Family Issues That May Contribute to Drug Use

Family history of addiction (or current addiction) in close or extended relatives
Trauma to child (divorce, death of family member, child abuse, neglect, etc.)
Little or no parental supervision
Little or no monitoring of child by parent
Lack of expectations of child

Inconsistent or severe punishment
Daily family conflict - ongoing arguing, hostility, physical abuse (not normal family fighting)
Lack of concern about child's drug use
Parents aren't clear about their feelings about their teen's use of drugs or alcohol
Parents who are suffering from depression or other mental illness

Individual Peer School Community

Parents in recovery often feel guilty about their past addiction. Don't get caught up in it. You're your child's biggest supporter. Use your past experiences to help guide your child. Remember, you are not to blame - but you are the key to the solution.
Work at having a strong bond with your child (by having family dinners, setting aside time to talk, asking questions, doing activities together)
Be highly involved in your child's life. Know her friends, know what happens at school, on the team, in activities, and with homework

Set clear rules of conduct and consistently enforce them within the family
Let your teen know how much he is an integral part of the family
Explain to your child how his drug or alcohol use impacts the whole family.
Create opportunities for family time such as chores, errands, cooking, family dinners, taking walks, games, sports, etc. Explain to your child that you expect him to succeed and live a healthy life - and that you want him to respect his body, behave appropriately and protect himself in potentially dangerous situations.