🚨 What to Do if Your Child Has Friends Who Use Drugs? 🌟
One of the biggest concerns for parents is discovering that their child is surrounded by friends who use drugs. How can you handle this situation without alienating your child or causing a conflict that pushes them away? The key is to approach the topic calmly, with empathy and firmness, so you can protect your child without destroying the trust in your relationship.
💡 Guide to addressing dangerous friendships
1. Stay Calm and Avoid Confrontation 😌
It’s natural to worry when you find out that your child is spending time with people who use drugs. However, reacting aggressively or confrontationally may cause your child to shut down and not want to talk to you. Staying calm is your best ally in these moments.
Example: If you find out that one of your child’s friends uses drugs, instead of immediately scolding them, sit down and tell them you want to talk about their group of friends and your concerns.
Suggestion: Use phrases like "I’m worried about some things I’ve heard" or "I want to understand how you feel about it." Keep a tone of dialogue, not accusation.
2. Listen Before Judging 👂
It’s important to hear your child’s perspective before jumping to conclusions. By showing that you’re willing to listen, you demonstrate that their voice matters and that you’re not just imposing your ideas. This also allows you to better understand the dynamics of their group of friends and how your child feels about it.
Example: Your child might tell you that although their friends use drugs, they don’t. Or they may confide that they feel pressure to fit in.
Suggestion: Ask questions like "How do you feel when you see your friends using drugs?" or "Have you thought about how this could affect you?" This opens the door to an honest conversation.
3. Educate Without Lecturing 📚
Take the opportunity to educate your child about the real risks of drugs, but without lecturing or scaring them. Teenagers respond better to objective, well-explained information than to fear-based speeches.
Example: Instead of saying, "Drugs will destroy you!" you can talk about the long-term effects of drugs on physical and mental health, as well as the legal and social risks.
Suggestion: Share real-life examples of people who have struggled with drug use, but focus on prevention, not fear.
4. Strengthen Your Child’s Self-Esteem 💪
Teenagers with high self-esteem are less likely to give in to peer pressure. Let your child know they don’t need to accept destructive behaviors to be accepted in a group. Boosting their confidence and sense of worth can help them distance themselves from unhealthy situations.
Example: If your child has a talent or passion, like sports, music, or any other activity, encourage them to focus on that. This will strengthen their identity and give them the confidence not to seek validation from friends who use drugs.
Suggestion: Recognize their achievements and let them know you’re proud of them for staying true to their values.
5. Help Your Child Set Healthy Boundaries 🚫
Your child may not want to stop seeing their friends right away, but you can help them set clear boundaries. Teach them to stand firm in their decision not to use drugs and to avoid situations where they feel uncomfortable or pressured.
Example: You might say, "I understand that you like spending time with your friends, but if things get out of hand, it’s okay to leave or find an excuse not to participate."
Suggestion: Practice different ways for your child to say "no" if their friends pressure them to use drugs, so they’re prepared if they find themselves in that situation.
6. Encourage New Friendships and Activities 👫
Encourage your child to expand their social circle and get involved in activities that promote a positive environment. The more time they spend with people who share healthy values, the less influenced they’ll be by those exposing them to risks.
Example: You can enroll them in clubs, sports, or extracurricular activities where they can meet young people with similar interests and a healthier lifestyle.
Suggestion: Make an effort to get to know your child’s friends and encourage relationships with those who seem to be a positive influence in their life.
7. Keep Communication Open and Consistent 📞
Open communication is the key to maintaining a trusting relationship with your child. Make sure they know they can come to you at any time, without fear of being punished or judged, if they ever feel pressured or insecure around their friends.
Example: You can say, "I want you to know that you can always talk to me about anything that worries you. You don’t have to face things alone."
Suggestion: Make daily conversations a priority, so your child always feels they can talk to you, not just when there’s a problem.
✅ Final Considerations
Discovering that your child has friends who use drugs is a difficult situation, but with a combination of calm, listening, and education, you can help your child navigate this negative influence without alienating them. Emotional support, self-esteem, and healthy boundaries are essential tools to keep your child safe and away from risky behaviors.
With love,
Dr. Arturo José Sánchez Hernández
Your friend in health promotion 💙
Discover more of my works at: https://books2read.com/asanchez
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