3 Ways to Deal With Teens and Drugs

As a parent, you can use several strategies to help your teen kick a drug habit or avoid experimenting in the first place:

• Confront the situation head on. Don't make excuses or enable the drug use. Make it clear that this behavior is not acceptable and provide consequences for it.

  
  

• Seek professional intervention immediately. This is a health problem, and you can begin family counseling to determine if there are any underlying problems.

  
  

• If your teenager isn't experimenting with drugs, provide encouragement and positive reinforcement. Show your kids that you respect their good judgment by rewarding them with more privileges and increased responsibilities.