|
| There are some things you can do, but of course you don't have total control over another person - even your own son! Some kids just need to experiment and learn everything first hand. A lot depends on the child's innate personality and the genes he's inherited (addictions usually run in family trees). Nonetheless, here are some suggestions that are somewhat preventative: - do whatever you can to maintain a peaceful, healthy home-life, including a respectful and pleasant marriage and loving, warm relationships with each of your children. Most kids who get seriously into drugs and alcohol have some sort of pain they're trying to drown out.
- if your child has experienced some challenges, help him to work things out with some professional counseling - for instance, if he was ever bullied or suffered from learning disabilities or other school problems or if he had any experiences that left him feeling insecure, sad or anxious.
- bring home books from the library about drug and alcohol abuse (the children's section of most libraries have excellent books appropriate for teenagers on every type of substance abuse). Leave them around the house, in the bathroom and so forth. After awhile, start talking to your kids about the books and ask them what they think Open discussion. Do they know kids who are into this stuff? Do they understand why anyone would be curious, interested or enthused about drugs? Don't lecture or preach - create an atmosphere in which the kids can openly share their true thoughts and feelings. If you feel worried after hearing what they really think, consult a professional family counselor for advice.
- talk to your son about your concerns about college. Let him know exactly what you are afraid of (it might help to gather a few articles together about kids whose lives have been ruined or seriously harmed by drug and alcohol abuse). Tell him that you know that you can't make any decisions for him but that you love him so much and you hope he'll make good decisions for himself.
- once you've taken these steps, the only other thing to do is pray for your son's well-being. There is only so much that a parent can do. All the best, Sarah Chana
|
|
| It's so true that you can't stop your kids from experimenting. We did everything on Sarah Chana's list and still our beautiful 18 year old daughter started taking drugs (her boyfriend introduced her to them). Sometimes, like Sarah Chana said, kids just want to experiment and also, there can be tremendous peer pressure. Fortunately, it didn't go too far before our daughter told us what was happening and actually asked for help. I know other kids can get badly addicted (like her ex-boyfriend!) and sometimes they can't be helped.
|
|
| I think some kids are at most risk than others. I think weaker students have more challenge because they find they can be socially accepted more easily when stoned and then the fact that they can't achieve so much academically is less painful. Really good students rarely mess up their lives with drugs or alcohol even if they do try these substances occasionally. Parents of poor students really should help their kids as much as possible with tutors, counselors and other opportunities for success (not playing in a band though, because they are notoriously into substance abuse).
|
|
| As a mom your worry is reasonable but, don't take for granted that every child will behave in the same manner.
Better have a keen observation on him after he come back. If you find any changes in his activities then decide about it.
Don't come to any conclusion before any knowing well.
http://www.synergytreatment.com/
|
|
| Unfortunatley, you can't make sure he does the right thing. You know your son, and hopefully he's well grounded in his own confictions and is willing to stand up for what is right. I am a recovering addict myself and my mother, could not control what I did. She did however offer sound advice without lecturing me and that has always stood out to me. She loved me without lecturing me and that was what I needed at the time. She also had to learn to let go and let God do His thing with me. She came to a point that she realized she couldn't get in the way of that anymore. You should pray for your son to gain spiritual wisdom and for protection. And know that God loves your son more than you could ever love him.
|
