WHAT SHOULD I DO? MY CHILD IS USING DRUGS

The presence of pipes, rolling papers, small medicine bottles, eye drops, or butane lighters in your home signal that your child may be using drugs. Other clues include homemade pipes and bongs (pipes that use water as a filter) made from soda cans or plastic beverage containers. If any of these indicators show up, parents should start discussing what steps to take so they can present a united front.

If you suspect that your child is using illegal drugs, alcohol or prescription drugs you should talk to him/her about your suspicions avoiding direct accusations. This talk should take place when he/she is sober or straight, and you’re calm. This will show your child that you still love him/her, but you are most concerned with what he/she is doing to him/herself.

Taking time to discuss the problem without turning away from it is an important first step to take care of the problem. Most important, act fast, seeking counseling from a certified mental health professional with experience in youth and substance abuse is critical. Depending on your teen’s behavior and level of addiction your child will have a greater chance of recovery by attending a residential adolescent addiction treatment.

Even in the face of mounting evidence, parents often have a hard time acknowledging that their child has an alcohol, illicit drug or prescription drug abuse problem. Anger, resentment, guilt, and a sense of failure are all common reactions, but it is important to avoid self-blame. Drug abuse occurs in families of all economic and social backgrounds, in happy and unhappy homes alike. Most important is that the faster you act, the sooner your child can start the better is the outcome.

We must remember that every teen is a child with a dream. Teen drug abuse and teen addiction can steal a parent and child’s dreams for their future. Don’t let your child become a statistic.

If you have any questions, please know that we are here to provide you with support and guidance, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We welcome the opportunity to answer your questions free of charge about teen behavior, substance use, adolescent addiction, teen drug rehab, or other related matters. If you would prefer, please fill out our short form and one of our counselors will respond.