Question 1

My teenager is taking drugs. What do I do?

Accepted Answer

Stay calm and reach for the help built for this age. Your GP, FRANK (0300 123 6600) and your local young people's drug and alcohol service (free and confidential, often run by We Are With You or Change Grow Live) are the first ports of call. Because your child is under 18, you can involve these services directly.

Question 2

Are young people's drug and alcohol services confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Under-18 services are free and confidential, and they are used to working with worried parents as well as young people. They will involve you appropriately and keep your child safe.

Question 3

Can I make my child get help?

Accepted Answer

You have more say than you would with an adult, and you can involve your GP, CAMHS and local youth services. What works best alongside that is staying connected and calm, so your child keeps talking to you. FRANK and YoungMinds (0808 802 5544) can help you find the words.

Question 4

Is it my fault?

Accepted Answer

No. Lots of young people experiment, and a child's drinking or drug use is not a verdict on your parenting. What matters now is getting the right support, which exists and is free.

When your teenager is drinking or using.

Join right now

Live recovery meetings starting soon