Parents booklet - Talking with your kids about drugs
What to do if you think your teenager is trying drugs
PDF printable version of What to do if you think your teenager is trying drugs (PDF 35 KB)It is important that you discuss the issue with your teenager.
Let them know that you are concerned about their wellbeing and that they might be using drugs. You may not be able to discuss this easily, but don’t give up. Be open with them so that they are encouraged to be open with you. Otherwise, you won’t get the full story of what is going on in their life. Discuss with them what they consider to be the benefits and consequences of using drugs. This may provide an opportunity to give them new information about the risks of drug use.Where do you go for help?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. A range of services and support is available to help both the person using drugs and their family and friends. Remember that you don’t need to handle a drug problem on your own. There are many places in your community – doctor, schools, churches and other organisations – that can provide support. Use the phone numbers at the back of this booklet to get in touch with people who can help and support you.“Drug use is a terrible scourge on everybody—individuals, families, friends and communities. There are no winners but working together we can significantly reduce the damage and harm it causes. We have seen some real improvements over the past 10 years but there will always be new challenges and we are putting in place one of the best organised responses to drug use seen in the world.”
Dr John Herron, Chairman, Australian National Council on Drugs
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