Steps to Take After Finding Your Teen’s Drug Stash

With an increasing number of teenagers experimenting with drugs and alcohol, we naturally have more and more parents wondering how to handle them.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

An April 2012 research published in the Archives of General Psychiatry revealed that parents had genuine reason for concern. According to their results:

• More than 81 percent had been offered drugs
• A staggering 78 percent of American teens had tried alcohol
• Nearly 43 percent tried those drugs

Pretty frightening numbers, huh? Particularly when you take into account that some experimental substance use turns into a full-fledged addiction.

Think Before You Act

When you find a alcohol or drug stash that belongs to your teenager, a wave of emotion is likely to hit you like a ton of bricks. It’ll feel like going from 0 to 100 in just a few seconds.

Here’s a look at seven steps that will help with what to doif you find drugs in your house. You’ll need to communicate your point and stop any further substance use.

• Take a Timeout

Even though you’ll probably want to run in your teen’s room with the vehemence of a hurricane, don’t let yourself do it. You’ll be boiling with emotions and, more than likely, volatile. And considering it, setting that tone all but guarantees the conversation isn't going anywhere; rationally speaking, that’s not what to do if you find drugs in your house. You don’t want your child to go silent; you want him to talk to you. Give yourself enough time to cool down, collect your thoughts, and figure out precisely what you want to say.

• Go in Prepared

You’re going to need to be ready for this conversation…and all the chances of what you might hear. Do some research on the drugs, put a call into your family doctor, or reach out to an addiction expert. Figure out what you’re dealing with, some signs and symptoms of drug abuse, and addiction in a teenager. If he feels like you’re informed on the substance, he’s likely to pay heed to your words. But if you talk about marijuana as if it’s similar to crystal meth, the conversation’s hellbent. This is why being prepared should be top on your list of what to do if you find drugs in your house.

• Set Solid Ground Rules

After he realizes you’re informed and understands the risks, you need to clarify that you will not tolerate drug or alcohol use. That means no use at home, at a friend’s house, at school – no substance abuse means no substance abuse. Explain the consequences of not adhering these rules and be very explicit about them. Once he agrees, it’s up to you to enforce those rules. Failure to stick to your own ground rules is detrimental.