1Addiction treatments include the organization of treatment programs for patients, whether in hospitals or in outpatient clinics and advise them and help them to resist using drugs again and to overcome the addiction.
2treatment programs:
3Include courses that focus on the addict's access to supportive therapy and relapse prevention can be achieved in individual or group sessions or family.
4advice:
5Taking advice from a counselor myself individually or with family, or a psychiatrist helps to resist the temptation of drug addiction and the resumption of abuse. Behavior treatments can help to find ways to deal with cravings in drug use, and suggests strategies to avoid and prevent relapse, and to make suggestions on how to deal with relapse if it occurs. Advice also involves talking about work addict, and legal problems, and relationships with family and friends. Take advice with family members and help them to develop better communication skills with an addict until they are more supportive of him.
6Self-help groups:
7These groups exist for people addicted to drugs and their message is that addiction is a chronic disease and there is a risk of relapse, and supportive therapy, continuous and which includes therapy, counseling and self-help groups meetings necessary to prevent relapse again. Helps the physician to locate these groups.
8Treatment of withdrawal:
9Drug withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the type of drug used and include insomnia, vomiting, sweating, sleep problems, hallucinations, convulsions, pain in bones and muscles, high blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature, depression and attempted suicide.
10The objective of treatment withdrawal (detoxification) is to stop taking drugs quickly and safely, including:
11Gradually reduce the dose of drugs.
12Temporarily replaced by other materials have less severe side effects, such as methadone or buprenorphine.
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Guide Tell if Your Neighbor Is on Drugs
1Reach out. Many people use drugs as a way to escape from pain. Habitual drug use can make a person feel isolated and empty. Sometimes, just knowing that someone else cares and is available is enough to get someone to open up about their drug use and ask for help.
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2If you don't feel comfortable reaching out and asking if someone has a problem, closely observe your neighbor's behavior. Common indicators of drug use include: people coming and going from your neighbor's house at all hours of the night, paranoid behavior such as constantly looking out the windows, or expressing an irrational fear that someone is "out to get them."
3Aside from overt changes in behavior, look for physical indicators of drug use as well. Bloodshot eyes and abnormal pupil size are common side effects of drug use. If the person is taking stimulants, the pupils will be dilated. Conversely, if opiates are being used, the pupils will be constricted. Injection scars, chronic runny nose, and excessive scratching are also physical characteristics to look for. In prolonged cases of drug use, rapid weight loss, and changes to skin color and complexion are additional warning signs to take note of.
4Look for sudden changes in personal appearance and attitude, such as poor hygiene, or an inability to maintain a conversation with your neighbor.
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2If you don't feel comfortable reaching out and asking if someone has a problem, closely observe your neighbor's behavior. Common indicators of drug use include: people coming and going from your neighbor's house at all hours of the night, paranoid behavior such as constantly looking out the windows, or expressing an irrational fear that someone is "out to get them."
3Aside from overt changes in behavior, look for physical indicators of drug use as well. Bloodshot eyes and abnormal pupil size are common side effects of drug use. If the person is taking stimulants, the pupils will be dilated. Conversely, if opiates are being used, the pupils will be constricted. Injection scars, chronic runny nose, and excessive scratching are also physical characteristics to look for. In prolonged cases of drug use, rapid weight loss, and changes to skin color and complexion are additional warning signs to take note of.
4Look for sudden changes in personal appearance and attitude, such as poor hygiene, or an inability to maintain a conversation with your neighbor.
Guide Stop a Spouse from Sneaking Drugs
1Determine what type of drug(s) they are sneaking. You can call you're spouse out on it, but the only way to do that is by finding out what kind of drug(s) they are sneaking. You can do this by spying on them, or if you see a prescription bottle, look at the label.
2If it is illegal, you need to confront them. Narcotics and other drugs may be classified as illegal in you're state/country. Narcotics are not illegal if they were prescribed, but many people can become addicted. If you figure out that the drug(s) you're spouse is sneaking is in fact illegal, you need to contact police. It may be hard because you love him/her, but once you know they are sneaking it, the crime is shared with you. The law labels you as an accessory to a crime if you know about it and don't report it.
3If it is not illegal, you still need to confront them. Drugs are drugs, whether they are against the law or not. They change people's lives, and they also ruin lives. You need to make you're spouse aware of you're feelings, and let them know that you do not like them sneaking around.
4If they refuse to stop, there are many measures you can take. You may either chose to legally separate, or you can try and place them in a psychiatric facility. Keep in mind that you are adults, and if you're spouse is not doing illegal drugs, you cannot make them go to treatment. If you chose to separate, remember that it isn't you're fault. You may have children, and no kid should be around that. It may be what is best for you.
2If it is illegal, you need to confront them. Narcotics and other drugs may be classified as illegal in you're state/country. Narcotics are not illegal if they were prescribed, but many people can become addicted. If you figure out that the drug(s) you're spouse is sneaking is in fact illegal, you need to contact police. It may be hard because you love him/her, but once you know they are sneaking it, the crime is shared with you. The law labels you as an accessory to a crime if you know about it and don't report it.
3If it is not illegal, you still need to confront them. Drugs are drugs, whether they are against the law or not. They change people's lives, and they also ruin lives. You need to make you're spouse aware of you're feelings, and let them know that you do not like them sneaking around.
4If they refuse to stop, there are many measures you can take. You may either chose to legally separate, or you can try and place them in a psychiatric facility. Keep in mind that you are adults, and if you're spouse is not doing illegal drugs, you cannot make them go to treatment. If you chose to separate, remember that it isn't you're fault. You may have children, and no kid should be around that. It may be what is best for you.
Guide Help Your Husband Stop Smoking Drugs
1Realize that people aren't going to change just because you want them too. People who use drugs feel they need to as they are stuck in a loop where all concerns revolve around them and giving up drugs will leave a huge hole in that person's life.
2Seek to understand drugs from a user's point of view. It depends what drugs he is smoking; cannabis might not be as damaging as cocaine but it matters how the drugs cause your husband to behave with the rest of you, regardless of the potency, harmfulness health-wise, or other reasons.
3Seek professional help to overcome addiction or drug habits. Medical help might include getting an alternative substance on subscription. Then seek mental health advice, and see a therapist.
4Find alternative distractions. You need to find other things to focus your energy on and get enjoyment out of.
5Try persuading or convincing your husband to go to a rehabilitation center. Grab some family members and friends to hold an intervention for him. Hopefully it can penetrate enough in his mind to get him to seek help.
2Seek to understand drugs from a user's point of view. It depends what drugs he is smoking; cannabis might not be as damaging as cocaine but it matters how the drugs cause your husband to behave with the rest of you, regardless of the potency, harmfulness health-wise, or other reasons.
3Seek professional help to overcome addiction or drug habits. Medical help might include getting an alternative substance on subscription. Then seek mental health advice, and see a therapist.
4Find alternative distractions. You need to find other things to focus your energy on and get enjoyment out of.
5Try persuading or convincing your husband to go to a rehabilitation center. Grab some family members and friends to hold an intervention for him. Hopefully it can penetrate enough in his mind to get him to seek help.
Guide Live with a Drug Addict
1Stop being so forgiving when they say "I'll get better" or "I'm going to stop." Forgiving them and giving them another chance only hurts yourself.
2Secure any valuables they could get their hands on to pawn. When in need of a fix, they tend to act rash and do anything. If the valuables are big like a TV, make sure you are awake when they are to watch them.
3Help them to sleep frequently. They can't do any damage if they are sleeping. You could give them sleepy tea or ask a doctor to give them sleeping pills like Clonidine.
4Restrict transportation access. If they have keys, it's only more tempting to go out and get drugs. If they do need to go out then go with them. They aren't just going to get milk if they say they are. Nothing hurts accompanying them.
5Check their cell phones when they sleep. It seems sneaky, but you have to protect them from themselves and other influences. If you can figure out who is supplying them, you can tell them to stop. They may have also traded some of your valuables for drugs to people they called.
6Be the rock you need to be. During a situation like this, you need to make sure you can be emotionally strong. It's very stressful.
7Make sure if you have any children to protect them at all costs. They should not be in a violent or loud situation. They hear everything and they get scared and stress too. They might see it that school is their only refuge for that situation. Always put them first.
2Secure any valuables they could get their hands on to pawn. When in need of a fix, they tend to act rash and do anything. If the valuables are big like a TV, make sure you are awake when they are to watch them.
3Help them to sleep frequently. They can't do any damage if they are sleeping. You could give them sleepy tea or ask a doctor to give them sleeping pills like Clonidine.
4Restrict transportation access. If they have keys, it's only more tempting to go out and get drugs. If they do need to go out then go with them. They aren't just going to get milk if they say they are. Nothing hurts accompanying them.
5Check their cell phones when they sleep. It seems sneaky, but you have to protect them from themselves and other influences. If you can figure out who is supplying them, you can tell them to stop. They may have also traded some of your valuables for drugs to people they called.
6Be the rock you need to be. During a situation like this, you need to make sure you can be emotionally strong. It's very stressful.
7Make sure if you have any children to protect them at all costs. They should not be in a violent or loud situation. They hear everything and they get scared and stress too. They might see it that school is their only refuge for that situation. Always put them first.
Guide Do Holistic Rehabilitation
1Research holistic physical detox therapies. You may not be comfortable with some concepts and treatments, so find out as much as you can before you sign up for any program. Physical detoxification methods may include:
Organic diets (vegetarian or vegan)
Liquid diets (such as juicing)
Acupuncture
Exercise (including yoga, tai chi and Qi gong)
Massage therapy (including Rolfing, a deep tissue massage technique)
Homeopathy
Chiropractic
Colon cleansing
2Learn about holistic spiritual therapies. Investigate the approach that will be used and make sure you are comfortable with the methods the rehabilitation center uses and that the spiritual therapies are compatible with your own belief system. A spiritual approach is not a religious approach, but spiritualism incorporates aspects of many established religions. Virtually all spiritual healing techniques involve some form of meditative practice. You might also be expected to attend ceremonies that include unfamiliar rituals, such as meditation and chanting.
3Get familiar with energy work. Holistic rehabilitation centers often offer a variety of energy healing modalities, such as Reiki and foot reflexology. Energy healing presupposes that the body has energy fields and pathways, and that working on these areas helps speed the detoxification and healing process.
4Inquire about staff credentials. Ideally, every staff member will hold a master’s degree or higher in their particular discipline. Ask for references for every practitioner and check them out. Legitimate practitioners are more than happy to provide all the details of their professional profiles.
5Be prepared to accept the minimum recommended stay. Holistic rehabilitation is not a quick fix; a holistic institution may recommend a longer stay than a conventional rehab center.
Organic diets (vegetarian or vegan)
Liquid diets (such as juicing)
Acupuncture
Exercise (including yoga, tai chi and Qi gong)
Massage therapy (including Rolfing, a deep tissue massage technique)
Homeopathy
Chiropractic
Colon cleansing
2Learn about holistic spiritual therapies. Investigate the approach that will be used and make sure you are comfortable with the methods the rehabilitation center uses and that the spiritual therapies are compatible with your own belief system. A spiritual approach is not a religious approach, but spiritualism incorporates aspects of many established religions. Virtually all spiritual healing techniques involve some form of meditative practice. You might also be expected to attend ceremonies that include unfamiliar rituals, such as meditation and chanting.
3Get familiar with energy work. Holistic rehabilitation centers often offer a variety of energy healing modalities, such as Reiki and foot reflexology. Energy healing presupposes that the body has energy fields and pathways, and that working on these areas helps speed the detoxification and healing process.
4Inquire about staff credentials. Ideally, every staff member will hold a master’s degree or higher in their particular discipline. Ask for references for every practitioner and check them out. Legitimate practitioners are more than happy to provide all the details of their professional profiles.
5Be prepared to accept the minimum recommended stay. Holistic rehabilitation is not a quick fix; a holistic institution may recommend a longer stay than a conventional rehab center.
Guide Find a Detox Center
1Look for a detox center that will provide the best treatment for your addiction. There is no single treatment or program that is appropriate for every person. Some detox centers specialize in alcohol addiction only, some centers don’t treat symptoms of alcohol addiction at all. Define your addiction and search only for those facilities that specialize in its treatment.
2Consider your lifestyle. While there are many detox centers that demand the patients live there during their treatment, you may not be able to commit to a program of that type. If you have a family and if you cannot take a leave from your job, then look for out-patient facilities. You’ll be able to go every day for treatment and counseling, and you will be able to go home and to your job every day. Most out-patient facilities cater to people with mild drug addictions.
3Be honest with yourself about your addiction. Whether you are addicted to alcohol, food, drugs or any other substance, you know yourself better than anyone else. If you don’t think you can abstain from using or abusing your addictive substance, you probably need to have in-patient care. This means you will live at the detox center and you will have around the clock care and support. There will nothing there that can tempt you into relapse.
4Interview the personnel at several detox centers. Take into consideration all of the following factors:
Cost (Will your insurance cover part or all of the expense?)
Amenities (TV, radio, Internet, etc.)
Visitors (Will your family and friends be allowed to visit you during your stay?)
Diet (do you have any special dietary needs? Allergies?)
Personal items (Can you keep your cell phone, computer, etc.?)
Duration of your stay (Exactly how long is the treatment program? What if you change your mind?)
Personnel (Ask to meet the people who will be treating you.)
Treatment specifics. (What will your daily regime entail? What are the rules?)
Orientation (Ask if you may take a tour of the facility before deciding.)
2Consider your lifestyle. While there are many detox centers that demand the patients live there during their treatment, you may not be able to commit to a program of that type. If you have a family and if you cannot take a leave from your job, then look for out-patient facilities. You’ll be able to go every day for treatment and counseling, and you will be able to go home and to your job every day. Most out-patient facilities cater to people with mild drug addictions.
3Be honest with yourself about your addiction. Whether you are addicted to alcohol, food, drugs or any other substance, you know yourself better than anyone else. If you don’t think you can abstain from using or abusing your addictive substance, you probably need to have in-patient care. This means you will live at the detox center and you will have around the clock care and support. There will nothing there that can tempt you into relapse.
4Interview the personnel at several detox centers. Take into consideration all of the following factors:
Cost (Will your insurance cover part or all of the expense?)
Amenities (TV, radio, Internet, etc.)
Visitors (Will your family and friends be allowed to visit you during your stay?)
Diet (do you have any special dietary needs? Allergies?)
Personal items (Can you keep your cell phone, computer, etc.?)
Duration of your stay (Exactly how long is the treatment program? What if you change your mind?)
Personnel (Ask to meet the people who will be treating you.)
Treatment specifics. (What will your daily regime entail? What are the rules?)
Orientation (Ask if you may take a tour of the facility before deciding.)
Guide Cope With Heroin Addiction or Lesser Narcotics
1Understand the real facts behind the drug, and your addiction. These drugs do not get rid of the physical pain in the sense Novocaine or similar drugs do. Rather they work by "getting you high" or to reduce the emotional distress of pain. It is easy for those inclined to take to this feeling of euphoria and want to continue in the state.
2Understand how Physical addiction and tolerance are involved. After a period of regular use (varies but 30 days might be a good starting point) it becomes noticeable that more is needed to produce the same effect and eventually the effect is gone. By that time physical addiction has most likely taken hold. The human body gets used to regular usage of a drug and when the drug is withheld for a time; physical addiction symptoms start to become noticeable. This is the the "dope sick" stage.
3Think about your choices. The physical addiction of opiate drugs is very unpleasant and takes a long time (week at least) to recover from. Few willingly undergo the experience of cold-turkey detox. However, given that an addict has regular access to his drugs, he can be highly functional in the workplace or home. This is the philosophy behind maintenance or giving the drug by prescription to maintain that state of no withdrawal symptoms. Methadone and Buprenorphine in pill form are most widely used for maintenance and the Burprenorphine has been a fairly recent addition.
4Consider the option of complete detoxification from the addiction altogether. Recent developments in Buprenorphine make this option a far less unpleasant experience than ever before. This if used properly can produce a tolerable detox within a week. This works best in a trained detox facility where the Buprenex is given sublingually several times a day in ever decreasing doses and supplemented by some sleeping and anti-anxiety medication. Various OTC meds are given for stomach and other symptoms. The reason for making this choice can be put in light of the following situation: given you have a high tolerance to such drugs, a legitimate medical situation calling for their prescribing will likely be less than effective since you have a tolerance. When detoxified for a period of several months, this tolerance goes away and standard dental prescriptions will again have an effect on you. Doctors and Hospitals tend not to increase the dose just because one is an addict. Therefore the real choice seems to be whether you want those pain meds to work when there is real need or not.
5Compare the choices of maintenance or complete detox. Maintenance in the form of Methadone or Buprenorphine can be obtained at various health clinics public and private. Detox by Buprenex should only be performed in an inpatient setting as vital signs are monitored constantly.
6Understand what the aftermath may hold before deciding. What happens after the 5 day Buprenex detox? Well, you probably will have trouble sleeping for the next 4 weeks, and you won't have a great deal of energy. Forcing oneself to exercise along with joining a 12 step support program are very helpful in this period.
7Consider Staying Clean. You went through all that and hopefully it was enough motive to stay clean. Furthermore A 12 step support program is the only proven method to help former addicts stay clean. This does not imply a "walk in the park" It requires a lot of hard work and self examination. Yet, the end result if done correctly could be the best life you have ever had.
2Understand how Physical addiction and tolerance are involved. After a period of regular use (varies but 30 days might be a good starting point) it becomes noticeable that more is needed to produce the same effect and eventually the effect is gone. By that time physical addiction has most likely taken hold. The human body gets used to regular usage of a drug and when the drug is withheld for a time; physical addiction symptoms start to become noticeable. This is the the "dope sick" stage.
3Think about your choices. The physical addiction of opiate drugs is very unpleasant and takes a long time (week at least) to recover from. Few willingly undergo the experience of cold-turkey detox. However, given that an addict has regular access to his drugs, he can be highly functional in the workplace or home. This is the philosophy behind maintenance or giving the drug by prescription to maintain that state of no withdrawal symptoms. Methadone and Buprenorphine in pill form are most widely used for maintenance and the Burprenorphine has been a fairly recent addition.
4Consider the option of complete detoxification from the addiction altogether. Recent developments in Buprenorphine make this option a far less unpleasant experience than ever before. This if used properly can produce a tolerable detox within a week. This works best in a trained detox facility where the Buprenex is given sublingually several times a day in ever decreasing doses and supplemented by some sleeping and anti-anxiety medication. Various OTC meds are given for stomach and other symptoms. The reason for making this choice can be put in light of the following situation: given you have a high tolerance to such drugs, a legitimate medical situation calling for their prescribing will likely be less than effective since you have a tolerance. When detoxified for a period of several months, this tolerance goes away and standard dental prescriptions will again have an effect on you. Doctors and Hospitals tend not to increase the dose just because one is an addict. Therefore the real choice seems to be whether you want those pain meds to work when there is real need or not.
5Compare the choices of maintenance or complete detox. Maintenance in the form of Methadone or Buprenorphine can be obtained at various health clinics public and private. Detox by Buprenex should only be performed in an inpatient setting as vital signs are monitored constantly.
6Understand what the aftermath may hold before deciding. What happens after the 5 day Buprenex detox? Well, you probably will have trouble sleeping for the next 4 weeks, and you won't have a great deal of energy. Forcing oneself to exercise along with joining a 12 step support program are very helpful in this period.
7Consider Staying Clean. You went through all that and hopefully it was enough motive to stay clean. Furthermore A 12 step support program is the only proven method to help former addicts stay clean. This does not imply a "walk in the park" It requires a lot of hard work and self examination. Yet, the end result if done correctly could be the best life you have ever had.
Guide Detox from Cocaine
1Realize and admit to yourself that there is a problem. A problem meaning that you cannot control your life anymore.
2Confide in someone we trust, someone who can be honest with us. Mostly this person should not co-sign our crap,or enable us in ANY way. We are seeking help, not sympathy!
