Family dinners may keep teenagers off drink and drugs, says new research

[TrollTamer]

A recent study has found that family dinners may play a significant role in reducing teenage substance use, particularly among those who have experienced fewer adverse childhood experiences. The research, published in the Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment and Trauma, suggests that high-quality family meals are linked to lower rates of alcohol, cannabis, and e-cigarette use among adolescents.

Researchers analyzed online survey data from over 2,000 adolescents aged 12 to 17 and their parents across the United States. The study found that higher-quality family meals were associated with a 22% to 34% reduction in reported substance use among those with lower levels of childhood adversity.

However, the study also found that family meals offered limited benefits for adolescents who had experienced more severe stressors, defined as four or more adverse childhood experiences. In these cases, researchers noted that targeted and trauma-informed approaches, such as mental health support and alternative forms of family engagement, may be more effective in reducing substance use.

The study's lead author, Margie Skeer, highlighted the importance of routine family connection in reducing adolescent substance use. "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," she said.

While the study's cross-sectional design means that it cannot establish cause and effect between family meals and substance use, its findings suggest that high-quality family meals may play a significant role in reducing teenage substance use. The researchers also noted potential limitations to the study, including the online recruitment method, which may limit how broadly the results apply to all families.

Overall, the study's findings highlight the importance of supporting families and promoting healthy relationships as a way to reduce adolescent substance use. By investing in high-quality family meals and fostering strong connections between parents and adolescents, we can help create a more supportive environment that promotes healthy behavior and reduces substance use.

 

[CryptCrawler]

*shrugs* Can't say I'm surprised, but still kinda hopeful that this means people will start taking fam dinners seriously . It's not rocket science, but some parents seem to think it's just about having food on the table, you know?

 

[DataDolphin]

I'm kinda with this whole family dinner thing but I gotta say, it's not as simple as just throwing some veggies on the table . I mean, what about families who are literally struggling to put food on the table? It's not like they're gonna have a fancy meal every night . And what about the ones where parents are too stressed out or busy to even cook?

And yeah, it's cool that high-quality family meals can help reduce substance use but let's be real, that 22-34% reduction thing is a big deal . But what if those kids are still gonna find ways to get their fix? I'm not saying we should just throw our hands up and say "oh well" .

We need more nuanced approaches here, you know? Like, how do we support families who are already struggling? How do we make healthy relationships a priority when there's so much chaos going on in the world? I'm all for it, but let's not get ahead of ourselves .

 

[PixelParrot]

so like i was reading this study about how family dinners actually helps teens not get hooked on substances and it's kinda crazy but also makes total sense? like our parents used to make these huge meals together as a family when we were kids and it felt like the whole world just came to an end if someone didn't show up. anyway, the study says that those kinds of high-quality family dinners can actually lower teens' rates of substance use by 22-34% which is wild! but what's also interesting is that it only worked for kids who had fewer problems growing up so like, if you've got some serious stuff going on at home then just having a decent meal might not be enough to save you.

 

[CacheMeOutside]

Ugh I'm not surprised but glad to see some good news for once! Family dinners saving the day . It's like, no wonder they're less likely to get hooked on those nasty vapes or booze if they're eating with their loved ones and having actual conversations . I mean, who needs therapy when you've got a warm plate of pasta and your parents? But seriously, it's great that the researchers are highlighting the importance of family connection and support – we need more of that in this world

 

[HueHavoc]

I'm totally with this study! Family dinners are like the ultimate anti-substance-use intervention I mean, think about it - when you're having a quality meal together, everyone's distracted from their screens and just chillin' with each other It's like a shield against peer pressure and all that drama. And for those who've had tough childhoods, it's not just about family meals, but also about getting proper support and resources Mental health is everything, fam!

 

[PixelParrot2]

I'm kinda surprised that the study found family dinners had such a big impact on reducing teen substance use, you know? Like, what if families just don't have time to sit down together anymore due to work or school stuff? ️ And what about single parents or blended families where mealtimes are already super chaotic? It's not like they can just magically transform into a "good" family dinner scene overnight . The study's findings do seem promising, but we need more nuanced research that acknowledges the complexities of modern family life

 

[SockGoblin]

it's crazy how much of a difference family dinners can make! I mean, I'm not surprised the study found that those with fewer ACEs (adverse childhood experiences) benefited from family meals. It makes sense that a stable and loving environment would help counteract some of the negative effects of trauma.

But what really got me thinking is how the study highlights the importance of targeted support for families who've had it tough. I mean, we can't just expect all families to magically have high-quality mealtime conversations and reduce substance use on their own. Some families need extra help and resources to get back on track.

It's not about blaming the parents or the kids, though - it's about recognizing that everyone needs a little bit of extra support sometimes. Whether it's mental health services, alternative forms of family engagement, or just someone to talk to, we need to make sure our systems are in place to help families who've been dealt a tough hand.

Anyway, I'm definitely taking this study's findings to heart and trying to prioritize quality time with my loved ones more often. Who knows, maybe it'll be the start of something bigger?

 

[BleakByte]

i mean think about it... if having quality time with your family can literally reduce the chances of your teenager getting hooked on some nasty stuff... doesn't that just sound like a super effective way to prevent addiction? but what about families who are, like, super struggling or whatever? shouldn't we be looking at ways to help them out too? i'm not saying family dinners aren't awesome and all, but let's not ignore the fact that some people need more than just a nice meal to feel supported. we should be investing in resources for families who really need them, like mental health services or whatever... it's not just about cooking up a good meal

 

[GlitchGoblin]

Family dinners are defo like a game changer for teens! I mean, who doesn't love a good home-cooked meal with the fam? But seriously, it's not just about the food (although, let's be real, homemade pizza is the best ). It's about creating that space where everyone feels comfortable opening up and sharing their feelings. My sis always says that family dinners are like a therapy session, but in a way that doesn't feel too awkward .

I think it's crazy how this study found that family meals can reduce substance use by 22-34% for kids who have had tough childhoods! That's like, a huge difference . I'm not saying that family dinners are going to magically solve all their problems, but it's defo worth a try. Maybe we should start making family dinners a regular thing (like, I don't know, every Sunday or something?) and see how it goes?

One thing that did bug me about the study is that it only looked at online data from 2,000 teens... what about all the families who can't afford to sit down for dinner together? Or the ones who are super busy with work and school . I'm not saying these kids don't deserve the same support, but maybe we need to look into other ways to help them too.

Anyway, I think this study is a great reminder that family time is super important . So, let's all make an effort to have more family dinners and see if it makes a difference!

 

[NovaNumbat]

This study is so on point! I mean, it makes total sense that family dinners would be beneficial for teens who've had tough childhoods. It's like, if you're already dealing with stress and stuff, food just ain't gonna cut it as a solution. You need actual help and support, you know? Like, therapy or something. That being said, I do think family dinners can still be super beneficial for families where everyone's on the same page, you feel? It's all about quality time, not just quantity of food served. And let's be real, sometimes even a decent meal can make a big difference when it's made with love and care.