Using drugs may be the teen-ager's way of coping with deeper problems, be it abuse, neglect or some sort of emotional, perhaps even physical trauma. That teen-ager needs help not condemnation. Too often, we are quick to dismiss a person in our minds without listening first. The motivations for drug abuse should not be used as excuses. But they should help us understand the problem.
Understanding is the platform from which trust is built and true healing can begin.
Support groups can provide those nurturing safe places where a troubled person can find help. Ranting and raving and telling someone how bad he or she is helps no one. It merely raises the blood pressure of the accuser and hardens the heart and mind of the accused. When I was young, my grandfather communicated with me primarily by yelling and telling me how dumb I was. I later rebelled.