The information contained in these pages was obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but Parents Empowering Parents does not guarantee the information is complete or accurate. The information contained is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as advice on facts specific to the reader. For further information pertaining to your situation, please feel free to contact one of the professionals listed under the "Contact Us" link.
Q: How will I know if my child is using drugs?
A: Common warning signs of drug and alcohol use:
Please refer to our "Knowledge" section for more specific descriptions and drugs.
Q: My Youth says he/she is only using "pot", should I be concerned?
A: P.E.P. does not say that every youth that smokes "pot" becomes a drug addict, however in our experience in speaking to addicts, they all admitted that pot is where their drug use started.
Q: How do I approach the subject with my child if I suspect he/she is using?
A: Rather than asking your child if he or she is using drugs, describe their suspicious behaviour and your concerns. This will present an opportunity for a discussion rather than put the youth in a position to protect themselves.
Q: What are my options if I know my child is using drugs and they want help?
A: First you need to start by having an assessment completed through AADAC or any counselling agency. This will allow you an opportunity to see how serious the drug use has become.
Q: What are my options if I know my child is using drugs and refuses help?
A: When a child is refusing or denying drug/alcohol use, it depends largely on their age as to your next course of action. If they are under 18 years of age, you may consider PChAD as described below, however, if your child is over the age of 18 this becomes far more difficult as they are considered an adult and are expected as such to make their own choices. As parents we are forced to watch this process unfold, unable to help our children as they are more often than not unwilling or not capable to help themselves. P.E.P. is one avenue that parents can utilize to educate themselves about what they can do, please check our meeting schedules in the "Meetings" section.
Q: What is PChAD?
PChAD stands for the Protection of Children Abusing Drugs Act. This bill was passed in July, 2006. This legislation allows parents/guardians whose children are under the age of 18 and who are abusing/alcohol, to have their youth involuntarily apprehended and confined up to 5 days. The parent appears before a family court judge requesting that their child be placed in a safe house for a period of up to 5 days. During these 5 days the youth should have an assessment regarding their drug use. At the end of the 5 day period recommendations will be made regarding treatment options. During the 5 day period the youth is also given legal representation and may appeal this confinement order. This process is coordinated with Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC). Is 5 days enough? P.E.P. does not feel that 5 days is enough for most youth. Some parents have told us that they have had to secure their youth through accessing PChAD 5 or 6 times and their youth still continues to abuse drugs. P.E.P. feels mandatory drug treatment needs to be another option available to parent when warranted.
Q: If our child is abusive in the family, what should I do?
A: P.E.P. does not advocate kicking your child out of the family home, however, if there is violence and abuse occurring, you must take action, especially if there are other children in the home. There are options for this child, the Youth Emergency Shelter is one alternative. Every situation is different and requires different actions. Come and learn more about your options, meetings are held in various locations and on various dates.
Q: My child is under 16 and has not come home for days, what should I do?
A: Go to your local police station and put in a missing persons report. This will help the police should your child be picked up as they will be in the system. Call all known friends and family to get the word out regarding your concerns. You can also contact Children's Services to see if they could be of any assistance.
Q: When should I be asking my child to leave the family home?
A: When your youth makes the choice to not follow any household rules, they are making the decision at this point not to be a contributing member of the family. This should prompt you as a parent to have a discussion regarding the consequences of not following the rules of the home. It is also important at this point that a written contract be entered into by the youth and displayed in a common area of the home, visible as a constant reminder of their commitment. If this final step is not successful, it may become necessary to assist your youth in finding an alternate living situation.
Q: When is the next P.E.P. Meeting held in my area?
A: Please refer to "Meetings" section.