Teens and Drugs

Getting through to your teen about the consequences of doing drugs can be an uphill battle

That’s often because teens typically draw from their own experience and that experience is both limited and biased…. all beyond their awareness.

To add, they can gather all kinds of other biased information to suit their views from the Internet.

So you are not just trying to take on your teen, but through them, their like-minded peers and the limitless supply of Internet junk science.

Rather than info wars and arguments, parents may be better off with setting limits, boundaries and expectations, including responsibilities.

In addition, rather than arguing for what a teen can’t do, instead, direct them to what they can do. Facilitate the path to self-improvement through their interests.

It is typically difficult to do drugs when engaged in wholesome, interesting and skill developing activities.

Do also keep in mind not only the influence of peers and Internet, but also influences within the family.

When a parent consumes alcohol or other substances even if legal, it can be seen as a green light for the teen to consume even if the other parent says no.

Other family factors, academic issues or problems in the community can be an issue for the teen where drug use offers relief. So have an understanding of contributing issues can be helpful if those issues can be resolved.

So what to do?

Figure out what contributing issues are at play and seek to resolve them.

Notwithstanding contributing issues, limits, boundaries, expectations and responsibilities should be reviewed.

Healthy activities and alternatives for the use of one’s time can provide a distraction.

Beyond that, some teens may still be drawn into drugs.

Maintain your boundaries for acceptable behavior in your home.

Be there when your teen can make use of your support. You can offer professional services to your teen but these are usually only helpful if desired by the teen.

Sadly, for some, it’s only through the consequences of their own actions do they learn.

That is a scary ride for which the parents are best to seek support for themselves. Don’t hesitate to get counseling for yourself too.

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I am Gary Direnfeld and I am a social worker. Check out all my services and then call me if you need help with a personal issue, mental health concern, child behavior or relationship, divorce or separation issue or even help growing your practice. I am available in person and by video conferencing.

Gary Direnfeld, MSW, RSW

gary@yoursocialworker.com
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Gary Direnfeld is a social worker. Courts in Ontario, Canada, consider him an expert in social work, marital and family therapy, child development, parent-child relations and custody and access matters. Gary is the host of the TV reality show, Newlywed, Nearly Dead, former parenting columnist for the Hamilton Spectator and author of Marriage Rescue: Overcoming the ten deadly sins in failing relationships. Gary maintains a private practice in Georgina Ontario, providing a range of services for people in distress. He speaks at conferences and workshops throughout North America. He consults to mental health professionals as well as to mediators and collaborative law professionals about good practice as well as building their practice.