Recommendations for parents of drug-taking teens
- Declare your home a drug free zone
- If you think your teen is using legal highs or other drugs, search the house for them
- Include your teen’s bedroom in the search
- Confiscate any legal highs, other drugs or drug-related implements you find in your house
- Don’t let things fester. Speak to your teen at an early point about what you’ve discovered
- Don’t confront in anger. It could lead to a slanging match or worse
- Set consequences for further drug use and make sure your teen understands what’s involved
- Make sure your teen understands that you still love him/her and are serious about helping
- For further advice, contact TOUGHLOVE at www.toughlove.org.nz or by dialling 0800 868 445
- Join a TOUGHLOVE Parent Support Group and learn effective and proven strategies for coping.