Intervene now before casual drug use quickly turns into drug abuse, dependence or addiction. If not addressed it can lead to accidents, legal trouble and serious health issues.
Do you think that your child is using drugs or alcohol? Try not to over react
Even if you believe your teen is just “experimenting” it’s important to take action right away.
Casual drug use can quickly turn into drug abuse, dependence or addiction and can lead to accidents, legal trouble and serious health issues.
If you are at all concerned about your child, or even just have a bad feeling, you can and should intervene by:
•Setting tighter limits with clear consequences
•Getting outside help and support if necessary
•Having productive conversations with your child try to remain calm, share your concerns and listen.
•Closely monitoring your child’s behavior and activities
Your teen may not be happy that you’re approaching him about his drug or alcohol use. That’s to be expected. What you might not expect is to be called a snoop, a hypocrite or clueless. Think about how you will handle these accusations if they come up. It’s good to be prepared. Here are some suggested responses:
1. If Your Child Says: “You went through my stuff?! You’re a snoop!”
Try To: Defend your choice to look through your teen’s things by expressing your concern for his health and safety.
You Can Say: “I’m sorry you feel that I broke your trust. But as a parent, my job is to keep you safe and healthy, so I have to be nosey when I believe you’re doing something unsafe.”
2. If Your Child Says: “You smoke/drink! You’re such a hypocrite!”
Try To: Focus on the issue at hand — you don’t want YOUR CHILD using drugs or drinking
You Can Say: “I wish I had never started smoking because it’s so hard to stop.”
“It is illegal for people under 21 to drink because their brains are still developing and aren’t equipped yet to handle alcohol.”
If You Are In Recovery, You Can Say, “I love you too much to let you make the same mistakes that I did.”
3. If Your Child Says:“I’ve never done drugs! You’re wrong!”
Try To: Remain calm and do whatever you can to keep the conversation going.
You Can Say: “I love you way too much to let anything happen to you. I need you to tell me the truth so I can figure out how to help you. I have no intention of getting mad or punishing you.”
Related post Intervention
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Related articles
- Teen drug and alcohol abuse rising: Why? (cbsnews.com)
- Teensavers Alert! Teen drug use rising. Time for a home drug test? (myteensavers.wordpress.com)
- Long Term Effects of Drug Abuse (iamaddicted2.wordpress.com)
- FAQs on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (education.com)
- Tips for Parents on Keeping Children Drug Free (education.com)
- Hey Mom and Dad: Here’s why you must drug test your teen. (homedrugtestkit.wordpress.com)
- Home Drug Test Alert! Partnership for DrugFree.org releases disturbing teen drug trends. (homedrugtestkit.wordpress.com)
- Let’s Look At How Teens Develop Socially (brighthub.com)
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