Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad
Question
My teenage son is 15 years old. He is involved in vaping, smoking, taking weed and selling it to underage children.
We have spoken to him about the harms, admonished him and regularly check his bedroom. Despite taking those steps he is still obtaining the above items. We are not giving him cash yet somehow he is getting hold of it. I have attempted to follow him twice but that didn’t lead anywhere.
We are frustrated that he is continually bringing these items into our home.
Answer
Thank you for your question. I am so sorry for what you are going through and I empathize with your pain and frustration. May Allah bring him back to the right path and make it easy for him to break his addiction.
Drug Addiction
Drug addiction is no joke, and you must realize that your lectures will not help. He has to decide to stop and only then will he make progress. You should be loving, bond with him, and figure out the root of the problem that makes him want to get high. I recommend that you find a center or professional that does know how to conquer this. I think that you should explore an array of solutions, and as a last resort, you should send him to rehab if he continues this behavior.
Please see these links for more tips:
How Can I Help My Brother Who Is Addicted to Drugs?
Helping a Family Member or Friend
My Brother Has Started Doing Hard Drugs: What Do I Do?
Turn to Allah
Most importantly, if you seek help, seek it from Allah, as He is the one who sent the test in the first place, and He has the solution. Follow Islam as closely as you can, pray on time, read the Quran daily, learn Sacred knowledge, give charity on behalf of your son, and the blessings and goodness of your state will spread throughout the home, by the grace of Allah. Please contemplate this important hadith. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), said, “Ask Allah of His bounty, for verily, Allah the Mighty and Sublime, loves to be asked, and the best of worship is awaiting relief.” [Tirmidhi]
Please say these supplications as well:
Asking From God – The Art of Supplication: A Comprehensive Reader
May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.
[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani