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.
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