Attempts to control a child's drug or alcohol abuse are often harmful because:

 They don't work.
As much as we would like to, we can not control another person's behaviour. As hard as you try you cannot be with your child 24 hours per day. Also, attempts at control may make a child feel resentful - and perhaps more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol as an act of rebellion.

 Anger and frustration builds up.
When attempts to control the situation fail, you're likely to feel angry and frustrated Your child may experience these feelings as well. The result is tension and unhappiness in the home.

 The child becomes the center of attention.
If all of your energy becomes focussed on ensuring that this child does not abuse drugs or alcohol, the needs of other family members are likely to be neglected. They may feel hurt and resentful.

 The vicious circle  
When attempts to control the situation don't work, a parent often simply tries harder - thus compounding the negative results described above. This becomes a vicious circle.

This isn't working we need to find another way . .