Your child should be evaluated by a professional to determine the level of involvement and subsequent treatment. In many cases, family counseling with a chemical dependency specialist is all that is required. Often, however, particularly when cocaine is involved, medical treatment may be necessary. Your family physician or other trusted health care professional can refer you to a specific person or program. Recognize that substance abuse is a family problem.
Substance abuse is a family problem.
Avoidance of drugs by your child depends, to a great extent, upon your parenting skills. Parenting, however, is not a natural or inherited skill. It must be learned, constantly and consistently applied, encouraging growth and success. Your child's development of positive values, self-esteem, and conformity to community standards and the law depends on you. You cannot simply depend upon chance or faith.