Parents frequently wonder what they can do to keep their teenagers from trying club drugs and other harmful substances, such as alcohol and tobacco. Unfortunately, teenagers tend to experiment with substances that make them feel good or which help them gain access to certain social privileges. Common club drugs include Ecstacy, Rohypnol, GHB, Ketamine and Herbal Ecstacy.
They may use substances for thrill seeking purposes, to gain courage or as a means of escape. Rohypnol and GHB are known as "date rape drugs."
To reduce the amount of experimentation (or, in some cases prevent it) you should keep your relationship with your teenager strong. A healthy relationship is your first defense against problems because it will keep communication lines open.
Don't let anything come between the two of you
In other words, keep your relationship in good shape. Stay close and build on your familial bond. Teenagers need healthy relationships with peers, but also their parents.
If your son or daughter is basically happy and enjoys your love and respect - and feels that you are doing your best as a parent - he or she will be more likely to listen to you and consider your advice.
A healthy relationship depends on good, honest and clear communication, where disagreements and concerns can be aired in a supportive environment. And you and your teen can talk about anything! And often do.
If you and your teen can talk about anything, you can talk about drugs. This will cause your teen to be less likely to use drugs, especially if he/she understands the dangers and risks involved.
Share Accurate And Detailed Information With Your Adolescent
Helping kids to fully appreciate those risks and dangers of drugs and other harmful substances is critical to their success. If they have accurate information, and clearly understand how drugs impact their minds and bodies medically, emotionally and spiritually, they can make good, informed decisions for themselves . . . with a little help from you.
When I talk with teenage clients about drugs I don't say, "You shouldn't do drugs!"
Instead, I ask them what they know about drugs. And I engage them in a constructive, no-lecture discussion about the facts.
An Interesting Case
Recently, a young client of mine said, "I don't mind smoking marijuana because it isn't addictive."
I praised him for having the wisdom to stay clear of addictive substances, but gently and firmly offered accurate information about the addictive qualities of marijuana. I gave him a fact sheet on the risks and dangers of using marijuana and discussed other, healthy and legal ways he could relax and enjoy himself.
When my young client realized the full impact smoking marijuana could potentially have on his body and brain, he decided he didn't want anything to do with it.
Teenagers have to be able to think for themselves, so I encourage that, while trying to ensure they have scientifically accurate and detailed information.
You can do the same thing. But you may have to educate yourself a little more on the latest information and be sure you understand the science of drugs and alcohol . . . and what we know about how substances interact with the other systems of our bodies.
Being a successful parent to a teen involves good, healthy relationships and great communication. Now you can help your teen to avoid some of the most dangerous problems associated with adolescence.
Richard Hamon is a professional therapist and coach with over 25 years of experience. Richard's Relationships For Success Coaching helps people to enjoy truly satisfying relationships and find great success in all areas of their lives.
Richard has written a unique eBook, The Ultimate Relationship Solution: How Secrets Discovered From A Near Death Experience Can Help You Ignite Passion and Realize Success in All Your Relationships. The eBook tells about an actual Near Death Experience the author had in 2003, which transformed his life and led to a series of insights, revelations and secrets about building extraordinary relationships.
You can find Richard's eBook, The Ultimate Relationship Solution at: LINKED TEXT
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