What to do if your youngster comes home stoned, high or drunk
Keep calm is the first advice. If you do feel angry, try to manage the way you react. Anger is a natural response, but it can make things worse. Try to respond at a practical level. Are they flat out or just woozy? If they are having difficulty staying awake, don't let them 'sleep it off'. They may be in danger of a potentially fatal overdose or choking on their vomit - even on alcohol. If they are agitated or disorientated, try to calm them down.
If they literally pass out and you cannot rouse them, you must put them into the recovery position and call an ambulance. Tel: 999. While waiting for it to arrive, monitor their breathing. Use mouth to mouth resuscitation if uncertain, but whatever you do, keep an air supply going.
Leave discussion about the rights and wrongs of the situation until the following day. You will be calmer and they will be sober. You will just be wasting your time trying to have a rational discussion with someone who is stoned or drunk.
The day after is the time to discuss rules for living together. You have the right not to have your home regularly disrupted by drunken or stoned behaviour. Fortunately, it is only a small minority of young people who will use frequently in this way.
Source: A Parent's Guide to Drugs, Jersey Health Promotion Department
