Is your child involved with drugs? Adolescent drug abuse and chemical dependency can happen to any teenager, whatever their drug education, economic level, neighborhood, school, or church attendance. It can happen whether parents are married or divorced and regardless of how much they know about effective parenting. Adolescents are aware of potential dangers when they use drugs or binge on alcohol, but they think they are invincible and will escape the dangers. The average age when teens start drinking is 13; for marijuana experimentation it is 14. Parents are often the last to know about their children's involvement with alcohol or drugs. Chemical abusers do whatever they can to conceal their use. Families can rationalize the behaviors, particularly in adolescence, as being caused by something other than chemicals. Is the defiance part of a normal separation from parents? Due to a breakup with a girlfriend? Just adolescent hormones kicking in? Adolescent Drug and Alcohol Abuse offers parents clear information, support, and guidance:

• Understand the disease model of drug abuse, and that it's not your fault
• Overcome family confusion, denial, and excuses to get your child the help he needs
• Find allies in the community to help your child feel the appropriate consequences of his actions
• Know what to look for in chemical assessment facilities
• See what kind of help can be given your child in treatment
• Gain serenity and happiness for yourself, apart from the outcome of your child's drug abuse or dependency
• Listen to the voices of dozens of parents and recovering teens and learn that you are not alone in how this problem profoundly affects your family

Author Nikki Babbit has counseled thousands of parents and teens about drug and alcohol abuse and dependency. Her message, and the message of the families whose stories fill this book, is one of encouragement and hope for the future.

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