Drug abuse is not a new problem. It has been around for centuries. With very few exceptions, every family has at least one member who has had or is currently dealing with a drug problem. Teens seem to be the most susceptible to the use of illegal drugs. Growing up is hard enough and being a teen seems, at the time, to be the most difficult part. Between peer pressure and the pressure to succeed they have a lot on their plate to deal with. It is no wonder that the lure of a release from those pressures appeals to them.
As our children grow up we try to give them more freedom but with more freedom comes more chances to get in trouble. Most times the trouble is innocent and doesn’t lead to anything more than grounding. In some cases it is more than just innocent fun and becomes an addiction that they can not control.
Most parents are oblivious to what their children are doing and when their teen has a sudden change in attitude they believe it to be just a phase that all teens go through. By the time they figure out that there is a deeper problem and that drugs are involved it has developed into a full blown addiction. Parents have become so involved with their own day to day lives that they tend to overlook the obvious or don’t want to believe that their children could be doing drugs.
It is every parent’s responsibility to monitor their children. We as parents have forgotten how to be parents and started being our children’s friends. We want to be considered the “cool” parents and think that by doing that they will feel more comfortable with us and talk to us about everything. This new attitude has given our children the impression that we either don’t care or won’t notice what they are doing. We have got to get back to being parents and quit worrying about what our children think of us. The old adage that they live under your roof and will live by your rules, although it sounds archaic, still holds true. The facts are that you are responsible for their safety and well-being and have every right to know where they are going and who they will be with. It isn’t a crime to ask, even though they will act as if it is. If you have doubts about anything they are doing or who they are doing it with you can keep them from going. Yes, they will scream and shout about it but you just have to remember that you are the parent and that even though you want to make them happy you can’t do it all the time.
When you see that your child is beginning to act differently than they used to, short tempered, hiding in their room more often, avoiding family or even a drop in grades, searching their room is not out of the question. It is your home and what goes on in it is your business no matter what they think. If you find drugs or drug paraphernalia do not be afraid to confront them with what you found. You are doing what is necessary to keep them from hurting themselves and being a good parent. Depending on the type of drug and severity of the problem, seeking help from a drug program or counselor may be your only solution.
Dealing with the problem head on is the best avenue of attack. Do not just warn your child not to do it again and turn a blind eye. This will not solve the problem. As difficult as it to see your child has a problem that you can not deal with alone. Tough love is cliche but it is true. They need this from you and despite screams to the contrary, they will thank you for it one day.
