2023 Author: Anita Thornton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-22 03:30
It can be worrying to find out that your teen is using drugs or thinking about doing so. Anger. Sadness. Fear. Confusion. These are natural reactions.
Your family is facing a problem and will need to be determined to solve it. Above all, don't make a decision based on your emotions, and work step by step to arrive at a solution that suits the whole family.
Acknowledge the problem
Discussing it with other family members is important. Even if this task seems unpleasant, you must tell them that your child has a drug problem. Be brief and straight to the point so that your emotions don't overwhelm you and you'll be better able to deal with the problem. You need your family to support you, understand you and not judge anyone. A confrontation with them could make the situation worse.
Assess the situation
Although this approach may seem new to many parents, you may want to use it to determine the best way to deal with the problem. What are your possibilities? Obtaining information from multiple sources and gathering intelligence will help you see things through, butdon't make a decision until you have analyzed all the possibilities.
Get help
Trust in someone you trust, such as a teacher, school counselor, family doctor, or priest of a religious denomination. Don't overlook treatment centres, drug prevention coalitions and other resources aimed at curbing drug use.
Drugs: help and referral
Toll free everywhere in Quebec: 1 800 265-2626In Montreal: 514-527-2626
The National Anti-Drug Strategy site contains many other very relevant information for parents.
