How to Talk to Teens About Drugs and Alcohol: What Actually Works

Teen Substance Use: Why 'Just Say No' Doesn't Work AnymoreTeen substance use looks different than it did a generation ago. Today's adolescents are increasingly turning to substances to self-medicate anxiety and depression—not just to party. In this episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Trevor Bixler explains why traditional "just say no" approaches fall short and what actually works.Dr. Bixler shares warning signs parents often miss, introduces the concept of "splintering"—a tactic teens use to avoid accountability—and explains why consequences like "you're grounded forever" backfire. He advocates for creating safe spaces where teens can ask questions without judgment and seeking professional help to craft realistic, enforceable consequences tied to behavioral change.