It is best to bring up the subject early, before young people are faced with opportunities to drink alcohol. The conversation should be simple and free of drama, and should focus on dialogue rather than on prohibition alone. Young people benefit from understanding the effects of alcohol, social pressures, the risks of drinking too much, and how to ask for help.

Listen as much as you talk: ask questions and let the young person say what they think.

Combine dialogue with clear rules. Remind them that the legal age is 18 and that it is better to delay that first drink. The brain keeps developing into the early twenties, and heavy drinking in adolescence is associated with changes in that development. Starting to drink early is also associated with a higher risk of alcohol problems later on.

Talk about the effects of alcohol, peer pressure and ways to say no. Your own drinking also sets an example.

Have a safety plan: your teen needs to know that they can call you if they need to, without fear of being lectured on the spot.

Explain how to recognize when a friend is in danger and when to call 911.

See the How to talk to your children about drinking page.

Young adults are free to make their own choices. The goal is to help them understand and reduce the risks, without judgment or moralizing. It is not about telling them how to behave. For young people who are under the legal drinking age, it is recommended that they put off starting to drink for as long as possible.

The skills to pass on to them include:

• Knowing what a standard drink is: punches, homemade cocktails and generous pours can contain more than one.
• Limiting the amount they drink on a single occasion and keeping count of their standard drinks.
• Drinking slowly, without trying to keep up with others, and avoiding fast drinking, such as shots, as well as drinking games.
• Eating before or while drinking and alternating with water or non-alcoholic drinks.
• Avoiding mixing alcohol with cannabis, medications or other substances.
• Planning how they will get home before going out, and not driving after drinking.
• Remembering that it is always okay to say no to a drink.

It is also important to remind them that looking out for one another is essential: keep an eye on each other and never leave an intoxicated person alone.

To find out more, see the question “What is alcohol poisoning and what are the risks?”

Finally, it is essential to remind a young person that they can call someone they trust if there is a problem, without fear of being judged. Stay available and ready to listen.

To learn more, use the Standard Drink Pourer, the Count Your Drinks tool, and the prevention resources of La Maison Jean Lapointe.

For yourself, keep a record for a few weeks of when you drink, how much you drink, and your reasons for drinking. Tracking this can help you better understand your habits and figure out what kind of support would suit you. Talk to someone you trust, a healthcare professional, or a support service, without waiting for the situation to become urgent.

You can complete an AUDIT self-assessment questionnaire on the website of the Institut national de santé publique du Québec. Also see the answer to the question “How do I know if my drinking is becoming a concern?”

If you drink heavily every day, do not cut back sharply or stop abruptly without medical advice: withdrawal can be dangerous.

For someone close to you, choose a calm moment when they have not been drinking. Describe what you are seeing and express your concern in the first person—for example, “I worry when…”—without judgment or labels. Listen to their reaction and offer your support, keeping in mind that change can take time and that you cannot act for them.

Resources are also available for family and friends.

If the person is an immediate danger to themselves or to others, call 911.

Feel free to consult the Educ’alcool Resources page to find support suited to your needs, the resources of La Maison Jean Lapointe, and the Help and resources page from the Government of Quebec.