Discovering your child is using drugs can be a scary experience. It is difficult to know what the best course of action is after you catch your kid with drug paraphernalia. You must take action if your child is experimenting with drugs because there can be severe consequences if the problem progresses. Helping your child to stop smoking marijuana is a much better option than ignoring the problem, abandoning your child or cutting off parental support at such a sensitive time in her life. For young females, high parental involvement and monitoring of activities lowers the risk of drug-use, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
Step 1
Begin a dialogue to gain insight into why your child is using drugs. Ask her questions about her friends, social life, relationships, home life, school and grades. Ask her what her fears/anxieties are. Figure out if she is excited about the future. Where does she want to be in one year, five years and 10 years? Try having this discussion during a fun shopping trip, while getting both of your nails done or during dinner.
Step 2
Find an experienced therapist for your child. The therapist can help your child realize that drug use is a big deal and can explore why your child has begun using. You would benefit from talking to the therapist as well. He can help you cope with the situation and give you skills to use when dealing with your child.
Step 3
Consider recruiting family members and trusted adult mentors to talk your child. Try to find help from someone your child looks up to that can offer advice and support.
Step 4
Take this opportunity to build a closer bond with your child by being understanding and supportive. Discover the root of the reason why your child is using marijuana and discuss the consequences. Help your child realize there are other ways to deal with issues than drug use. Let her know that you love her and want her to succeed in life.
Step 5
Don't automatically assume that your child is addicted to marijuana and fly off the handle at her. Perhaps it was the first time she tried it and severe punishment or scolding may only push you apart. However, using drugs is not acceptable. It has health, safety and legal ramifications. Make sure you have a curfew set in place and know who your child is hanging out with. Know where your child is getting money (job, allowance) and gain control of it so you know she isn't spending it on drugs. According to Medline Plus (a service of the National Institute of Health), monitoring your child can curb marijuana use- especially in females. If you are sure your child is addicted to any drugs, seek out a drug rehabilitation center.
