What can I do if I find out my child is using drugs?

Experimentation and taking risks are a natural part of growing up. Most drug use is experimental or recreational rather than dependent or problematic. As a parent, it can be difficult to determine the level of your child's drug use and to also make decisions regarding what levels are acceptable. Some parents may feel that not taking any amount of a drug is the only acceptable level of drug use, while others may feel that this would be unrealistic. There are a number of strategies that can assist in discussing issues relating to drug use.

Avoid panicking
Easier said than done, but over reacting will make it much harder to find out exactly what is happening in your child's life.

Be informed
Be prepared to discuss drug issues openly and honestly. Think about some of the questions your child may ask and find out the facts in advance. For more information contact Youth Solutions.

Remember your child may know more about drugs and their effects than you do. If you tell exaggerated stories about the dangers of drug use to try and scare your children away from drugs, they may not listen to what you have to say in the future.

Establish some agreements
It is useful to establish some agreements about acceptable behaviour in relation to alcohol and drugs. These can help protect your child from some of the risks of drug use. For example:

"I would hope you never drive if you've been drinking, or travel in a car with someone who has been drinking. I would be much happier if you stay over at a friend's house, take a taxi, or phone home so we can come and collect you."

Part of the agreement is that the parent will come without any fuss. All discussions should wait until the next day.

Try to keep to any commitments made.

Privacy
Think about consequences before acting. For example, is it worth searching your child's room if it means potentially losing their trust?

Provide a good role model
Drugs are very much a part of Australian life. Children are exposed to legal drugs such as alcohol and tobacco at a very early age. Parents and other adults are important role models. Children are very quick to spot double standards, for example being told that their drug use is wrong by a parent who drinks alcohol and smokes tobacco.

Seek Support
If your child is regularly using a drug, support is available. This assistance is available for families, friends, drug users and others and includes professional counselling, parent support groups and telephone services offering counselling, advice and information.

There is no need to deal with drug issues alone.

For information, counselling, advice, services available and other assistance, contact Youth Solutions.

Source: Common questions parents ask about young people (n.d) Retrieved November 11, 2005 , from http://druginfo.adf.org.au/article.asp?ContentID=common_questions_parents_ask_a#what