Drugs
Help and information for parents and carers
Each year an estimated 20 000 young people become adult problematic drug users. As a parent you have massive influence on your children’s views and behaviour, and a crucial role to play in preventing problem drug use.
Talk to your children
Young people are less likely to take drugs when they talk openly with their parents. Support from parents and families can make a big difference to the person’s ability to deal with their drug habit.
It may be difficult to broach the subject, but it's easier if you remember to:
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Be prepared
Find out about drugs- the facts not the myths. Your child is more likely to listen - and talk - if she or he thinks you know what you are talking about -
Be calm
Easier said than done but try not to shout or let the discussion become an argument -
Be open
Listen to what your child has to say. Write it down if it helps and consider it later. Don't react to bad language or shocking stories -
Keep it broad
Don't just focus on the drug use or your child's behaviour, look at the wider context
Talk to Frank
The Talk to FRANK (new window) website has a section especially for parents to provide you help and information to talk to your children about drugs.
Try Getting Help (new window) - which offers details of organisations offering practical help and support in your area
You can also contact FRANK to speak in confidence to their trained advisers:
- Phone the free, 24 hour confidential helpline on 0800 77 66 00
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Email your problem to frank@talktofrank.com
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Text FRANK if you are hard of hearing on 0800 917 8765
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Useful publications
These leaflets are all free to order or download:
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We are Family (new window)
An Action Pack and factsheets with advice and ideas to help families deal with drugs -
Hidden Harm (new window)
A publication focusing on children in the UK with a parent, parents or other guardian whose drug use has serious negative consequences for themselves and those around them. -
Smells like teen spirit: Talking not taking in the teenage music tribe (new window)
Teenagers replied to this survey on how the pressure to ‘fit in’ with friends affects the way they present themselves in terms of implied drugs-misuse – ‘talking, not taking drugs’. It makes interesting reading.
