Parent of a Teen Now Using
 
47 Year Old White Male

My wife and I recently divorced, and I moved my daughter with me from the suburbs to the city. My daughter has always been a bit shy and found it difficult leaving the friends she grew up with and was comfortable around. When we moved to the city, one of the kids she was intimidated by a "tuff kid," approached her and befriended her. Initially, it was out of fear that she accepted this friendship, yet now it's more than that, she has become addicted to their lifestyle, using drugs and acting out.

She skips school and comes home late, if at all. When the phone rings my heart jumps in my throat as I am in fear it will be the police telling me she is dead. She's a totally different child than she used to be. We used to be so close. Now, she's angry, argumentative, spiteful, and cold. When I try to rebuild trust, she violates it. When I try to discipline her, she runs away. I live in fear of what each new day will bring. Never have I felt so helpless. She's killing herself and I can't do a thing about it, my heart continues to break.