Starting a conversation about drug use with your teens can be uncomfortable. This can especially be true if you have a history of drug use or experimenting in the past. You might wonder: how can I talk about the dangers of drug use without feeling like a hypocrite? This issue, along with others, is tackled in a three-part video series released by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) called Awkward Conversations. The videos focus on the awkward conversations parents and their kids sometimes have when talking about drug use. In this episode of Awkward Conversations, the discussion focuses on how to responsibly navigate high school parties – a daunting reminder to parents that their child is growing up. Following the episode, three members of the Sherburne County Substance Use Prevention (SUP) Coalition kept the conversation going with a lively post-episode chat to share their thoughts, experiences, and expertise. Throughout their discussion, they addressed several commonly asked questions, such as when should you start talking to your kids about alcohol and other drug use, how do you start the conversation, and how do you set expectations and boundaries around drug use for your kids, but also let them know it’s okay to ask for help? Their discussion wraps up with party planning tips to help with hosting a teen party or if your teen is going to a party. When you first bring up this subject, your child might be caught off guard and reluctant to engage. But the more you do something, the easier it gets. We hope to help make these conversations less awkward! Visit the SUP website for additional resources, including conversation starters and other helpful videos: www.sherburnesupcoalition.org 0:00 Introduction 1:25 Episode 10:39 Credits/Start of Post-Episode Chat 11:14 Question 1: This video captured a very real-life scenario for parents and caregivers. What stands out to you that the parents did well? 11:57 Question 2: Were there things the parents could have done better? 15:12 Question 3: When should I start talking to my child about alcohol and other drug use and how do I start the conversations? 18:14 Question 4: There’s a misconception that talking about drug use [too early] will encourage the behavior; however, there is no evidence that talking about drug use will encourage youth to use. Can you expand more on this? 19:05 Question 5: How do you talk to your kids about alcohol and other drugs if you did them at a young age? 22:34 Question 6: How do you set expectations and boundaries around drug use for your kids, but also let them know it’s okay to ask for help? 26:30 Question 7: How do you respond if you find out that they were using? 30:07 Question 8: While the couple in the video supported each other and their decisions, how do you cope with parenting differences or for those households that have a single parent situation? 34:10 Tips if teen is attending a party 35:14 Tips for hosting a party 36:10 Resources

Calling all community members, both adults and students! Learn about who the Sherburne County Substance Use Prevention (SUP) Coalition is and how you can get involved and make a difference!

Cannabis is not a harmless drug for teens. The teen brain is still developing until the mid-to-late 20s and cannabis can interfere with this development. The amount of the main mind-altering chemical, THC, is considerably stronger than previous years. The increasing strength of cannabis is leading to higher rates of addiction and mental health concerns. Just because something is legal does not mean it is safe. Cannabis use carries real risks for our youth, just as alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs do. It is important that we provide accurate facts to support healthy decision-making about any drug use. Note: Cannabis, which may also be called marijuana, weed, or pot, refers to the dried flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds of the cannabis plant.

Text messaging is a great way for parents to keep in touch and monitor what their children are doing without being obtrusive. Teens are more likely to respond to texts that facilitate short, quick responses rather than answering a phone call.

Finding out your teen used drugs definitely stirs up a parent's emotions. It can be a very confusing time. But the best way to help your teen - and to make sure they hear you - is to remain as calm as possible throughout the conversation. Also, it's as important, if not more, that you listen to them. Do not try to start the conversation when you can tell your child is drunk or high. Hold off until they are sober. You want to be able to have a conversation, rather than a confrontation.

Use natural opportunities such as driving (or riding) somewhere or during dinner to start open, honest conversations about drinking and other drug use. Seek discussion, don't lecture! Share your own experiences and opinions and how they have changed over the years. As you are willing to open-up and share experiences, so will your child.

Oftentimes we get asked - What is a Social Host Ordinance? What isn't it? Why is it important? Listen in as Sheriff Brott of Sherburne County and the Chiefs of Police, Chief Nierenhausen of Elk River Police Department, Chief Baloun of Becker Police Department, and Chief Scharf of Big Lake Police Department answer these important questions.