What should be done for teen drug abuse?

Nothing can be more disastrous and devastating than coming to know that your teenage son or daughter has taken to drugs. You may be totally lost on what to do or how to deal with this as it is a very delicate situation that truly requires a very tactful and skillful approach.

It is always best to address it at the early stage itself to avoid serious problems and also to prevent your child from experimenting further.  In the beginning, your child may be in defensive, denial or most of the times

wish to be left alone. It may be very challenging to find a way to communicate meaningfully and get to the issues together address the underlying stressor in your teens life that you are aware of such as relationship break up, lost a friend or failed a class that can be disturbing him/her. This may not be easy as they may not welcome you in their thoughts. Try to win their trust by relating a similar situation you had been through at their age and how you dealt with it and finally healed it. Don’t bluff too much; try to be as honest as possible. It can help to gain perspective.
Sometimes the relationship of the teenager with the parents may be very strained and distanced. Take help of other individuals or groups such as your family doctor, an uncle, aunt who may be close to get him/her to open up their feelings.
You can also consider taking help from the local town or college drug hot line. These are usually answered by people who are either of their age group or have experienced similar situations so that can easily relate to your child’s problems.
Don’t be critical; try to get him/her open up their feelings. Gently let him know that you understand their peer pressure and the requirements to meet goals. Spend as much time as possible and show them how much you care and need them. Do not lose heart. Keep trying innovative ways to make them talk to you and address their issues.