Over the years I have worked with so many teens I am now a specialist and expert in treating them.
Let’s face it: Teens are a pain in the expletive! They’re selfish, unappreciative, ungrateful, loud, messy, mean, mouthy, reckless and destructive and I better stop here because this article is limited in space. I know this because not only do I work with them each and every day; I have one myself who is 15 (Ugh…driver’s license is next… oh, the humanity).
And then of course there are drugs. What do we do when our kids try pot, alcohol, or worse? Do we create a barrage of boundaries and strict rules? This only seems to aggravate the situation and embolden them further. Do we try to be “cool” and have The Cosby Show-style talk with them? Then we risk making it too easy for them. Do we ignore and click our heels three times, “Wizard of Oz”-like and hope for the best? That never works either. Drugs are insidious. Sinister. Downright evil. And if you think you know how dangerous they are, think again; they are far worse than you can imagine and you must do something to protect your children now. Drug use will steal your children’s future and possibly their lives and this is no joke. Rich, poor, good parents, bad ones, insecure, confident — none of these things matter because just like death and taxes, everyone is vulnerable to drug use, dependency, compulsion and addiction.
As a specialist with teens, drugs and the family dynamics involved I have good news: There is a way out and a way to save them and preserve all your years of hard parental work that you fear is rushing down a toilet drain when they smoke pot, etc. Why an objective professional can be more effective than a kid’s parent is due to suggestibility (they stopped listening to you long ago) and the lack of a history of animosity. With the right method, kids do want what is best for them and will respond.
This article continues on page 118 of the Magazine.
Scott Spackey is a CA. Reg. Addiction Specialist, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist & Life-Coach who works with all ages, children to adults, in the SCV. For more information, please call 661-299-1966, visit www.LIFE-MIND.com or email Scott@Life-Mind.com .