LOOK TO THE RIGHT Posted by:Rocco--Monday, May 31, 2010

LOOK TO THE RIGHT

Look to the right of this page and you will find a link to “TIME TO ACT”
presented by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America - Drugfree.org

Take some time to check it out.

Whether you suspect or whether you know for sure that your child is using drugs or alcohol; Drugfree.org presents a step by step guide on what steps you should take to address the issue.

As they note: The thought of your teenager using drugs is not a comfortable one for most parents. You don't want to believe that your child could be involved in using drugs or alcohol.

But more importantly you do not want to ignore the warning signs.

Realize that this is probably not just a phase your child is going through.

You want to act as quickly as possible but first take the time to read up on how to handle the situation. Knowing what to look for is a huge help in determining whether your child is drinking or using drugs.

Talk to your spouse or partner or the child’s other parent. Always try to present a united front.

Talk to your child. The first and most important thing you can do is to come right out and ask your child.

Expect denial and anger. Be prepared to be called a lot of things and to even be hated by your child.

Collect evidence. Destroying evidence was one of my own first mistakes (while I was still in denial) and one thing I find in common with a lot of parents. Collect Evidence. And keep it in a secure place where your child cannot get to it.

Set rules in your home and spell out consequences. Make sure that you always follow through with the consequences. If you think that you can’t follow through with a consequence it is better not to set it.

Get your teen and yourself help.

The “TIME TO ACT” site is a good tool to get started.

Do not hesitate or be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help.

Your child’s life is at risk.

At Parent’s Survival Skills Training (PSST) we are here to support you and to help you become oriented as to what it means to be a parent of a child that is using drugs or alcohol. As my wife Sally said “We knew that we were good parents, but we were not good parents of someone who used drugs.”


PSST’s goal is to empower parents with the support, information, skills and techniques a parent needs to help a teenager save their own life. Our meetings and our blog are open to all parents who are serious about making a difference in their children’s life. There is no charge or commitment.