How to Treat Adolescent Drug Abusers
In many cases, adolescent drug abusers are not inherently bad people, but have simply made bad choices. To help an adolescent drug abuser, be firm, loving and patient. There is no easy or surefire way to guarantee that an adolescent will abandon drugs, but following a few important principals can help.
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Instructions
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Show love. One of the best ways to show an adolescent that he is loved is by reassuring him for doing something good whenever the opportunity presents itself. A hug, a pat on the back and a kind word can go a long way when an adolescent is having drug problems.
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Give compliments. Identify things that the adolescent does well and compliment her on them. These small compliments can improve self-esteem and foster communication. Recognize when your child laughs at jokes, shares news from school or tells a story. These are positive signs that your child is not completely disengaged from the family.
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Improve communication. Do not accuse or talk at your child. Instead, talk to him and listen. Share your thoughts on why you think your child is using drugs. Be prepared to talk and listen a great deal before the problem is resolved.
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Encourage your child. Let her know that you don't just see her as a drug abuser. If a solid foundation of communication is established, she will feel that your encouragement is sincere. Ask your child about her goals. Tell her what you think her strengths are. Ask her how she plans to reach her goals. Let her know that you would like to help.
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Find ways to get him involved. Although adolescents often don't take initiative when suggestions are given by parents, a coach who calls and invites him to play on a team, or a drama teacher who invites him to try out for a play, may have better results. Being involved in an activity may raise your child's self-esteem and reduce his desire to use drugs.
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Make an appointment with a therapist. Although there may be some push back from your child, the act of making an appointment is another way that a parent or other adult can show that he or she cares for the child and wants to help. If your child is able to open up to the psychiatrist, therapy may help a great deal.
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Tips & Warnings
An adolescent drug abuser is not just a parent's problem. Getting extended family or close neighbors involved in encouraging and helping the child is a good idea.
Going back on your word when setting ground rules with the adolescent is equivalent to telling him it is okay if he continues to abuse drugs.
