Day 3 Drugs

3. Drugs:

Drugs are an area where it is crucial that you have accurate knowledge before wading in.

The drug scene has changed over time and drugs that used to be popular when you were young may be less so now, particularly as new drugs are being introduced as 'legal highs' as soon as others are banned.

'Talk To Frank' is an excellent website which offers up to date information and good advice if you are worried that your teen may be taking drugs.

It is important to examine and question your own attitude to drugs before bringing the subject with your teen. This is particularly important if you are part of a couple as your attitudes to drugs may vary from that of your partner.

If you cannot agree on the approach to take regarding drugs then your teenager is likely to be confused or may operate a 'divide and rule' approach. They may exploit your difference of opinion to their advantage.

It may be that you have quite a relaxed attitude to drug taking while your partner has not. If this is the case then start by discussing your views with your partner until you can find a compromise that will enable you to present a united front when speaking with your teen.

It may be that your partner shares your views but family and friends do not.

When it comes to something like this it is important that you think carefully about your own approach to drugs and then it will be possible to agree a set of house rules that everyone abides by.

Your teen may have friends whose parents or carers have a different approach to drugs than your own. They may be more or less tolerant than you.

Parents hear all kinds of scare stories about teens who take a drug once and then die. While this is a possibility and is extremely tragic when it does happen, many teenagers experiment with drugs. Of these only a small percentage go on to be a regular drug user so if you do suspect your child is experimenting with drugs it is important to remain calm and keep things in perspective.

If you have an open and honest relationship with your teen where you feel able to discuss things, it would be good to be straight with them and bring up the subject calmly.

Again it can be possible to bring up the subject after watching a programme featuring a character who has a drug problem. You know your child, so are likely to know when they are most likely to be responsive. They are unlikely to respond positively if you bring up the subject in front of their friends, for example.

It is important to be aware of the health risks associated with taking drugs as well as being aware of the legal situation.

If your child receives a drug conviction they may find they are not permitted to enter certain countries including the USA, for example.

Life is all about making choices. The parent and carers role is to advise and support but ultimately the child will decide what advice to take and what to ignore.

It is also important to 'practise what you preach.' If you take drugs yourself it is likely that your teenager will ignore your demands that they remain drug-free.

If you have established house rules around drug-taking such as 'this house is a drug free zone so no-one is permitted to take illegal drugs in it' you need to agree suitable consequences for the breaking of this rule.

It is helpful to have discussed the rules and the consequences in advance and then if the rules are broken the agreed consequences should be followed through with calmly.

If you realise that your child has a serious drug problem and needs help it is important that you know where to look for help.

Again sites such as: http://www.talktofrank.com/ can be an invaluable source of advice and support.

The key to resolving this issue is communication. Whatever is happening, if you can keep the lines of communication open between you and your teen, you have the best chance of supporting them.