Many parents and carers worry about drugs in relation to their children.
This has been produced to help you cope with pressures your teenagers may face growing into adulthood, especially around the misuse of drugs and alcohol.
It provides helpful pointers on developing a healthy and balanced outlook on life in your teenager, and what to do if they become involved in drug use.

• are changing quickly and sexually.
• are experiencing emotional changes especially around sexual relationships.
• have to think about the future - whether to choose further education or what career or job they want to do, or even if they are able to get a job at all.
• are beginning to question accepted patterns of family behaviour - where they fit in society, and many other aspects of adult and social life.
• are beginning to want more independence from the family and may wish to spend more time with friends.
• are more aware of what is happening in the world and are specially susceptible to media messages and targeting.
  
  

• to feel and be told you love them
• an open and supportive atmosphere at home
• someone to talk to and who takes time to listen with an open mind!
• to receive praise when due
• consistent and negotiated rules and boundaries from all adult family members
• time to be alone and respect privacy
• positive adult role models who show them how to handle stress, social life and socialising
• an opportunity to be able to make there own mistakes and learn from them
• to be kept occupied with hobbies, activities and interests
• made to feel responsible and trusted

• to be lectured at
• constant criticism
• to be over protected
• bullying
• to be 'put down'
• to be preached at

Remember some of these may just be
signs of growing up

CHECK THE FACTS ABOUT DRUGS
Being well informed helps when you talk to your teenager plus gives what you say more credibility.

• try to remain calm
• take things one step at a time
• don't jump to conculsions
• be sure of your facts
• don't accuse without evidence
• talk to someone - partner, friend
• pick the right time to talk
• be calm with your child
• show you are concerned
• listen to what your child is saying
• not when they are intoxicated

• if they are using don't over react
• find out why and how often they use
• what type or types of drug (this will help you deside on the extent of the problem)
• be supportive and positive (it is the behaviour not the person you are unhappy with)
• don't be afraid to challenge what you feel is wrong

• it doesn't happen with one or even a few tries
• occasional or even regular use may not lead to problems (it depends on the drug and how it is used)
• it isn't your fault if they start using drugs
• dependance takes time to develop

Release
National, Legal Drug Service
Tel: 0171 729 9904
Mon - Fri 10am to 6pm
Tel: 0171 603 8654
Mon - Fri After 6pm