Talking can be difficult. Serious discussions often end in a row but you don't always have to confront difficult topics head on.
The best conversations happen when both people are ready to listen to each other at the same time. It's difficult to talk in a crisis.
The person you are worried about may already have a good idea of how you feel about drugs and alcohol, even if you hardly ever talk about them. Ideas of right and wrong come across through what you say and do at home or when you are about - how you feel about work, what you do for fun and how you get on with friends and family.
Here are some conversation do's and don'ts:
- Don't force the issue. Some of the best conversations come out of the blue - like when you're clearing up after a meal, or watching TV.
- Do listen with an open mind.
- Do say what you believe.
- Do show you care.
- Don't preach.
- Don't use scare tactics