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Teen drug use: numbers are falling, but what about in your home?
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Hooked on drugs
So, the kids are sitting around the table doing their homework, and as one pulls books from their backpack, a home made bong falls to the floor. They quickly try to hide it, but it’s too late – the preverbal cat is out of the bag. What’s the next move mom and dad?
Let me help. First take the bong away (that’s a bit obvious), then take a deep breath – take ten if you have to. Then step away. First reactions to this sort of discovery can very much impede the communication between yourself and your teen. This sort of behavior must be dealt with, and soon, but not necessarily immediately. If we as parents respond with anger, the teen is likely not to hear you at all. If we respond with too much disapproval the teen may be shamed in such a way to impact their life in other areas. This talk must wait until both parents and teens are in a good place to talk about it. That does not mean, “wait until your father comes home” either. Dad cannot necessarily be counted on to respond rationally after a long day at work.
When you do talk to your child about drugs, know what you are talking about. There is plethora of information available today. The last thing you want to do is lie to your teens. If you experimented with drugs when you were a kid, it’s none of your child’s business, but because of your experience you have a feeling as to why teen try drugs. Try to remember why you tried them, and how they made you feel. In all cases, it is the harmful effect of drugs on the body that makes them bad for us, not to mention, in many cases, illegal.
Don’t panic either. You have to know that today drug abuse is falling among our teens (with the exception of marijuana and prescription drugs such as Vicodin). If you find a bong (suggesting marijuana use) still don’t panic. Your fears can produce unwanted results.
A calm rational discussion must be had with your teen in order for things to get resolved. The punishment must be fitting with the crime. And here’s the tough one. Personally speaking I believe in the “fool me once shame on me, fool me twice shame on you” policy. If your child tells you that “it’s not mine …” for the first time – as a parent trust that. Trust between we as parents and our children is a huge bond. If that bond is broken then everything starts to crumble. Love and trust will get you through it.
For more information see NIDA: National Institute on Drug Abuse and NBN: We Care
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