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Parents: What You Need To Know About Your Teen And Drugs &
Alcohol
By Susan Epstein
Do you suspect that your teen is using or abusing alcohol or
drugs? Is there a nagging feeling in the back of your brain that
you really need to check this out? Are you afraid of what you
might find? Do you worry when your son or daughter is out with
friends for hours on end and you really don’t know where they
are?
Then join the ranks of parenting teens today in America. In
almost every interaction I have with parents of teenagers this
topic comes up. Parents don’t know what to do.
Should I search his room? Should I confront her? Should I
demand a drug test? Will I drive an even bigger wedge into our
already distant relationship? Maybe it’s just normal that she is
experimenting…but her moods have changed. Are you frightened for
your teen’s safety?
Then read on:
The warning signs of teen alcohol or drug abuse:
•Missing school or work.
•Not saying where he or she is going; or being vague about
where he or she has been.
•Lying about where he or she has been.
•Stopping activities that he or she used to enjoy and not
replacing them with other fun activities.
•Borrowing money from parents or friends and unable to explain
loss of money or valuables.
•Sniffling, runny nose, dilated pupils or red eyes.
•Losing appetite or eating too much
•Associating with a new group of friends, often those who use
drugs.
•Hiding things that would show alcohol or drug use, liquor
bottles, rolling papers or pipes.
•Moodiness, change in personality, avoiding you.
(Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse.)
What you can do:
Parental Monitoring: Supervise your teen or know where your
teen is and what they are doing.
Make a Plan: Decide what you will say before you talk to your
teen if you suspect alcohol or drug abuse. (Avoid negativity,
express your concerns, caring and love.
State the Facts: State what you know from the above warning
signs.
Be Open: Listen to what your teen has to say.
Set and Enforce Rules: With care and concern, let your teen
know that you will not put up with drug or alcohol use/abuse. “I
know you can’t stand it when I make rules, but I am your parent
and it my job to keep you safe.” Hold your teen accountable for
his or her actions and set clear consequences for not obeying
your rules.
Be Prepared for Obstacles: Many teens will become very angry
and defensive and walk away from you. Take a deep breath and go
back for round #2.
Keep Talking: Any chance you get, make an attempt to talk with
your teen. Don’t give up or lose your temper no matter how
uncomfortable the situation might seem.
Design a Contract: About rules and their consequences. Both you
and your teen sign it. Be clear, firm and concise.
Follow Through: Be consistent. The minute you back off or avoid
your teen will run with the freedom.
Know this: Your teen wants you to rein him or her in. It is
scary having so much power and no one noticing that you are
getting away with breaking rules. Being out of control is not
that much fun for your teen either.
About the Author: Susan P. Epstein, LCSW, Parent Life Coach,
works with parents looking to get control of their family life.
She practiced psychotherapy for 23 years before becoming a
coach, writer and speaker. An expert in the areas of family
dynamics, parenting and child development, Susan will uncover
and unleash your parenting power. You can read more of Susan's
parenting articles, and the special report 'Take Back Your
Parenting Power" at Susan's website
http://www.ParentingPowers.com .
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=139832&ca=Parenting
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