We know that by far one of the most important elements of a positive parent-child relationship is honesty and trust. When you ask your child a question about something they have done, you would like them to answer honestly. Doesn’t your child deserve the same respect?

So if you have used drugs, what should you say? To my mind the most important thing to focus on in your answer is why you stopped using. The reasons you give to your teenager about why you stopped are so important and say so much about the ‘real’ risks associated with drug use. It’s also a candid and direct approach and young people really appreciate that.

Excerpt from “Teenagers, Alcohol and Drugs” by Paul Dillon.
Editor Dr Ramesh Manocha.