Should Parents Host Alcohol and Drug Parties For Their Teens?

Should parents host alcohol and drug parties for their teens? At first glance, the answer to this question seems very straight forward and obvious; No, parents should not allow their teens and their teen’s friends to use drug in their homes.  Unfortunately, there are some parents who don’t see this as a straight-forward, black and white issue. In fact, some parents of teens believe that it is either perfectly acceptable to allow their children to throw parties with drugs and alcohol while others consider it to the lesser of two evils, at least they are there to supervise.

Both contentions are incorrect.  Parents should never give the impression that illegal alcohol consumption, i.e., underage drinking, nor the use of drugs is acceptable. Parents who do are sending their teens the message that it is ok to use these substances which may lead to abuse of drugs and alcohol or even addiction. Parents who act in this manner become enablers and eventually lead their child to enter a facility called teen rehab.

Most people know someone who is an enabler. These people’s behaviors and actions make it possible or encourage individuals to continue in behaviors that are unhealthy and dangerous.  When a parent takes on the role of enabler in their relationship with their teen, this is especially damaging. One mom who is consistently viewed as a classic enabler is Dina Lohan, who has been accused by her ex-husband, Michael Lohan, and the public in general as being an enabler.  Dina Lohan, has been pictured frequenting parties with her daughter drinking alcohol and claiming to everyone who will listen that Lindsey’s behavior is acceptable and normal for someone her age, despite the DUI arrests and being found in possession of cocaine.  Lindsey’s subsequent problems with drugs and alcohol, thus, come as no surprise to many.

Parents have a responsibility to be the best examples possible for their children. Allowing them to drink alcohol and take drugs in their presence is in no way a being a good example. Though some people may argue that teens will use drugs whether or not their parents are around and that it is better for them to be supervised while doing it. This isn’t the case. Teens are sometimes hurt during these parties and even die. Some have left such parties inebriated and perished in a drunken driving accident.

Parents throwing parties for their teen should not ever offer them or allow them to drink alcohol or use drugs while under their supervision under any circumstances. This is never okay.  Parents that do throw such parties, encourage their teens to drink or use drugs, even if they never tell them to do so directly. Their allowance provides the assumption that such behavior is acceptable, which can lead to further abuses and eventually addiction.

Parents have an obligation to discourage drug use and illegal alcohol use amongst their teens and their child’s friends. Allowing them to drink or use drugs is forgoing this obligation and putting their children and their friends in harms way. They are also putting their own self at risk of being sued or even jailed. Properly supervising and not allowing illicit substances at any party thrown at their home or on their property, by their teens, is the only responsible choice available to parents.

Teenage drug use and addiction is a real problem. For those teens that do become addicts, teen drug rehab may be an effective way to provide them with the treatment they require. Being involved, aware and willing to take action is the best way to address problems of drug abuse and addiction amongst teens.