worried about a child

Dealing with a child that has a serious drug problem can be an emotional rollercoaster.

The withdrawal symptoms from heroin can be very severe and it may take several attempts before your child successfully break their addiction even with medical support. Remember, your child must WANT to stop using drugs first. There are however, many different methods of treatment and support groups which your child can use to encourage them.

You may also want to look into support groups for family members. This is a good opportunity for you to voice your feelings and see how others are coping.

Cannabis use can lead to a number of harms including anxiety and poor coordination, and it may trigger mental health problems in those at risk.

Regular use is associated with an increase in the risk of later developing psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia, and can lead to dependence (a habit). 

Many drug users are able to overcome their drug use with the proper help and support, before their drug use has done them, or their family and friends, any serious harm. Some drug users aren’t able to achieve this, or sustain improvements for any length of time. It may be necessary to make difficult decisions but there are a range of supports available to carers. Groups such as Adfam, Addiction and Families Anonymous provide information and support for drug users and their families and friends. 

Dealing with a family member who is taking drugs can be an emotional rollercoaster, especially if they do not see their drug use as an issue and do not want to stop. Groups such as Adfam, Addiction and Families Anonymous provide information and support for drug users and their families and friends.

The best thing that you can do is to be there for them, to support and encourage them to change. But be careful as they may see this as ‘nagging’ and become upset, or may try to take advantage, e.g. to borrow money, etc.

You should also consider your own needs – the pressure may seem so great that you stop seeing your friends and stop going to school or college.  External support is available for both yourself and your family member. For more information see: http://www.nhs.uk/CarersDirect/young/young/Pages/Overview.aspx

In general, most young people, especially those under 16, trust their parents and will respond to any information and support you offer.  However, as teenagers get older the culture gap may widen and communication may be more difficult.  This does not mean you should not try.  Before you do talk to your child about drugs, make sure you have accurate, up-to-date information about different types of drugs [see the A-Z] and make the time to have the conversation. Listen to what your child says and try to ensure a two-way conversation. Remember, although the risks are real, most young people who take drugs do so safely and without getting into trouble.

A step-by-step guide can be found at: http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/drugs/Pages/Drugsandyourkids.aspx

As a parent, you may also find it useful to hear other parents’ experiences of dealing with the same issue. Websites such as Family Lives (Familylives.org), or Netmums (www.netmums.com), for mums and dads, provides opportunities to chat with other parents when you have questions or are facing a challenge.

The reason for taking drugs is different for each individual. Social or personal issues can factor in. However, a big issue is peer pressure or wanting to fit in. So talk to your child openly and suggest some ways to build their confidence to avoid this kind of pressure.