Navigating Teen Alcohol Talks with Expert Paul Dillon
Episode Overview
Equip teens with knowledge rather than preach abstinence. Ask teens what they want to know about alcohol. Debunk common myths about drinking. Use real-life anecdotes to make points relatable. Provide practical safety tips for young drinkers.
You don't know if this is as drunk as they're going to get. Is there still alcohol in their stomach that has yet to reach their brain?
Talking to teenagers about alcohol can be a daunting task, especially if you have your own history with drinking. In this episode of Sober Awkward, hosts Vic and Hamish sit down with Paul Dillon, a leading expert on alcohol and drug education in Australia. For over three decades, Paul has travelled the country, visiting schools and educating young people about the dangers of substance abuse.
His approach is not about preaching abstinence but rather equipping teens with the knowledge to make safer choices. Paul shares his own journey from a non-drinker to an accidental Long Island iced tea enthusiast, and how a life-changing conversation with his cousin set him on the path to becoming an educator. The episode covers practical advice for parents on how to handle the tricky conversation about alcohol with their kids.
Paul offers insights into common myths about drinking, like whether tactical vomiting can sober you up (spoiler: it can't) and the dangers of mixing different types of alcohol. He also discusses the importance of asking teens what they want to know about alcohol, rather than just telling them what they need to know. With humour and honesty, this episode provides valuable tips for parents navigating the often awkward terrain of teenage drinking.
Whether you're a parent dreading 'the talk' or someone looking to better understand how to communicate with young people about alcohol, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-life anecdotes that make it a must-listen.