Its findings suggest that regular, high-quality dinners with family may reduce teens’ likelihood of experimenting with vapes, alcohol and other drugs, behaviors that can lead to substance use disorders.
Trauma, Family Connection and Teen Substance Risk
Survey data was based on a pool of 2,090 adolescents aged 12-17 years and their parents from various parts of the US.
Participants were questioned on the quality of the meals shared with family, with variables taking into consideration digital distractions, communication and overall enjoyment.
Teenagers were also asked about the frequency of any vape, alcohol or cannabis usage in the past six months.
For those who had struggled with more serious childhood traumas, it appeared that shared meals alone did little by way of reducing their risk of drug use.
However, relative to the levels of household stress they experienced, this factor could prove an effective deterrent, with a 22% to 34% reduction of reported substance misuse.
Family Bonding as Prevention for Teen Substance Abuse
What the findings of this study ultimately reinforce is the importance of connection, particularly within familial environments.
‘These findings build on what we already knew about the value of family meals as a practical and widely accessible way to reduce the risk of adolescent substance use.’ says the study’s lead author and professor at Tufts University, Margie Skeer.
Overall, the research highlights consistent family routines and positive interactions as practical tools for lowering teen alcohol and drug abuse risk, though prevention efforts do not replace professional addiction treatment when it’s needed.
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