Do's and Don't for a Parenting Toolbox (Part 3 of 3)

Teenage substance abuse is gaining strength in our society today because parents are unaware of their teen’s activities and are not willing to be pro-active in their parenting approach. In countless cases, passive parenting has become the norm because it is easier for parents to live in denial and look the other way rather than face the sometimes ugly truth about their teen’s behaviors. In our continuing series on how to be a more pro-active parent, let’s look at five positive action steps for parents who suspect that their teen is experimenting with drugs and alcohol:

1. Perform random bed checks and discourage sleepovers if you suspect your teen is sneaking out.  Sneaking out in the wee hours of the morning is a teenage pastime and parents need to stay one step ahead of this game.  Surprise bed checks in the night will automatically determine if your suspicions were correct and if they are, discourage sleepovers.  There are too many temptations when sleepovers are allowed.

2. Perform random drug and alcohol tests if you suspect your teen is using drugs. Teens cannot lie their way out of a positive drug test or breathalyzer.  This is the most accurate way you can confirm or deny your suspicions.  Two vital tips for success:  be random in your testing and never allow your teen to collect a urine sample unsupervised.  Drug abusers know all the ways to skew the test in order to achieve a negative result.  Always have an adult in the bathroom during this procedure.

3. Perform periodic room and car searches if you suspect your teen is experimenting with drugs and alcohol.  This tip goes hand in hand with tip #2.  Unless your teen is paying the rent, the mortgage or making the car payment, he does not have any rights when it comes to privacy and what he might be hiding in his room or his car.  Search every nook and cranny if you suspect there is a hidden substance and don’t let your fear of what you might find prevent you from stepping up and taking control.   

4. Periodically check the mileage on your car.  If you suspect your car is being driven without your permission, keep a written record of car mileage and show it to your teen.  Just like a positive drug test, there can be no denial when you present the proof.

5. Keep prescription drugs under lock and key.  A great majority of our teens today are abusing every kind of drug imaginable in an effort to achieve a euphoric high.  Don’t inadvertently become your child’s drug dealer by keeping prescription and over the counter drugs in an accessible area.  Many prescription drugs are being sold in school because the teen was given the responsibility of dispensing his own medication.  Keep a pill count and dispense them yourself if you have reason to believe that your medications are being taken without your permission.