What to Do if Your Teen is Using
If you’ve just discovered or have reason to believe your child is using substances, the first thing to do is sit down and take a deep breath. We know this is scary, but you’re in the right place.
Keep calm. Don’t overreact. This may lead your child to take greater risks to prove that they are independent.
Communication is key! When dealing with behavior problems it is important to communicate your disapproval of the behavior without making your child feel rejected or like they are a bad person.
- Ask your teen to recall the guidelines that were set and the consequences that go along with breaking them.
- Ask what they learned during this experience. Have them tell you objectively what was positive and negative.
- BIG IDEA: Listen carefully, when they talk about the positives they are giving clues to what their needs are, and maybe you can facilitate them to find healthier options to meet those needs.
- Thank then for their honesty.
- State that they just made a choice that resulted in negative consequences.
- State that next time you believe they will make a better choice, you believe in them, you love them.
- Stick to the full consequence, expressed in love
- Tell yourself you are doing the right thing.
Click on the resources below for more information about improving communication and creating boundaries:
| What to do if your child is using drugs | Prepare to take action | If you discover your child is using drugs: start talking | Addressing substance use | Using positive reinforcement |
What should I do if my teen continues using marijuana, even after suffering consequences?
If you think that your teen is addicted or cannot stop using marijuana or other drugs, contact their doctor, and reach out to family members, former adult mentors with whom they have a strong relationship to talk about their challenges, where they are headed, concerns, etc.
Check out this Don't Panic! guide to learn non-alarmist ways of dealing with your teens' drug use and identifying whether treatment is necessary.
Contact us to learn more about resources & our coaching services.