Drug Test Directory

Drug Test Your Teen To Begin The Conversation

Written by Drug Testing on April 14th, 2008

It is important for parents to know if their teenagers are using drugs and alcohol. The use of these substances, especially in young people, can lead to health hazards and poor decision making. We all want our children to stay safe and to be healthy, but we often don’t know what to do when we suspect that they may be using drugs.

Substance Abuse Testing can begin the conversation

We at ON-SITE Medical Testing believe that drug and alcohol testing can be a good way to begin communicating honestly with your teenager. When we confront teens and ask them if they are using drugs or alcohol, they will often deny it. A drug test is the only way to know for certain if your child is using illegal drugs.

You don’t need a drug test to talk about drugs

It is always a good time to speak with your children about your concerns about drug use. Even a ten or twelve year old child will have been exposed to information about drugs at school and from friends. This information is sometimes inaccurate and often confusing. Beginning an open conversation about drug use in a relaxed, casual way is a good way to find out what your children have heard and what their beliefs about drug use are. This is a good time to listen and learn!

The message of love

It is very important that you start conversations about drugs by telling your children how much you care about them and that you are concerned for their safety and well-being. It is better not to preach, scold, or try to frighten them. Instead, tell them you love them and that you feel worried and concerned.

Keep the lines of communication open

By doing more listening than talking during conversations with your kids, you learn what their thoughts and feelings are. The less time you spend telling them what they should do and criticizing them for what they do, the more likely that you will learn their true thoughts about drugs. If you can listen without judging them, you may be the person they come to for help when they face important decisions such as feeling tempted or pressured to get high.

There’s a belief behind the behavior

Once a test confirms that your teen has used drugs or alcohol, you know the truth. Screaming, yelling, threatening and punishing are not effective in getting your teenager to stop using. It is important to understand the reasons behind drug use, before we can change the behavior. This can be learned by careful listening and it may take more than one conversation. If the conversation proves too difficult, meeting with a professional counselor or therapist is indicated.

Teenagers using drugs need understanding and guidance

Most parents who learn that their teenagers are using drugs become very upset and worried. They immediately imagine their child as an addict, getting high and living a life without purpose. The reality of teenage drug use however is somewhat different. Teenagers are explorers and often try new things. Because you have discovered that your teen used drugs once, doesn’t necessarily mean that they will continue to do so. Gain their trust by having an honest conversation and you may find out that your teenager has already decided against using drugs.

Don’t ask…test

Remember that the only sure way to know if your child is using drugs is by drug testing. Because teenagers may not tell you the truth about their drug use, learn to trust your instincts. If you begin to feel suspicious and worried, ask your teenager to take a drug test so that you will know the truth.

Test again if you feel worried again

The patterns of drug and alcohol use by teenagers can be likened to alcohol use among adults. Most adults have an occasional drink with dinner or at a party. A small number however, become abusers of alcohol and it becomes a problem for them. Most teenagers do not become addicted to drugs and many discontinue their use on their own. For some, drug use becomes a problem and intervention becomes necessary. By testing periodically, you will have a better understanding of whether your child needs further help.

It is very important for your relationship with your teenager that you approach them with understanding. It is very difficult to help them if you don’t have all the facts or if you allow yourself to overreact.

Neil Stolmaker is the President of ON-SITE Medical Testing Inc. OSMTI provides low-cost, high quality substance abuse testing programs to businesses, individuals and organizations. Our focus is on empowering employers and employees to work together for safe, drug free workplaces. Our web site offers tips and help for employers of all kinds. http://www.osmti.com

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This entry was posted on Monday, April 14th, 2008 at 7:50 am and is filed under Drug Test. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.