3Look for a 12 step program. There are a few to choose from. AA: ALCOHOLICS Anonymous, NA: NARCOTICS Anonymous, and lastly, CA: COCAINE Anonymous. Upon finding a meeting in your area if you don't feel strong enough on your own, find someone you trust to go along.
4After the meeting ends, stick around to meet and talk with some men, and women who have been exactly where you are at this moment. Ask about treatment programs in your area and take notes.
5Call the programs that were referred to you and talk with the intake counselor on staff. Sometimes you will be invited to the facility to view everything in action and get a feel for the environment.
6Choose an impatient facility that lasts 28 days or more that offers intense treatment of drugs, and alcohol. When you have chosen your rehab, get your priorities taken care of because you will need to leave the outside world alone and strictly worry about yourself only during this crucial period of detox and rehabilitation. Change only comes when we're uncomfortable with our life. That's when we decide we want something different, something better.
2Confide in someone we trust, someone who can be honest with us. Mostly this person should not co-sign our crap,or enable us in ANY way. We are seeking help, not sympathy!
3Look for a 12 step program. There are a few to choose from. AA: ALCOHOLICS Anonymous, NA: NARCOTICS Anonymous, and lastly, CA: COCAINE Anonymous. Upon finding a meeting in your area if you don't feel strong enough on your own, find someone you trust to go along.
4After the meeting ends, stick around to meet and talk with some men, and women who have been exactly where you are at this moment. Ask about treatment programs in your area and take notes.
5Call the programs that were referred to you and talk with the intake counselor on staff. Sometimes you will be invited to the facility to view everything in action and get a feel for the environment.
6Choose an impatient facility that lasts 28 days or more that offers intense treatment of drugs, and alcohol. When you have chosen your rehab, get your priorities taken care of because you will need to leave the outside world alone and strictly worry about yourself only during this crucial period of detox and rehabilitation. Change only comes when we're uncomfortable with our life. That's when we decide we want something different, something better.
Guide Confront a Teen Using Drugs
1Take a breather. Using drugs is a problem that is not uncommon for teenagers. It may be heartbreaking, but it is not something that can't be overcome. Take a moment to calm down. Weather it be an hour, to a week. If you are just finding out, your teen has probably been using for a while now, as drug users are very good liars and manipulators. Also use this time to research depression, and Attention Deficit Disorder online, these are just a few of the many disorders that may be the root cause of the drug use. If you can get these conditions under wraps with professional help, before the teen continues to SELF medicate these problems, you WILL be saving yourself many years of heartache and problems that come with drug addiction. These disorders are the reason many if not most teens use drugs.
2Take your teenager somewhere you can talk. A restaurant or some other public place would be best, when the emotions start coming, your teen can't use screaming and slamming the door as a way to avoid the confrontation. This is a way to keep the conversation mature, and actually accomplish something instead of turning it into a screaming match.
3Be comforting and understanding. Don't say things that will make your teen carry guilt around with them, as this will give them another reason to use. They may be defensive at first and deny the problem. But by assuring them that Yes, you know, (by not telling them how you know, just assuring them that you know, it doesn't give them a chance to lie about whatever happened that led you to find out) and do not let down and believe them if they lie about it. Because ALL teens will try to deny their using in the beginning. Remember, this is your baby. Your teen is probably confused, scared, and lonely. They obviously have low self esteem if they have turned to drugs, and they need someone to be their for them, to talk to, to vent to, to confide in. Just listen to what your teen has to say without getting angry.
4After letting your teen vent about why or why not they used drugs. Ask them how serious it is. Again, your teen WILL lie, and extremely underestimate how bad things have become. They are also in denial about how bad the problem is. They think they are in control and they can handle it. Then tell them what you are going to do about it. Don't ask them, or be wishy-washy about what to do. You need to decide the proper steps to take and stick to it. DO NOT give your teen an option. YOU ARE THE PARENT! YOU ARE THE BOSS! Do not let your teen gain control of the situation. They want to get out of this mess. Even though you think your teen is sweet and innocent, if they are using drugs, (which are ILLEGAL) they are committing a crime that, if they are of age, is punishable by law, and would require them to go to jail. They need to speak to a counselor, or therapist, go to A.A. or N.A. meetings, or take a drug and alcohol class. My recommendation would be to take your teen to A.A. or N.A. meetings a few times. This will give your teen the perfect (free!) opportunity to see what WILL happen to them if they keep up this behavior. With you accompanying them to the meetings, it will show your teen that they are not alone in this, that you care, and are willing to help them.
