These are some tips from a parent who moved through the personal journey with a teen from the transitions of Wilderness, residential treatment and returning home to graduate from high school.
Are you concerned about teen substance use?
Now that I am nearing the end of my “troubled teen” parenting years I wish I had the answer.
As parents, I’m not convinced that we can “prevent” substance use. What I do know is that as parents we can be more informed, educated and involved. Therefore this is a list of the things that were eye opening for me and almost all were learned the hard way.
If you don’t do anything else on this list and you have teens in your home #1 and #2 are the most important. Those are the two points parents have commented to me the most that they should have listened when I asked them if they locked up their medicines and alcohol.
1. Lock up all your drugs.
It may not be for someone in your immediate household, but for someone from the outside that comes into your house
2. Lock up your alcohol.
Don’t wait to find missing bottles or missing liquor. Lock it up now.
3. Trust your better judgment.
If you have a hunch that something is not right or things should be done differently act on it or question it.
4. Seek advice from a professional
Reach out to a professional or someone that has been dealing with teens for a while. They know the signs, what to watch for and understand teen behavior.
5. Know who your kid’s friends and their parents are.
Work together to check up on your teen when they say they are doing an activity.
6. Kids use substances for a reason the same as adults.
If you think your teen has a substance use problem they are probably suffering in other areas of their life.
7. Don’t be your teens best friend. Be their parent.
They really don’t want you for a best friend but they do want a parent.
8. If you find strange things or articles that you don’t think your teen should have they probably shouldn’t.
If your teen gives you some line that it is not theirs but belongs to a friend, don’t believe them.
9. Learn about self-destructive behaviors such as cutting and eating disorders.
Don’t think they will just magically disappear.
10. Get outside help and support.
If you are struggling at home with your teen or home life is unbearable and they are continually oppositional and defiant, don’t try and fix it alone. Your family needs outside help and support.
What tips do you have to help prevent teen substance abuse? Let us know in comments.
Great suggestions for parents. I’m the mother of a 15 year old and there is so much social pressure to drink and party. My daughter so far has been resisting, but I worry it’s a matter of time.
Hi Jessica,
Thanks for visiting. There is pressure for kids to drink and drug, but keeping them in activities that they enjoy may help. Activities such as sports, theatre/art, volunteer, high school groups church related or through the YMCA helps. Good luck.