Menu

Experimenting with mind altering substances in teenagers is very common. Almost half of all teenagers will have at some point taken something to purposefully cause intoxication. Usually, teenagers will find a way to manage or stop their use to avoid the most negative effects such as developing an addiction or getting in trouble with the police. Unfortunately, even light experimentation can sometimes cause disastrous consequences. We've all heard the horror stories and it can be shocking and terrifying for parents to catch their teenager using a drug, drinking or smoking. Teenagers are usually sensitive to the negative effects of taking drugs, especially the effects that come with heavy use. We as parents must work with this natural sensitivity and avoid making the problem worse with our reactions.

In my experience the worst thing that can happen when parents become aware that their teenager is using any kind of mind altering substance is that the resulting confrontations begin to erode the quality of the relationship between the teenager and their parents. When this happens the risk of the use and experimentation becoming abuse and addiction is much higher. There is substantial scientific research that demonstrates a clear link between the quality of a teenager's relationship with their parents and the severity of their problematic drug use. For this reason parents must play a prominent part in their teenager's psychotherapy when drugs are involved. It is vital to respond with appropriate firmness and to administer consequences that reduce or stop use while at the same making sure that we preserve our relationship with them.  ​​​

​

For teenagers counseling for a problem with drugs involves freely discussing their use or abuse without judgement or restriction. This helps them to be more aware of their motivations such as self-medicating, the negative effects to their minds and bodies and the real risks that they are taking with their lives. The more aware they are of these things the less likely it is that they allow the euphoria, fun or avoidant but pleasant numbness to dominate their thoughts on the matter of taking drugs. This psychotherapy can result in abstinence or it can lead to teenagers who limit their use to avoid the worst consequences of addiction and the self-harm that comes from substance abuse. This is common when it comes to alcohol and marijuana. In some cases, like with fentanyl, there's no such thing as responsible use and the goal is for them to stop completely and forever. 

Please read the list below to help you determine if you and your teenager might need help with a drug problem. ​