Beginning Questions Parents Can Ask Their Children
The following are examples of questions parents (and concerned others) can ask young persons regarding substance misuse:
- Can we talk about some of the negative effects that substance misuse has started having in your life?
- Do you think that a substance-misusing lifestyle is working for you or against you, at this point in your life?
- Have you seen negative effects from substance use at school, work, and/or home?
- Has substance misuse started to interfere with any of the dreams you have had for your life?
- What intentions for your future do drugs have in mind for you?
- What intentions for your own future do you have, at this time?
- How much have drugs taken away of what you like about your self?
- How much could they take?
Parent’s Questions That Support Children
- What actions have you taken recently to reclaim your health/relationships/mind from the influence of substances?
- Who else has started to notice this difference, and is now standing with you in this struggle?
- What gave you the idea that you could begin to protest the domination of your life by substances?
- With the courage and commitment you are now showing to practice moderation, or to be drug-free, who in your life is the most surprised? Who is the least surprised?