17 year old and drugs, please help!!!

[tiredandemosh1]

I found an empty wrap in my almost 18 year olds bedroom. He said it was MD which is ecstasy from what I can tell. He told me he was minding it for a friend, obviously that's not true.
I have had a talk with him about the dangers and that it can have an impact on mental health etc but what else can I do!!
Never had any trouble with him before he's started hanging round with friends in the evenings in houses and I have no idea what he's doing. He has a full time job which he's great at and gets up on time for.
I'm terrified of him going out now the pubs are opening and him taking drugs. I can't physically stop him what can I do??
Also his bedroom is horrendous, he takes no pride in it. How can I get him to sort that out too, rented house so it's an issue!!
Advice welcome! Xx

Keep talking to him. Keep the channel open. That's the most important thing, too much judgement is likely to backfire. (Note: I don't have a kid this age, but I'm a secondary school teacher so have come across similar issues with 17 year olds in the past).

@crazychemist thank you for the reply. It's so hard not to, especially as he's developing an awful attitude too when I talk to him. He's out now and planning on going out tomorrow. I'm going to try and have to be calm about it arent I!

Not a huge amount you can do tbh. It is your house however so he shouldn’t be bringing drugs into it at all, that is definitely in your control.

A lot of people experiment with drugs both legal and illegal at his age. People’s brains don’t finish developing until 25 so it’s not ideal to get high and drunk so you don’t but that’s the society we live in unfortunately.

Just tell him no illegal drugs in the house, if you are not charging him rent You need to

I wouldn't judge, but would make sure your child is aware of the law and the risks, e.g. where I am even possession of marijuana for personal use leads to a criminal record which would mean never being allowed into the US. This changed recently so it's worth being aware. My ds was friends with a group who were trying things out and I made sure he knew he should never have anyone's drugs in his car, for example. I also said if there was any problem we would always come and pick him up so he wouldn't need to drive or be driven by a friend who had taken something. Don't preach, but let him know that his safety is important to you.

Thank you for all the advice. I have tried my best not to nag and tell him I'm worried because I care about him. He went out last night but answered all my texts immediately and told me where he was and wasn't home late.
My biggest fear is his friends driving, I really worry about them showing off speeding etc. Great advice to say I'm always there to pick him up if he needs me though.
This is the worst part of parenting so far, give me a toddler tantrum any day!!