My son's getting help, but what about his friends?

[kazzy]

Mark,

I posted this on Guy's forum and he suggested I get some advice from you as well...

My 17 year old son came to me on Monday and admitted he had a drug problem and asked to go to rehab. His Father and I are behind him 100% and are thankful that he came forward. We were aware there was some pot smoking going on, but did not know about the other drugs that he was using on the weekends.

My son is committed to getting help and has agreed to not hang out with his friends who were using with him.

My dilemna is that I know two of his friends, and they are both really good kids, and I am worried about their safety. My son doesn't want me to talk to their parents, and he says they were not using as much as he was. I don't know what to do. I feel an obligation to alert the other parents, but this is the first time in three years that my son has opened up to me, and I don't want to close that door by doing something he will be mad/upset about.

What should I do?

[larrynboys]

Hi Kazzy.. is it possible to get your son to reach out to them? A powerful tool to our recovery is helping others, Even tho they may not be using as much now,we all know it won't be long. If they could work together,they could maybe get a help group for more of the kids who might be using, that may realize they aren't alone.
If they do not want help than he might realize going to the parents will be the best thing...This of course can depend on how the parents aproach the issue. Something to keep in mind while talking to them,
I hope something here will help

Larry

oops .. didn't read before posting, won't happen again,

[MarkSichelCSW]

Sorry it's taken so long for a reply...it's a busy time of the year for me.

You're son is terrific. Loving, honorable, respectful. You should be pleased and proud and all your efforts should be focused on how you can contribute to his recovery.

As the father of a 16 & 18 year old, I understand your dilemma but I strongly advise you to respect your son's wishes and not discus drugs with his parents' friends.

You clearly put alot of effort into teaching and modelling respect for your son or he wouoldn't have come clean with you. So I would respect this.