RESPONDING TO THE SIGNS PARENTS

• Learn all you can about chemical dependency. Understand what you think is problem drinking.
• When a pattern starts that constitutes misuse/dependency.
• Be clear how you feel about the use of drugs and alcohol.
• Enabling is natural and we all get hooked into it; so don’t feel GUILTY.
• Express concern as early as possible. All concerns are justifiable THIS IS YOUR CHILD!
• Limits need to be set.
• Do not continue to give second chances.
• Don't cover up for them.
• Partying Relationships need to be looked at.
• Don’t condemn, judge or criticize.
• Don’t expect the situation to change over night. It usually won’t
• Don’t ignore the signs and think things will get better by themselves.
• There is a fine line between expressing concern and nagging. (Ten words or less)
• Don’t be afraid to ask the questions
• I am concerned about the changes in you.
• Is there something wrong?
• Are you drinking or drugging?
• Asking these questions does not mean that your child will admit to a problem, BUT the secret is out.
  
  YOU DIDN’T CAUSE IT, YOU CAN’T CONTROL IT, AND YOU CAN’T CURE IT. YOU CAN ONLY BE CLEAR ABOUT HOW YOU FEEL AND THE LIMITS YOU CAN LIVE WITH.
  
  REMEMBER – A chemical dependent person, is one, whose use has an adverse effect, often unrecognized, on any one or more of the following social and family relationships, school, job performance, physical and emotional well being.