Your child has been away at college for six weeks now. You have been checking in with them regularly and maybe even doing some FaceTime or Skyping.

This moment in time took years of preparation on your part as a parent. You educated your child, stayed up many a night with them doing their homework. You went to all their sports programs.

You spent the month of August running around getting all the things they needed for their new college dorm room. Years of financial commitment have brought you to this huge moment in their lives. But did you have that hard conversation about the use of drugs and the reckless behavior that comes as a result of experimenting with them? None of us ever feel our child could do that and you’re probably right. But when a group of their peers get together and urge and push and needle them into trying something as dangerous as the drug known as Molly, their lives can change or end in a moment.

Here in New England this fall, there has been an explosion in the use of Molly amongst college students. Two magnificent young women took Molly while they were out with their friends. They overdosed and tragically lost their lives. The name ‘Molly’ makes this drug sound harmless but it can be lethal.  Within a short time these women became statistics and front page news.

At the same time, current media obsession and pop star Miley Cyrus recently said to Rolling Stone, “I think weed is the best drug on earth. One time I smoked a joint with peyote in it, and I saw a wolf howling at the moon. Hollywood is a coke town, but weed is so much better. And Molly, too. Those are happy drugs – social drugs. They make you want to be with friends. You’re out in the open. You’re not in a bathroom. I really don’t like coke. It’s so gross and so dark. It’s like what are you, from the Nineties? Ew.”

How can we better prepare kids for the pressures they will be presented with when living on their own? The truth is, teaching them responsibility early on is key.

Open, honest and non-judgmental conversation with the option for them to reach out to you, or possibly a life/recovery coach, when the situation presents itself is really important. Somehow talking to an outsider seems less intimidating.

The best of kids can be pushed into dangerous social situations. They want to belong to the group, even if that group may be experimenting with something that is potentially lethal. At that age, self-esteem is draped over them in a very thin veil. It can be shredded at a moment’s notice. It is a time of needing to make new friends and dealing with loneliness.

Now is the perfect time to have this conversation with your child. Dig deep with your questions. Listen carefully for hidden signs that something may be going on. Start to research a potential coach that your child could reach out to if they start feeling pressured and fearful. The non-family member guidance can be a life saver.

Not sure what to do? Feel free to reach out to me. I would be happy to make recommendations for you. You can contact me through my website //theliferecoveryformula.com.

Live Faithfully,

Mal

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