FollowCoping with Teenage Drug Use in the Family
So, after weeks of suspicion, you have discovered the truth: your teenager has been using drugs. You started noticing a change in their attitude, a change in the way they dressed, suddenly spend lots of time in their bedroom and their grades dropping at school. You thought it was just a phase they were going through, but you soon discovered the cold hard truth. So, now what do you do? Well, here are some things to do that will help you in coping with teenage drug use in the family.
Put Aside Negative Feelings– Even though your first responses to the fact that your teenager is using drugs may be disappointment, anger and fear, this is your child and they need your help right now. Let them know that even though you may be upset, it is only because you love them and care about them greatly.
Find Out the Reason for This Behavior– There are many reasons that teens get involved with drugs. It is important to find out why your teen became involved, so you can get to the heart of the problem. Reasons that teens get into drugs include peer pressure, desire to self-medicate, feelings of boredom, wanting to fit into their social circle and getting some type of attention.
Talk to Them– The last thing you want to do is yell, preach, threaten or scold your teen. This will only cause them to ignore you and shut you out. It is important that you calmly talk to them. Suggest to your teen that you both work together on solving the problem.
Get Them Help Immediately– Nothing else you do will make a difference unless you get them the help they desperately need. Talk to your teen’s family doctor first, since they can more than likely recommend a specialist for your teen. If your teen needs a treatment center, the family doctor can also help point you in the right direction.
