The holiday season is a time for celebration, relaxation, and togetherness. However, for teens, this time can also bring unique challenges—especially with increased free time, social gatherings, and lingering stress from final exams or the anticipation of a new semester. As parents, it’s important to stay vigilant about potential risks to your teen’s health, especially during the holidays when teens tend to have more time on their hands. This includes staying mindful of teen exposure to risky behaviors, including the temptation or peer pressure to experiment with substance use, including the often-overlooked issue of over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicine abuse.

Here’s a guide to help you recognize the warning signs, foster open communication, and strengthen family connections during the holiday break.

What to Know About OTC Cough Medicine Abuse:

OTC cough medicines, while safe and effective when used according to label instructions, can be misused and abused by teens seeking a quick high. Dextromethorphan (DXM) is the active ingredient in most OTC cough medicines and when taken in excessive amounts higher than recommended doses, it can produce dangerous side effects. While OTC medications may be perceived as relatively harmless since they readily available, teens may see them as a less dangerous option for experimentation.

Why the Holidays Can Be Risky:

• More Free Time: Without school routines, teens may find themselves bored and tempted to take risks.
• Social Gatherings: Parties or sleepovers can create opportunities for peer influence.
• Stress: Teens may turn to substances to cope with school burnout, family pressures, or anxiety about the upcoming semester.

Spotting the Signs of OTC Medicine Abuse

As a parent, recognizing early warning signs is key. Look out for:

• Behavioral Changes: Increased secrecy, mood swings, or withdrawal from family and friend activities.
• Physical Symptoms: Drowsiness, dizziness, slurred speech, or unsteady movements.
• Clues at Home: Missing cough medicine bottles or finding empty packages in the trash.

If you notice these signs, it’s important to approach the situation calmly and with care.

Open Communication: Your Best Defense

The foundation of prevention is a strong, open relationship with your teen. Talking about difficult topics can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Use casual opportunities to bring up the subject – during car rides or while decorating for the holidays. Even using their favorite tv show or movie as a way in can be a great conversation starter. It’s important to remember that once you get a conversation going, you should also give your teen space to express their feelings without fear of punishment or shame. Validate their emotions, even if you don’t agree with their perspective. Hearing their experiences and point of view is not only a great way to deepen your bond with your teen, but also to meet them where they are. Teens don’t want to feel lectured, which can lead them to putting up walls if they feel judged. Instead approach your teen as an equal and peer. Let your teen know it’s okay to feel overwhelmed during the holidays and take the opportunity to share your own experiences with stress and how you manage it.

Setting Boundaries and Monitoring Behavior

While open communication is crucial, so is setting clear expectations and keeping an eye on behaviors that could indicate trouble. Keep OTC medicines in a safe, inaccessible place and take note of quantities, so you can see if something goes missing unexpectedly. At the same time, create boundaries around acceptable and not acceptable actions. Make it clear that substance abuse, including OTC medications, is not acceptable behavior. Explain the risks in a way that resonates with your teen’s values and goals. The best way to keep up with what your teen is up to is to be present and available. Keep an eye on their social activities and get to know their friends and their families while ensuring your teen knows they can always turn to you.

Creating Meaningful Moments During the Holidays

One of the best ways to keep your teen engaged and connected is to create opportunities for family bonding. Holiday breaks are a great opportunity for this since both work and school winds down for a week or two. Shared activities not only strengthen relationships but also reduce the likelihood of risky behavior.

Here are some holiday-friendly ideas for togetherness and bonding:

• Bake Together: Try new recipes or recreate family favorites.
• Volunteer as a Family: Spend time giving back to your community, which can help teens develop a sense of purpose.
• Host Game or Movie Nights: Create a cozy environment that makes staying home enjoyable and let them have a say in what movie or game sounds most enjoyable to them.
• Plan Outdoor Adventures: Go ice skating, hiking, or simply take a walk together to enjoy holiday decorations.
• Find a local band that’s playing and go enjoy a concert together: Music is known to have a significant impact on our brains, experiences, and mood. Concerts and live music create an easygoing, but fun and memorable, night that can make you closer with your teen.

By focusing on shared experiences, you can create lasting memories and foster a sense of belonging for your teen.

The holidays are a time to reconnect, celebrate, and build cherished memories with your family. By staying informed about the risks of OTC medicine abuse and fostering open, judgment-free communication, you can help your teen navigate this season safely. Remember, your presence, understanding, and support are the greatest gifts you can give your teen this holiday season. Let this be a time of joy and connection—one that sets the tone for a positive and healthy year ahead.