Help! I Suspect My Teen Is Doing Drugs
Being a parent is tough, especially when you face difficult circumstances and are forced to implement disciplinary actions. For parents, discovering their children have dabbled in drugs may be their worst nightmare. Parents who suspect their teenage sons or daughters are doing drugs may want to figure out ways to handle their situations properly.
As a child approaches his teen years and reaches high school, there is a good chance he will try drugs at least once. The most popular drug at this age is marijuana. An annual survey of 50,000 middle and high school students conducted by the University of Michigan found that 16 percent of 8th-graders, 32 percent of 10th-graders and 42 percent of 12th-graders have all smoked marijuana.
Even though some parents may feel marijuana use is not that much of a concern, it may be a good idea to nip any drug use, including this one, in the bud right away, as it can be extremely habit forming and often serves as a gateway for kids to try more severe drugs in the future.
Parents who suspect their children are using marijuana, cocaine, prescription drugs or other substances should take action. It is important for parents to sit down with their children and discuss the consequences of drug use. Mentors should be specific in their concerns and tell their children what they're are worried about exactly, such as their lack of motivation or different clothing, behaviors or friends. Try not to get angry or accusatory, but connect with the child and be understanding, The National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign suggests.
After the discussion, parents will need to stay firm on whatever course of action or punishment they have decided. They will likely also have to monitor their teens after school and weekend activities more closely. Finally, parents should be prepared to enlist professional help if necessary because it can be hard to guide children down the right bath, and sometimes it may be worthwhile to ask for a little assistance.
