ABSTRACT
The use of drugs and alcohol is often central to serious disagreements between parents and teenagers. Frequently, teens see no problem with using illicit substances. Parents become very distressed about this and the effects of substance misuse. Unfortunately, often the teenager does not accept that his or her problems are connected to drug misuse, raising parents’ concerns even further. Parents are the ones most likely to notice problems, intervene and insist that the young person makes changes. They can become overwhelmed and hopeless in the face of continuing diffi culties. Confl ict in the home may persist for many months, even years. Parents may believe they have no positive infl uence and often feel that they have ‘failed’.
