| It's important
to address concerns and suspicions early. Don't wait for absolute
'proof' of addiction to help your teen.
Get Educated: First, learn as much as
you can about substance abuse in general and Meth use in particular.
Attend available educational events.
Act Now: Begin to more closely
monitor your teen's activities. Keep track of changes in behavior,
appearance and friends. Find out who is on your teen's Internet
buddy list and what sites are bookmarked as favorites.
Don't Make Excuses: It's natural
for parents to be tempted to make excuses for their child or teen's
behavior - but this type of enabling actually makes it harder for a young
person to become responsible and self reliant.
Have the Talk: (Or - Let Them Know
You Know) It's not easy to confront someone with your concerns, even when
it is your own child. It is much harder to simply watch and worry
when you believe your teen is following a self destructive path.
Have the talk when you are calm and have plenty of time. Pick a time when
your teen is not impaired or high - even if it means waiting a day if your
teen comes home drunk or reeking of marijuana. For more specific tips on
discussing your concerns with your teen, check out
See It Say It.
Remember that you are not the first
parent to deal with these issues, and you don't have to do it alone.
Discuss the situation with someone you trust. Take the time to take
care of yourself while you are in the midst of this situation.
|
