No one ever wants to believe their child could ever become an addict, but the harsh truth is that anyone can become one. Teens go through a lot and must deal with constant peer pressure from their friends. It’s common for them to be surrounded by drugs and alcohol when they’re hanging out with friends at parties, any social gathering, and even at school. There’s no escaping drugs because they’re everywhere. It can be hard to determine if your teen is just moody, if they’re suffering from a mental health problem, or if they’re addicted to a substance. Learn the warning signs and be prepared to confront them about your suspicions.
Gain Support
One of the hardest things you can do is confront your teenager without having any support. Talk to your family members and find people who are willing to be with you when you talk to your child. These people are also affected by their drug use, so it can be beneficial to have your teen see all the people they’re hurting. Talk with your spouse to make sure they’re on the same page as you and will support you during the confrontation. The important thing is coming together at a time like this, not placing the blame on each other. Come up with a plan together for treatment, such as drug detox center in Orange County.
Gather Evidence
You must have evidence to back up your assumptions before talking to them. Without any form of proof, there’s just going to be a lot of arguing with nothing to help you. Some common hiding places for drugs and drug paraphernalia include small boxes, in plants, inside of books, under beds, makeup cases, desk drawers, and inside empty candy bags. When there’s something like a possible drug addiction going on, you as a parent have every right to snoop in your child’s room. They’re not going to like it, but once you find something, your suspicions will be confirmed, and you can prepare for the next step.
Prepare for the Storm
Your teen will not like being confronted. They’re going to be angry, they’ll probably deny the addiction, claim they’re fine or say the drugs belong to someone else. You need to be prepared for name-calling, yelling, and acting out. Remain calm no matter what happens. Be honest with your child about how you feel and how this is affecting their life and yours. If things get too heated, it’s okay to take a break.
