Among seniors in high school, marijuana use rates reach 21.4 percent, according to the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the primary chemical in pot that causes effects on learning, memory, social interactions and respiratory problems, such as chronic bronchitis. A parent who discovers teen marijuana use deals with her own feelings of anger, frustration or shock while disciplining her child. To effectively handle the situation, you need a calm, logical approach to avoid alienating your teen and making her more difficult to reach.
Step 1
Gather the facts of your child's pot use, especially if you didn't catch him in the act. Keep track of who he befriends. Look for drug paraphernalia; watch for signs of marijuana use, such as a change in behavior, forgetfulness, red eyes or the smell of marijuana.
Step 2
Sit down with your teen after you have calmed down and processed the situation. Let her know upfront that you are aware of her pot use and need it to stop immediately. Explain to her why you are concerned about her using marijuana and the negative effect it could have on her life.
Step 3
Call the parents of the other children who were involved in smoking pot to let them know what the teens are up to if they don't already know. Get the parents involved in monitoring the kids; teens are less likely to use marijuana again with proper counseling and supervision. Seek support from the other parents involved as a way for all of you to work through the situation.
Step 4
Limit access to people or situations that caused your teen to use marijuana. Restrict his activities outside of school activities, if necessary.
Step 5
Set new ground rules to show that you're serious about your expectations for a drug-free home. Start a curfew and require that your child check in with you regularly when away from home.
Step 6
Monitor her activities and behaviors going forward. Watch for physical changes in the way she looks, smells and acts to determine if she is still smoking pot. Take a more active role in her life, including knowing where she is at all possible times.
Step 7
Seek professional help from a health care provider, counselor or addiction specialist if your teen continues using marijuana. Get him help to prevent more serious drug abuse down the road.
Step 8
Schedule your own counseling session to help you manage your feelings about the drug use. Ask the counselor for recommendations for local support groups for parents of teens.
Tips and Warnings
- Reinforce that you are disappointed in the behavior, not in the teen. Let her know that you love her but mean business.
