stronger.

Section 02

Choose the Right Time and Setting

Where and when you raise it often decides how it lands.

  • Find a quiet, private space where both of you can focus without distractions.
  • Avoid bringing it up during stressful or emotional moments.
  • Let them know in advance that you would like to have a conversation.
Section 03

Use Logical Arguments and I Statements

Facts carry your case; I statements keep it from becoming an argument.

  • Stick to the facts and present evidence-based information.
  • Use I statements to share how you feel, for example "I feel concerned because the research indicates that early intervention makes a difference."
  • Be ready to clarify myths or misinformation, and bring the source with you.
  • Stay calm, even if the conversation becomes difficult.
Section 04

Listen Actively and Engage in Reasoned Dialogue

A conversation you win but they leave is not a conversation you won.

  • Let them share their thoughts without interrupting.
  • Respect different opinions and consider their points even if you disagree.
  • Ask questions such as "What do you think the data suggests?" or "Can we look at this together?"
  • Acknowledge their worries and try to find common ground and shared values.
Section 05

Address Emotions With Facts

Balance feeling and evidence so neither one gets dismissed.

It is natural to feel strongly about personal experiences, but supporting your views with verified statistics or outcomes from credible studies makes them much harder to wave away.

Section 06

Set Boundaries and Propose Next Steps

Say what you need, and keep the door open.

  • Clearly explain what support you need from them.
  • If you are seeking understanding rather than permission, say so.
  • If you need help accessing resources, ask directly.
  • Suggest checking in again after they have had time to think.
  • Offer links or printouts of reputable sources to support your points.
  • Let them know they can come to you with questions too.

Keep going