When Your Teen Considers Drugs: A Parent’s Guide

Written by Evita Morin, LMSW

The Call That Changes Everything

It’s a typical Thursday evening when your phone rings. You recognize the number…the parent of your daughter’s friend. That’s unusual. You have a sense something’s amiss. The news isn’t catastrophic, but it’s far from good: he tells you that your daughter and his daughter were trying to obtain THC gummies together. Thankfully, the dad discovered their plan before anything happened. As you hang up, your mind races. How do you handle this? What do you say to your daughter? Here’s a guide to navigating this challenging situation:

Navigate Your Emotions

It’s natural to feel in shock or want to jump straight to anger, disappointment, and discipline when you discover your teen’s interest in drugs. However, approaching this conversation calmly and with self-assurance is crucial. How they choose to navigate the world of drugs and alcohol may have life-changing consequences, and you will want them to understand the gravity and risks. Before you leap to consequences, consider these strategies to address the issue constructively.

Understanding Teen Curiosity

Recognize that curiosity about trying new things is normal, especially during adolescence. Teens are likely exposed to experimenting peers and messages that drugs and alcohol are a good way to “have fun.” In our County, statistics show exposure happens as early as age 12, so if you haven’t already talked to your kids about drugs an alcohol, you can expect that someone, somewhere, has.

Open a Dialogue

Many children expressed they will “never use drugs or alcohol,” when they were younger. Approach your teen by revisiting that conversation to learn and listen to what has changed in their world to rethink their decision. Ask your teen what sparked their interest and what they expected to experience. This approach fosters an open dialogue and encourages honesty. More importantly, it will help you understand your child better and what they do and don’t already know about drugs.

Read the rest of the blog on our website: https://www.riserecovery.org/2024/07/when-your-teen-considers-drugs-a-parents-guide/.