| Do you suspect that your teen is using or abusing | | | | Parental Monitoring: Supervise your teen or know |
| alcohol or drugs? Is there a nagging feeling in the back | | | | where your teen is and what they are doing. |
| of your brain that you really need to check this out? | | | | Make a Plan: Decide what you will say before you talk |
| Are you afraid of what you might find? Do you worry | | | | to your teen if you suspect alcohol or drug abuse. |
| when your son or daughter is out with friends for | | | | (Avoid negativity, express your concerns, caring and |
| hours on end and you really don't know where they | | | | love. |
| are? | | | | State the Facts: State what you know from the |
| Then join the ranks of parenting teens today in | | | | above warning signs. |
| America. In almost every interaction I have with | | | | Be Open: Listen to what your teen has to say. |
| parents of teenagers this topic comes up. Parents | | | | Set and Enforce Rules: With care and concern, let |
| don't know what to do. | | | | your teen know that you will not put up with drug or |
| Should I search his room? Should I confront her? | | | | alcohol use/abuse. "I know you can't stand it when I |
| Should I demand a drug test? Will I drive an even | | | | make rules, but I am your parent and it my job to keep |
| bigger wedge into our already distant relationship? | | | | you safe." Hold your teen accountable for his or her |
| Maybe it's just normal that she is experimenting...but her | | | | actions and set clear consequences for not obeying |
| moods have changed. Are you frightened for your | | | | your rules. |
| teen's safety? | | | | Be Prepared for Obstacles: Many teens will become |
| Then read on: | | | | very angry and defensive and walk away from you. |
| The warning signs of teen alcohol or drug abuse:o | | | | Take a deep breath and go back for round #2. |
| Missing school or work.o Not saying where he or she | | | | Keep Talking: Any chance you get, make an attempt |
| is going; or being vague about where he or she has | | | | to talk with your teen. Don't give up or lose your |
| been.o Lying about where he or she has been.o | | | | temper no matter how uncomfortable the situation |
| Stopping activities that he or she used to enjoy and | | | | might seem. |
| not replacing them with other fun activities.o Borrowing | | | | Design a Contract: About rules and their |
| money from parents or friends and unable to explain | | | | consequences. Both you and your teen sign it. Be |
| loss of money or valuables.o Sniffling, runny nose, | | | | clear, firm and concise. |
| dilated pupils or red eyes.o Losing appetite or eating | | | | Follow Through: Be consistent. The minute you back |
| too mucho Associating with a new group of friends, | | | | off or avoid your teen will run with the freedom. |
| often those who use drugs.o Hiding things that would | | | | Know this: Your teen wants you to rein him or her in. It |
| show alcohol or drug use, liquor bottles, rolling papers or | | | | is scary having so much power and no one noticing |
| pipes.o Moodiness, change in personality, avoiding you. | | | | that you are getting away with breaking rules. Being |
| (Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse.) | | | | out of control is not that much fun for your teen either. |
| What you can do: | | | | |