Parenting Great Kids with Dr. Meg Meeker cover image

Parenting Great Kids with Dr. Meg Meeker

Ep. 270: The Myth of Teaching Responsible Drinking to Teens

Mar 19, 2025
38:19


Can allowing teens to drink at home teach them responsible alcohol use? Dr. Claudia Black, a leading expert in teen substance abuse and addiction, reveals why this approach may actually encourage drinking outside the home.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • Why parental supervision doesn’t prevent teen drinking – It often normalizes alcohol use.
  • The real reasons teens drink – Peer pressure, social acceptance, and stress.
  • How parents influence teen drinking habits – Your behaviors set the tone.
  • Teen substance abuse warning signs – Recognizing underlying trauma, like bullying or anxiety.
  • Effective strategies for prevention – Setting clear boundaries and healthy family rituals.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 – Introduction: The debate on responsible teen drinking

00:21 – Meet Dr. Claudia Black: Expert insights on addiction and family dynamics

01:15 – What really drives teenage drinking?

02:12 – Peer pressure vs. parental influence: Which matters more?

11:28 – The hidden traumas behind substance use (bullying, loss, anxiety)

19:43 – How to talk to your teen about alcohol

24:04 – Recognizing warning signs and taking action

31:40 – Prevention, boundaries, and positive family rituals

About Dr. Claudia Black

Dr. Claudia Black, Ph.D., is a pioneering addiction specialist, author, and speaker known for her groundbreaking work on family systems and substance abuse. As the Clinical Architect of the Claudia Black Center for Young Adults and a Senior Fellow at The Meadows Treatment Center, she has dedicated decades to helping individuals and families heal from addiction and trauma.

Resources & Links:

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