Phoenix House is committed to protecting and supporting you and your loved ones, and everyone affected by substance abuse and dependency. These steps are a helpful resource if you think someone you love has a problem.
What To Do
- Try to be calm and factually honest in speaking to your teen about their behavior.
- If you are reading and learning about drug &and alcohol abuse, or attending support groups, let your teen know.
- Discuss the situation with someone you trust – a friend, colleague, someone from the clergy, a social worker, a counselor, or someone you know who has experienced drug and alcohol abuse personally.
- Establish and maintain a healthy atmosphere in the home, and try to include your teen in family life.
- Explain the nature of alcoholism and drug abuse as an illness to other children in the family.
- Encourage new interests and participate in leisure time activities that your teen enjoys.
- Be patient and live one day at a time. Recovery does not occur overnight.
- Try to accept setbacks and relapses with calmness and understanding.
What Not To Do
- Don’t attempt to threaten, bribe, or preach.
- Do not cover up or make excuses for your teen or shield them from the consequences of their behavior.
- Don’t argue with your teen when they have been drinking/using.
- Don’t drink/use in front of your teen, even if you don’t have a problem.
(Adapted from : Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.)
