Straight Dope for Parents

Take Action If You Think Your Child Is Using

Early intervention is a potent prevention tool. Ending the behavior early significantly reduces the risk that your child's use will lead to harm—an accident, poor school performance, legal problems, brain damage, or addiction. If you suspect that your child is drinking or using drugs, start by taking the following steps:

• Calmly discuss your concerns with your child
• Assess the severity of the situation
• Enforce consequences for your child's actions
• Monitor your child closely
• Increase family time
• Get your child involved in constructive activities
• Seek professional advice

If you find out your child is drinking alcohol, fill out this survey on your child's behalf to learn more about the consequences of your child's drinking and what you can do about it: www.AlcoholScreening.org

Share these alcohol tips for teens with your child:  Tips for Teens: The Truth About Alcohol

Share these tips for teens about drugs with your child:  SAMHSA Tips for Teens

Links:

• Tips for Parents — What To Do and When (from the Office of National Drug Control Policy)
• Conversations: What to say (from the Office of National Drug Control Policy)
• Should You Snoop? (from the Partnership for a Drug-Free America)
• Should I Snoop Video (from the Partnership for a Drug-Free America)
• Developing Your Child's Self Esteem (from KidsHealth.com and the Nemours Foundation)
• Where to Get Help

To learn more about what to do if you think your child is using, read the book.