Is my son going down the same path

[Bongo115]

My son is 18 and I recently found out he has been smoking pot. At first I thought he was doing to socialize with his older new group of friends which totally freeked me out since he knows what I've been through with his father's drug use. His father has been using drugs (crack cocaine & all other kind of garbage) for the last 15 years or more. Sometimes I am certain that he will smoke pot with my son. I am so afraid of my son getting into stronger usage of other drugs. I have had family members that where on drugs and are clean now but it was pretty scary. I have spoken to my son about my concern and he seems to think its no big deal. Is he prone to use stronger drugs because of his dad. Is it like in his blood? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

:unsure:

[dmongking]

Bongo,

I am very concerned that your son will follow the destructive path of his father. His father and other family members have been very poor examples and influences in his young teenage life. If you do not stop this now, it will get worse and he will fail to be a productive citizen.

Pot is very dangerous even if people do not think so. THC which is the fat-soluble active substance in pot, affects the brain in very dramatic ways- including schizophrenia, memory loss, dementia, and others. Along with Pot comes other drug experimentations and high risk behavior including needle sharing, unprotected sex, driving and drinking and other undesirable things.

Yes there is a genetic argument about addictive behaviors- found in alcoholics and people who are prone to addiction. There is actually an 'alcoholic gene.'

[bobtisoy]

Hello!

The probability is there. The best way to deal with it is to have an intimate moment with your son and discuss the ill effects of illegal drugs.:p

[archaznable]

yes we all know that drugs can do no good and its bad talk to him about it don't get mad at him it will only result to rebellious act. Just talk to him nice on quitting drugs.

[Dr. Joshua]

Yes, he is susceptible to addiction due to the genes and behavioral models inherited from his Dad. I would suggest seeking professional help in trying to intervene with his drug use as early as possible.

[rexsmith09]

sometimes it pretty difficult to make someone quit these bad habits. but it can be possible. a better way is not to stop him abruptly or by force or anger. this will accelerate the motion. try to become a friend and discuss with your son. in many cases, teenagers show off themselves as matured and sometimes do these kind of things. slowly but consistently, bring him out of his friends circle who smokes pot. once he is out, protect him from going back to the company of those friends. find out his interests and encourage him for his hobbies. but never say "don't smoke"..these sometimes effects reversely. I am sure, he is going to come out of this episode.

[Dr. Joshua]

I agree with rexsmith09 that you should make every effort to get him to associate with different company. If possible, moving to another area or even to another city may help him seek better company. Of course, this is often difficult due to work and other commitments. At his age, the company he keeps - his friends - has a huge influence on his behavior and the direction he is going.