Teens often begin attending Halloween celebrations without their parents. This can be fun, but can also have some scary consequences.

Keeping Your Teen Safe This Halloween: A Parent’s Guide to Preventing Substance Use

Halloween is a time when many teens attend parties and celebrations—and unfortunately, some of these gatherings include alcohol and other substances. As a parent or caregiver, taking proactive steps can help keep your teen safe while they enjoy the holiday. Here’s what you need to know.

Know Where Your Teen Is Going

Communicate About Plans

Whether your teen is heading to a house party or planning a final round of trick-or-treating with friends, make sure you know their plans. If they’re attending a party, reach out to the host’s parents to confirm that alcohol and other drugs won’t be present. If they’re trick-or-treating, ask for their expected route or the neighborhoods they’ll be visiting.

Stay Connected

Open communication about their plans shows you care and helps you stay informed. Knowing where your teen will be gives you peace of mind and ensures you can reach them if needed. You may want to have your teen’s location shared from their phone so you can keep tabs on them without needing to constantly check in.

Teach Your Teen to Watch Their Drink

Create an Exit Plan

Most importantly, create a clear exit plan so they know they can contact you immediately for a safe ride home, no questions asked in the moment. Remind them to call if the party gets out of hand, people start drinking or using, or they feel uncomfortable for any reason.

The Reality of Drink Spiking

It’s an unfortunate reality that drinks can be “spiked” with alcohol or other drugs without someone’s knowledge. Make sure your teen understands the importance of keeping their drink with them at all times and getting a new one if they step away—even for a moment.

Recognize the Warning Signs

Talk to them about the warning signs that something may have been added to their drink: dizziness, feeling unusually “off,” confusion, or unexpected drowsiness.

Masks Are Fun, But Stay Aware

Costumes Can Create Confusion

Costumes and masks are part of the Halloween fun, but they can also make it harder to identify who’s who. Remind your teen to stay close to trusted friends and be cautious if someone they don’t know tries to blend in or act familiar.

When to Leave

Reinforce that if they ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe, they should leave the situation and reach out to you or another trusted adult right away. Ensure that you or another adult is available to take them home if the need arises.

Understand the Dangers of Binge Drinking

What Is Binge Drinking?

Binge drinking—typically defined as consuming 4 or more drinks for females or 5 or more drinks for males within about two hours—is especially dangerous for teens.

Why Teens Are More Vulnerable

Young people’s brains are still developing, making them more vulnerable to the harmful effects of alcohol. Binge drinking can lead to alcohol poisoning, risky behavior, accidents, and long-term health consequences.

Talk About the Risks

Many teens and young adults underestimate these dangers. Have an honest conversation with your teen about what binge drinking is, why it’s risky, and how quickly it can lead to serious harm.

Create a Safety Plan Together

Work as a Team

The best way to keep your teen safe is to work together. Before Halloween, sit down and create a safety plan that includes:

• Clear communication about where they’ll be and who they’ll be with
• A no-judgment agreement that they can call or text you anytime for a ride home
• Trusted friends who will look out for each other
• Emergency contact numbers saved in their phone
• Location shared and a plan for their phone to remain with them at all times

Early Intervention Makes a Difference

We’re Here to Help

If you’re concerned about your teen’s substance use or want guidance on how to have these important conversations, ASAP Cincinnati is here to help. Our CARF-accredited programs provide evidence-based treatment and support for teens and families navigating substance use and mental health challenges.

Transforming tomorrow, starting today.

For more information or to schedule an assessment, contact us at 513-792-1272 or visit asapcincinnati.com.