Understanding the Problem
Living with the Problem
Possibilities for Change
Teenagers and Drugs and Alcohol Misuse

Case Study 1 , 2
Questions to Ask about Drug and Alcohol Misuse
Solutions to Drug and Alcohol Misuse (Do's and Don'ts)
One Solution to Excessive Alcohol Use
Audio Workshops

Alcohol and Drug Misuse

Solutions (Do's and Don'ts)

Do's

  • Talk honestly and openly with your child regarding your concerns.

  • Be active and engage in recreational pursuits with your child.

  • Ask your child to explain the meaning of her/his substance use/misuse.

  • If there is substance abuse, ask others to assist you in talking with your child (e.g., a favorite teacher, coach, priest, pastor, counselor, relative, friend).

  • Encourage your child to talk about the ways in which s/he is being affected by "fears," "doubts," "frustrations," "suffering," and "pain."

  • Encourage your child to think about the many invitations and temptations to misuse substances.

  • Question the cultural norms that children are supposed to become "separate" and independent from parents and that strong parent/child connections are "dysfunctional."

  • As a parent, reflect critically upon your own expectations, desires, and dreams for your child, realizing these can all be negotiated, and re-negotiated, with input from your child.

  • Continue to hope love will prevail.

Don'ts

  • Don't be reactive: not all substance use is misuse or abuse.

  • Don't be seduced by the myth that all substance misuse is a disease, and that lifelong abstinence is the only cure.

  • Don't allow "guilt" to convince you that you are a "bad parent" or that your child's substance misuse is all your responsibility.

  • Don't have your child locked in a secure program without careful consideration regarding the program's philosophy of treatment.

  • Don't allow "shame" to isolate you and to keep you from talking with concerned others about the effects your child's substance misuse has upon you.

  • Don't give up love and hopefulness.