Rally for Recovery - September 20, 2008

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How To React To A Child Using Drugs

Yesterday, I posted information on how NOT to react to a child using drugs according to a source called “The Educator’s guide to substance abuse.” As promised, here are some good tips on things you can do.

• Create a tough love environment
  It is vital to stop making excuses for the child. Do not lie to protect the child. Do not allow yourself to be held emotionally hostage by the child. If you do not take a firm stand, you may actually be helping the addict to stay ill.
• Stop putting up with unacceptable behavior
  Remember that accepting negative behaviour from the child will only prolong the illness. As a parent, you must take a stand. Parents are adults who - in most cases - are responsible and mature. Their children are not. Parents have, in most cases, the experience to be able to decide what is good for their children; they should also have the authority to be able to implement these decisions.
• Draw up a contract
  This is what a typical contract might look like . . . [more]
• Find support
  Parents and educators need an enormous amount of support and strength to cope with the problem of an uncooperative drug_abusing child. Do not be afraid to reach out for help, such as by joining a parent support group, and if there isn’t one in your area, form one.

Thanks to Servamus for the great information.

How Not To React To A Child Using Drugs

I came across a great article today that comes from a source called “The Educator’s Guide to Substance Abuse.” There is a ton of good information. But, one thing that stood out more than others was the comprehensive list of how NOT to react to your child if you find out they have been using drugs.

Here’s what they had to say:

How not to react to the child

As has been stated in the previous month’s article, the attitude with which the adult confronts the child, plays a vital role in the type of reaction that one can expect from the child. In the same way, there are a number of ways in which the adult must not react when confronting the issue and the child:

• Do not panic;
• do not make threats if you have no intention of carrying them out;
• do not nag or offer bribes;
• do not make accusations without justification;
• do not become hysterical or antagonistic. It is not easy to remain calm under such circumstances, but becoming neurotic may result in a further loss of control and deterioration in the situation;
• do not discuss the issue with the child while you are very angry and in danger of losing your temper. Wait until you have calmed down and can discuss it rationally;
• do not ignore the child’s negative behaviour;
• do not humiliate the child by calling him/her names;
• do not be afraid of the child;
• do not ask the youngster to promise not to take drugs;
• do not be overprotective - children must be allowed to experience the consequences of their actions;
• do not automatically cover up for the child - be firm in your decisions and beliefs; and
• do not back down or give in under pressure. Have the courage of your convictions.

So, what should you do? Come back tomorrow to find out or just follow the link above.