How many times have we heard we need to TALK to our kids about not using drugs. Just say no to drugs. Drugs are bad for you. Drugs can lead to addiction. Addiction can lead to death, etc.
So what do you do when you finally realize your teen is using drugs? Most commonly parents will first find every excuse under the moon, and it takes a while for the parent denial to subside and reality to set in.
"My teen is using drugs. My teen is smoking pot. My teen is drinking. My teen is using esctasy."
Yes, maybe he/she has fallen into a bad crowd, negative peer group and facing peer pressure, but at the end of the day it is your teen that has made the choice to use drugs. His/her friends are not your concern or an excuse.
The Partnership at Drug.Free.org launched "TIME-TO-ACT" to help you through this process. Are you still not convinced your teen is using drugs? Do you think they are? Must watch video on sidebar.
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:
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Setting tighter limits with clear consequences
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Getting outside help and support if necessary
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Having productive conversations with your child -- remain calm, share your concerns and listen.
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Closely monitoring your child's behavior and activities
If your teen is escalating out-of-control it may be time to consider residential therapy. Take the time to do your research to find the most appropriate program for your teens individual needs. Visit www.helpyourteens.com for more educational and valuable information on residential therapy.
Sources: Partnership at DrugFree.org, Parents Universal Resource Experts (P.U.R.E.)
In St. Johns County parents can visit PACT Prevention Coalition for local resources. (Prevention, Advocacy, Choices, Teamwork).
Be an educated parent, you will have safer and healthier teens.
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