Help with Drug Abuse
Talk to your parents
One of the hardest things in this world is to live by fear. And remember — our fears are much bigger than what actually happens when we try something new. So challenge
yourself — think of talking to your parents as an act of courage, of toughness. Some kids are closer with one parent and not the other so there’s no rule that you have to talk to both parents together.
Also, you might start with your fear and ask your parent to not be angry with you. You might say, “You know, Mom (or Dad), I want to talk to you about something that’s hard to talk about but I’m scared you’ll just get mad.” See how that introduction feels and then, “I’m wondering if I should be thinking about whether I have a problem with drugs.”
If you can’t talk to your parents for whatever reason, try talking with your school’s Outreach Counselor, clergy, family doctor, older relative, or close friend’s parent — just make sure it’s someone you can relate to. You can also call a teen help hotline like 1-800-662-HELP or 1-800-622-2255 and talk (anonymously, if you wish) with a person trained to discuss these matters. Most young people report that they feel much better after finally “spilling their guts” to someone.
Help for a Friend
If you’re worried about your friend’s drug problem, you need to learn how you can help before you can actually offer help. Talk with a teacher you know and trust or your school’s Outreach counselor. If you’re worried about breaking your friend’s trust, ask the person you go to for help to keep the conversation confidential — you don’t even have to tell them your friend’s name.
Here are some things to keep in mind when you do finally talk to your friend:
- Tell your friend that you really care about them and are very worried about the direction they’re going in.
- Don’t accuse your friend of being a drug addict. Just let them know that things have been a little different lately, you’re worried, and you’re there to help.
- Tell your friend what you’ve seen when they use drugs. Be specific. Let your friend know that the stuff they did scared you and that you want to help.
- Try to watch your tone — don’t sound like you pity your friend or like you’re mad. Use the same tone of voice the two of you always use with each other.
- Don’t be surprised if they get angry. Your friend may say there’s nothing wrong and may get mad at you. This isn’t unusual — many drug users react this way.
- Find out where help is available. You must follow through if you offer to go with your friend to get help. It’s what happens after the conversation ends that will let your friend know that you’re really there for them.
Do you or your friend have a problem with alcohol or drugs? Do you or your friend…
- Get drunk or high on drugs on a regular basis
- Get drunk or high alone
- Lie about things, or about the amount of drugs you/they are using
- Avoid friends to go get drunk or high instead
- Stop doing stuff that used to be a big part of you/their life (sports, homework, or hanging out with friends who don’t do drugs)
- Plan drinking or drug use in advance, hide alcohol or drugs to use them when alone
- Take risks
- Have to drink or use more drugs than ever before to get the same high
- Seem withdrawn, depressed, tired, and care less about personal grooming and physical appearance
- Have a change in eating and sleeping patterns or rapid loss of weight
- Have difficulty concentrating
- Pressure others to drink or do drugs
- Have “blackouts” and forget what you/they did while under the influence.
- Feel run-down, hopeless, depressed, or even suicidal.
- Constantly talk about using drugs.
