§         Help them to see how the situation has worsened over the past few months. Point out any evidence that clearly exemplifies this:    declining health, falling school grades, withdrawal from the family.

§         Tell them that their privileges, like driving, allowance, and curfews, will be rescinded until they’ve begun to address their problems.

§         Express your concern about them, and tell them that you can’t sit idly by and watch them ruin their life.

§         Explain that a treatment program is not a punishment. In fact, it’s an opportunity for them to make a new start.

§         Recruit the support of important others, like friends, relatives, teachers, and coaches, to persuade them to attend the program.

§         Show them examples of people who are alcoholics or drug addicts who’ve refused to address their problem and have thrown their lives away. Or discuss former alcoholics and drug addicts who had to go through the same sort of programs to enjoy successful lives today.

§         Tell them that if they refuse to attend the program, they may face more serious consequences, like a court appearance, school suspension, or mandatory placement in a facility outside the home.