When your child is using prohibited drugs

What if you discover your child is using marijuana or any prohibited drugs? I know it is like a slap in the face. As a parents, you have tried your best to teach him or her what is wrong but somewhere you must have went wrong. Of course as a parent you feel guilty. Did you miss something important? Did you somehow cause this? Why did you not notice there was something going on? What did you miss? Are your efforts not enough?

You are in a shocked state of confusion. How can you handle the situation for the best possible outcome for both you and your child? It feels like you're going to burst any moment. What you should and should not do?

First you must remain calm. Do not confront your child until you are ready to take the problem head on. When over excited and hurt you may say things that will not help the situation but may only make it worse. If you are prefer to consult your spouse... do so and allow them to help with what needs to be done. Both of you or one of you need to come up with a place and plan to openly discuss this issue with your child. Come up with a plan as soon as you can. The problem is not going to go away and it needs addressing.

Make sure that when you confront your child they are not under the influence of any drug. They need a clear mind to focus just as you do. Making your plan work is going to need to make your child realize that what they are doing is wrong. Do not play the blame game with them. You need an upfront open confession that they have a problem and that they need to seek help. Sometimes this may require the work of family along with the help of professionals. Be prepared to enlist the help of others if you need to. Overall make sure that your child knows that you love and care for them and are not trying to harm them with the confrontation. Just as you were in denial your child has a problem they are too. If you child refuses your help or the help of professional it is difficult but you must keep up the fight. Go to a professional with your family or spouse. These counselors and therapists see problems like yours daily and can send you in the right direction to get your child help.

Once you have your child willing to seek help take them to a professionally trained counselor. A counselor can have your child do an assessment to see how bad their drug use is.