What would you do?

[cleo14]

Ok, I've suspected that my ds 15 has been experimenting with cannabis for a few months. He generally can be a bit tricky but with consistency from me in terms of what's expected from him, I feel that we (so far) are battling through the teenage years. On the whole we have a good relationship and today he has confirmed that he has been smoking cannabis, felt really ill after a joint last week and even on one occasion went to a dealers house to get some for him and his friends! I feel sick and my automatic reaction was to go crazy. However I remained calm and asked several questions trying to highlights risks and dangers. We've arranged for him to speak to a family friend who was a previous addict and will offer him sound advice. He does not think it is an issue and describes it as something him and his friends do. However, obviously I won't be saying that's fine but right now I'm so upset. I know this can be a normal part of growing up but it's so hard for us parents. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

You've done really well to stay calm with him - so that will help. Apparently it's very common to smoke weed now.

There's another thread started by a poster who has a slightly older DS who has been smoking dope that might be useful with a link to a Humans of New York post of fb which attracted a lot of useful comments.

Thank you chocoluvva- wasn't easy to stay calm, but I'm learning! I'll try and find that link

Hi cleo14 it was my post I think that chocoluvva was mentioning 'tactics advice please'. My main concern was the type of dope they'd been smoking as I know that skunk is more dangerous. I also I am very concerned for the far reaching consequences of taking drugs with mental health issues etc.,

We've had an identical problem but DS is 17. We've talked to the other parents of the group of boys, so it's all out in the open now. I think you sound as though you've handled it almost the same as we have. It's really hard I know the right approach, but just try and keep the communication open, ensure they know your don't approve, and hope that they see the light! It's been interesting to see the way that the different parents handle the situation. We are a loving family, but struggle with the attitudes of some of the other parents and the other lads.

I've also arranged to talk to a drug worker I know, and hope that they can give some advice. I will share this advice once I spoken to him next week.

Thank you I've found the thread now