Teenage drug abuse is a frightening thought for all parents. We desperately want to keep our children safe, but in this world of ours today that is becoming harder and harder to do.
Where possible, it is important to stop teenage drug abuse before it actually occurs. But that can only be done if you have been fortunate enough to develop a situation within which your teen is able to discuss potential problems with you.
Teenagers consider that they know far more than their parents ever will (until they become parents of teenagers) and most will do their very best to keep their parents noses out of their private lives.
None the less, if you suspect your teen may be taking drugs it is imperative that you do whatever is needed to stop him or her as soon as possible. But, you had better be quite certain of your facts. If you get it wrong you are going to cause a lot of damage in your relationship.
Teens are naturally moody and reluctant to communicate most of the time. Their hormones are raging all over the place, they are neither child nor adult, yet they are invariably treated as children but must behave as adults. This is a difficult time for them.
Their bodies are undergoing huge changes from undeveloped childhood to that of fully developed men and women. They are beginning to discover a world out there that they never knew existed. They want to be part of this grand “new” place.
Unfortunately teenage drug use is a fact of life and teens and drugs a fearful combination. Many teens are going to tentatively experiment with whatever comes their way. Most of the time all they want to do is to experience something new and different. Most of the time having tried it, they are quite happy to walk away.
Sadly, they don’t realize how incredibly dangerous that first time can be. They are not aware that the first time they experiment with drugs could well be the last time they experiment or experience anything at all.
Some signs that your teen may be taking drugs:
Excessive mood swings not related to Bipolar Disease
Pupils of eyes are either pinpoint or excessively dilated
Money goes missing from the parental purse
Jewelry or other items of value go missing from the house
Regularly cuts school
Relationships with old friends breaks down and new less desirable friends make their appearance
Put your facts together and then CALMLY talk to your teen. Above all do NOT lose your temper, this will be counter productive. Remember, that despite all the facts that you believe you have at your fingertips, the problem could be related to trouble at school, with friends or as a result of depression. You need to get your son or daughter to open up to you and the only way you can do this is to remain calm and supportive.
If your teen still refuses to speak to you, you have the right to quietly tell him or her that because you love him or her and want to protect them from harm, you have every intention of doing whatever is necessary and speaking to whoever is necessary in order to find out the truth.
Your next step will be to get hold of any close friends of your teen and with whom you have had a good relationship. It is highly likely that they will tell you if there is a drug problem although they may try to avoid doing so initially (after all they do not want to rat on a friend).
Once you have the required information do not try to handle the situation yourself. This is a time when professional assistance is required. Both you and your teen are going to need support. Chat to your minister and to your child’s doctor – one of them will be able to recommend a drug counselor and a possible treatment program.
This will be a rather painful period of time, but you and your wonderful teenager are likely come out of it as stronger people with a closer and deeper relationship.
Every parent needs to declare ware on teenage drug abuse.
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