When faced with a son’s or daughter’s substance use, it can be easy to get caught up in trying to “fix” your child and get them to stop using immediately. But often it can be more helpful to pause, take a breath and try to understand the reason behind why your child is experimenting with drugs or alcohol in the first place.

Just as you get something out of eating a favorite dish at a restaurant or a favorite activity of yours, your child is getting something out of using drugs or alcohol – even if they can’t articulate it right away.

Watch Helpline Specialist Karla explain how to think about your son’s or daughter’s substance use differently: