TEN CONVERSATIONS THAT COULD SAVE A TEEN’S LIFE 

TEN CONVERSATIONS THAT COULD SAVE A TEEN’S LIFE 

When Ada first noticed her son, Somto, becoming withdrawn, she assumed it was just a typical teenage mood swing.

He was fifteen, quiet one moment, rebellious the next, eyes glued to his phone, music blaring through his headphones. “He’s just growing up,” she told herself, convincing her heart to stay calm.

But deep down, she felt something slipping, something she couldn’t name.

It wasn’t until one Friday evening that the truth spilt out like a storm. Somto stumbled into the house, smelling faintly of burnt smoke and cheap alcohol.

His eyes were red. His words, slurred. Ada’s heart shattered into a thousand pieces. “Where did I go wrong?” she whispered as tears rolled down her cheeks.

But this isn’t just Ada’s story.

It’s the story of countless parents, mothers and fathers, who never thought it could happen to them.

At Balm for the Bruised Foundation, we’ve listened to parents like Ada who wish they had known what to say, when to say it, and how to say it.

The truth is, conversations about drugs shouldn’t start when something goes wrong, they should start when everything seems right.

Here are 10 life-saving conversations every parent should have with their teenager — conversations that can protect, guide, and empower them.

1. The “Why People Use Drugs” Talk

Teens are naturally curious.

Instead of saying “Don’t ever try drugs,” ask: “Why do you think people your age try drugs?”

This opens up dialogue. You might be surprised by their honesty, peer pressure, curiosity, stress, or even boredom.

Understanding their ‘why’ helps you address the root, not just the behaviour.

2. The “Stress and Escape” Talk

Share your own struggles with stress, and how you coped without harmful substances.

Teens need to know it’s okay not to be okay, but that there are better ways to cope.

Suggest music, exercise, prayer, journaling, or volunteering. Let them see that strength is not in silence, but in healthy release.

3. The “Truth About Addiction” Talk

Explain that addiction doesn’t start with a syringe or a bottle, it often starts with “just once.”

Tell real stories. Share statistics. But most importantly, show compassion for those battling addiction.

This helps them understand that people need help, not judgment, and prevention is easier than recovery.

4. The “Peer Pressure” Talk

Role-play scenarios. Ask: “What would you do if your friends offered you a drink or pills?”

Help them prepare their ‘No’ before they ever need it. Remind them that real friends respect boundaries.

5. The “Social Media Illusion” Talk

Teens see drugs glamorised online, parties, celebrities, and influencers. Explain that what they see is a highlight reel, not reality.

Let them know that behind every “fun” video could be hospital visits, broken trust, or even death.

6. The “Family History” Talk

If addiction runs in the family, be honest about it. Silence breeds ignorance.

Explain how genetics can increase vulnerability, but choices define destiny.

Say, “You carry our strength too, not just our struggles.”

7. The “Consequences” Talk

Talk about the legal, academic, and health implications, but without threats. Instead of “I’ll disown you,” say, “I love you too much to see you hurt.”

Let your teen feel protected, not policed.
8. The “Influence” Talk

Ask them, “Who do you admire most?”

Then explore whether that person encourages positive or risky behaviour.

Help them understand that influence is invisible, but powerful.

9. The “Safe Space” Talk

Tell your child:

“No matter what happens, you can always come to me. I may be angry, but I will never stop loving you.”

This one sentence can make the difference between a teen reaching out or retreating deeper into darkness.

10. The “Hope and Healing” Talk

If your family has been touched by addiction, show that recovery is possible.

Take them to a support group, share stories of transformation, or volunteer together.
Let them see that broken doesn’t mean beyond repair.

Months later, Ada sat beside Somto at a youth drug awareness event.

His hands trembled as he spoke into the microphone, sharing how he’d fallen, and how his mother’s love and her new conversations helped him rise again.

“I thought she’d give up on me,” he said, “but instead, she started talking, and listening.”
That’s the power of a conversation.

It could be the bridge between despair and hope. Between losing a child and saving one.

At Balm for the Bruised Foundation, we believe that open dialogue can break the cycle of silence, shame, and substance abuse.

Start the conversation today. It might just save a life.

Join the conversation, share your story, or learn more at www.balmforthebruised.org
Together, we can build families that heal, hope, and thrive.