5STICK TO THE PLAN! Do not let your teen change, or bend any rules. Those are the rules that you, the parent, the one in charge, and the key person who may be able to prevent a life long, horrible, heart wrenching battle are going to set down.. Have your teen see a psychiatrist and find out if they are depressed, or have ADD or ADHD, or any other mental problems. THIS IS VITAL! Getting on the right medication is so so so important because if it is a chemical imbalance in the brain that your teen is using illegal drugs to fix, no matter what you try to do, they will go back to drugs, because the drugs relieved them of this issue, and it is the only thing that relieves it. Other than a professional. So make it a priority to see a professional. I cannot stress how important this is.
6A vacation: If you know that their is a problem running around your child's life and these problems are due to the peoples he/she used to hang around, you may want to send him/her on a small vacation to get their mind off of it. Its gonna change his/her mood and will give you time to keep an eye on your kiddo. In this short of time you can talk to your kid about his life and try to be viewed as a friend rather than a parent.
2Take your teenager somewhere you can talk. A restaurant or some other public place would be best, when the emotions start coming, your teen can't use screaming and slamming the door as a way to avoid the confrontation. This is a way to keep the conversation mature, and actually accomplish something instead of turning it into a screaming match.
3Be comforting and understanding. Don't say things that will make your teen carry guilt around with them, as this will give them another reason to use. They may be defensive at first and deny the problem. But by assuring them that Yes, you know, (by not telling them how you know, just assuring them that you know, it doesn't give them a chance to lie about whatever happened that led you to find out) and do not let down and believe them if they lie about it. Because ALL teens will try to deny their using in the beginning. Remember, this is your baby. Your teen is probably confused, scared, and lonely. They obviously have low self esteem if they have turned to drugs, and they need someone to be their for them, to talk to, to vent to, to confide in. Just listen to what your teen has to say without getting angry.
4After letting your teen vent about why or why not they used drugs. Ask them how serious it is. Again, your teen WILL lie, and extremely underestimate how bad things have become. They are also in denial about how bad the problem is. They think they are in control and they can handle it. Then tell them what you are going to do about it. Don't ask them, or be wishy-washy about what to do. You need to decide the proper steps to take and stick to it. DO NOT give your teen an option. YOU ARE THE PARENT! YOU ARE THE BOSS! Do not let your teen gain control of the situation. They want to get out of this mess. Even though you think your teen is sweet and innocent, if they are using drugs, (which are ILLEGAL) they are committing a crime that, if they are of age, is punishable by law, and would require them to go to jail. They need to speak to a counselor, or therapist, go to A.A. or N.A. meetings, or take a drug and alcohol class. My recommendation would be to take your teen to A.A. or N.A. meetings a few times. This will give your teen the perfect (free!) opportunity to see what WILL happen to them if they keep up this behavior. With you accompanying them to the meetings, it will show your teen that they are not alone in this, that you care, and are willing to help them.
5STICK TO THE PLAN! Do not let your teen change, or bend any rules. Those are the rules that you, the parent, the one in charge, and the key person who may be able to prevent a life long, horrible, heart wrenching battle are going to set down.. Have your teen see a psychiatrist and find out if they are depressed, or have ADD or ADHD, or any other mental problems. THIS IS VITAL! Getting on the right medication is so so so important because if it is a chemical imbalance in the brain that your teen is using illegal drugs to fix, no matter what you try to do, they will go back to drugs, because the drugs relieved them of this issue, and it is the only thing that relieves it. Other than a professional. So make it a priority to see a professional. I cannot stress how important this is.
6A vacation: If you know that their is a problem running around your child's life and these problems are due to the peoples he/she used to hang around, you may want to send him/her on a small vacation to get their mind off of it. Its gonna change his/her mood and will give you time to keep an eye on your kiddo. In this short of time you can talk to your kid about his life and try to be viewed as a friend rather than a parent.
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