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What to do if you Suspect Drug Use

Choose the right time to talk:
Talk with your child in private during a quiet part of the day when you won’t be interrupted.

Focus on the behaviours:
Calmly discuss your concerns with your child (e.g., changes in behaviour or objects you have found). Avoid name-calling, blaming and threatening. Emotional outbursts often only shut down communication.

Take the time to listen:
After discussing your concerns, listen to your child while remaining non-judgemental and supportive. Remember to avoid accusations.

Show that you care:
Discuss your personal concerns with your child and let them know you are concerned because you care for them.

Set standards and follow through:
Restate your position regarding the use of alcohol and other drugs (e.g., zero tolerance) while making your expectations clear (e.g., I expect you to steer clear of drugs). Be prepared to follow through with consequences that are reasonable (e.g., grounded for a week, no t.v. for a week, etc.).

Don’t be afraid to seek outside help:
There are many confidential resources available to families. If you suspect a problem, be persistent in finding a solution by seeking outside help.

Reference: Parent and Community Handbook
(Parent Action on Drugs, 2004).

What to do if your son/daughter comes home drunk or stoned:

What to do that night:

DO Try to remain cool and calm.

DO Talk to them and try to find out what they have taken.

DO Call a doctor or take them to the nearest hospital emergency department if they are seriously ill.

DO Tell them, "We will talk about this tomorrow".

DO Check on them often during the night if they are in a condition to be sent to bed.

DO NOTShout at, accuse or hurt them in any way. All this is quite useless and harmful when theyare in this condition.

What to do the next day:

DO Talk to them immediately.

DO Have them assume responsibility for their actions including clean up.

DO Let them know you will not accept their behaviour and you will be watching them closely in thefuture.

DOSet up guidelines for behaviour with your child as well as curfews for going out with friends. Letthem know you expect them to follow these guidelines.

DOTalk with them about other activities and choices, so they can avoid taking drugs.

DO NOT Have your discussion with them if you are too angry to talk about it without losing yourtemper. Wait until you can discuss it calmly. No one gains from angry words.