Grandparents raising grandchildren want to keep their grandchildren safe, but with all the dangers in today’s world that’s getting harder to do.  A big concern for many grandparents is drugs.  While it’s best to stop your grandchildren from doing drugs before they start, there are things you can do if you suspect a problem.

If you suspect your grandchild is doing drugs, talk to them.  And I mean, just talk; no yelling, screaming or accusations.  Prepare what you’re going to say ahead of time so you don’t say something you didn’t intend to.  Tell them you suspect they’re taking drugs and cite your reasoning.  Give specific, documented examples of behavioral changes.  Explain that you’re just trying to help them, but if they don’t tell you what’s going on with them, you’re going to have to take further steps.  But be careful, what you perceive as drug use could just be caused by problems at school, problems with friends, or even depression.

If your grandchild doesn’t want to tell you what’s going on, you need to stick to your word and take further steps to find out if they’re using drugs.  Check your grandchild’s room.  If you have a good relationship with their friends, ask them if they have noticed anything.  Make your grandchild justify where their money is going.  Also, make sure you know where your grandchild is at all times, including checking school attendance records.

Once you have confirmation of your grandchild’s drug use, seek outside help.  There are literally hundreds of people and organizations ready and willing to help you and your grandchild.  If you don’t know where to start, talk to your grandchild’s doctor, counselor, or minister.  They may be willing to speak to your grandchild directly and recommend organizations and treatment programs to you.  You must remember that you are not alone!

If you can’t find any evidence that your grandchild is doing drugs, take them to a pastor or counselor.  Let them talk in individual sessions.  Your grandchild may not be opening up to you, but at least they will be getting help somewhere.

Drugs can be a terrifying prospect for any grandparent.  Just remember to stay calm and get help.  It may be a long road to recovery, but if you stand by your grandchild and identify the problem early on you will have a better chance of helping them.

For more information on talking to your grandchildren about substance abuse, please go to Time To Talk.

Warm regards,

Kay L. Fontana
“The Grandcoach”