Do you suspect your teenagers using alcohol or drugs?

Tips on how to talk with your teens:

1. Stay calm. It is not to act out of anger or panic. Consider your options and get whatever information you need to have a productive conversation. Don't waste time feeling guilty or blaming yourself or others.

2. Talk & Listen.  Try Talk to your child. As a parent you're completely justified in saying that you do not approve of your child using alcohol or other drugs. Set up a time to talk together as a family in a private setting. Think about the conversation, plan out what you want to say, and choose a time when you're ready to face the challenge. Be sure your child is sober: never confront a young person when he or she is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

3. Ask Questions. Express your concern. Try to find out what's going on from your child directly and give your child the chance to explain. Ask open-ended questions about relationships with new friends, activities, school or work. Hopefully, your child will be honest with you and tell you what's really going on so you can respond appropriately. If teens insist that they are not using, parents may consider asking them to take a drug test to prove they are clean. If your child admits to experimenting with alcohol or drugs, ask about the circumstances of use. Try to be understanding about mistakes your child may have made, so that he or she feels comfortable communicating with you.

4. Give clear messages. Be firm about the dangers of drug use and how it affects everyone in the family. Set clear boundaries. Talk about the risks, lifetime penalties, and health consequences of drug use. Avoid talking about your own experimentation with alcohol or drugs. Your child may take this as evidence that such behavior is acceptable. However, if you are in recovery yourself, you may want to share your experience and describe how you were able to overcome addiction.

5. Look for patterns.  If your child has admitted to using, you may want to inquire if this was an isolated incident? Is the use frequent? Who is your child using with? Where is he or she using? Who is providing the alcohol or drugs? If necessary, consider limiting his or her allowance and access to transportation, and monitor leisure activities.

6. Educate yourself. Find out what teens in your community are using. Become familiar with slang names for various drugs. And find out about support groups and treatment options in your community.

7. Encourage healthy living. Encourage them to talk openly about any concerns they might have. Helping children maintain a sober, healthy lifestyle, parents should steer them towards healthier routines and activities, safe friends and quality rest.

8. Talk to a professional. This is not a punishment, but rather an adult way to work out issues that appear harmful to them and the family. If you suspect this is more than experimentation, you should arrange for your child to get an assessment from a substance abuse counselor.

9. Find out about local treatment programs. Find out about Headrest, Inc programs. You can also call your doctor, hospital or mental health agencies. Your school guidance counselor should have a counselor who can refer you to treatment programs.