by Robert Bruton

Created on: October 27, 2009

Dealing with a teen on drugs is a daunting task. Like anyone using drugs the lies and deceit flow from the mouth of the drug user as freely as a river flows. The good news Mom and Dad is you have a huge amount of resources to help.

Let's learn a few things about what to expect. If you catch your teen high, talking in that moment is futile and you are speaking to the drug not your child. A parents first reaction is just that a reaction. Yelling is only going to drive your child further away. They will do the drugs to drown you out. Also you have to realize they don't care what privileges you take away, your teen will then become quit cunning.

Many parents will try to scare a child. Realize your child needs help not fear. You can go to a juvenile detention center and many have scared straight programs. But the underlying issue runs deeper. Chances are the drug is giving your teen a false sense of self. When high they believe they fit in, their funny, popular, and these are things they don't feel sober. What is needed is to teach teens to value themselves without drugs. Self esteem is a big part of drug use, or we should say lack thereof.

Drugs give your teen an escape from reality. For a troubled teen this can become their Nirvana. A peaceful place they can be where nothing harms them. The key is to find out the underlying issue, why your teen likes to be high. "I just like to be high" is not an answer. Why? It allows them to not feel something that gives them pain. Peer pressure likely got them to try it. But what keeps them going is another matter. Find that key and you will be able to overcome drugs and cope.

If you have addiction issues that run in your family, realize that addiction is a disease. Requiring treatment; now is where we get into what to do.

First get yourself to a 12 step program. Yes, you to a 12 step program for parents of children who abuse drugs. Here you will find other parents with exactly the same problems you face. It's a refreshing place to fellowship and learn. Learn to deal with your teen from the perspective of a parent armed to deal with drug issues. This will not simply be a phase. You have to deal with this head on. But the support you will find in a parent group will get you through the toughest of times.

Introduce your teen into a 12 step program. You can also utilize your church, counseling center or licensed therapist. Start somewhere, just make sure where you start has knowledge and professional experience with teen drug issues. You need help that only someone with drug experience can give. This is a specialized field for good reason. Also realize you have hope. That one day your child will be sober.

Coping with teens and drugs comes with educating parents. You can be no help to your child without first understanding fully how to cope with your child high and sober. When you possess those skills you will then be able to cope with your teens drug use. It's not easy and there will be trials, but you will understand and get through these moments of pain.

Learn more about this author, Robert Bruton.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.