How to Talk to Your Teen If You Suspect Drug Misuse

Reading headline after headline about our current opioid epidemic can leave parents feeling frightened and even helpless. But there’s good news: If you think your teen is using and abusing drugs, you can make a difference and you don’t have to break the silence alone. 

The NCADA offers some do's and don'ts for starting the conversation and helping your loved one get back on a healthy path. 

Your first step: Don’t blame yourself. Just because your teen has used drugs or alcohol doesn’t mean that you are a “bad parent” or that they are a “bad kid,” say NCADA. And remember: Your primary goal is to address the unhealthy behavior, express your concern and get him or her professional help.

What to Do...

Take the time to get your thoughts together and decide what you want the outcome of the conversation to be. A few more pointers from the NCADA:

• Stay calm and stick to the facts.
• Express to your child how important your relationship with them is to you. Use “I care” messages.
• Offer examples of specific behaviors that concern you. “Last week, you went from being happy to being extremely crabby without any warning.”
• Discuss how this problem is affecting your relationship: “I feel like I can’t trust you anymore, and I’m afraid to leave you at home by yourself.” 
• Tell your teen what needs to change or what you’d like for them to do: “I want you to start seeing a counselor to get help.”
• Know your limits and recognize when professional help is necessary.

What Not to Do...

Timing is everything, so don’t confront your child when he or she is under the influence or when you or your child is angry. A few more tips, according to NCADA: 

• Don’t label with words like “addict.”
• Don’t argue or debate with your child.
• Don’t feel guilty. 

Opioid Addiction Treatment for Young Adults
Young adults (age 18 to 25) are the biggest abusers of prescription opioid pain relievers, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. And early intervention is the most successful treatment. If someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction, don’t wait to get help. Call today: 866-930-4673.