What Do You Do and When
If you suspect your teen is using drugs, what do you do? First, find out as much as you can. Check out all of the information on this site for teens. Know that there is help available for you and your child. You can get help from your doctor, nurse, or other health care provider, a counselor at your child's school, or your church.
Choose a time that you and your teen can sit down and talk. Be sure to remain calm and take your time.
This is not going to be an easy task. Your feelings will range from anger to guilt that you have failed because your teen is using drugs. Tell your child what you see and how you feel about it. Be specific about any and all things you suspect or have observed that cause you concern.
Read Talking About Drugs and Talking About Alcohol.
Show your teen that you care for them and this is why you are trying to help get to the bottom of their problem. If you found any drug paraphernalia, make it known. Explain if you have noticed a change in their behavior or appearance (bloodshot eyes, different clothing) and it worries you and can have an affect on the whole family. Tell them if they have any friends that you don’t know or approve of.
Make ground rules for your family about drug and alcohol use, for instance, in this family, we don’t use drugs. Making a firm rule of no drug or alcohol use will help your teen resist peer and other pressures to use drugs. Read Teens and Peer Pressure
Try not to get angry while you have this discussion, and do not call your teen stupid or an embarrassment to the family. Teens are naturally private about their lives, try to find out what’s going on in your teens life.
- What is he doing?
- If your teen is using drugs, find out why.
- When was the last time he used?
- Did he do anything that he regrets?
Try not to make the discussion an inquisition; you are simply trying to connect with your teen.
Find out if friends offered your teen drugs or alcohol at a party or school.
Did they try it just out of curiosity, or did they take the initiative to use marijuana or alcohol for some other reason?
You want your teen to take your responsibility as a parent seriously and that you will exercise your parental rights.
The following articles will help you as well as provide more information.
Suspect Your Teen Is Using Drugs
Signs Of Prescription Drug Use