What to Do When You Find Drugs in Your Home

Coming across drugs in your home is a stressful and overwhelming experience, but it's crucial to approach the situation with a clear mind. Knowing how to handle this delicate discovery can make a significant difference in a loved one's life. We'll walk you through the essential steps to take to ensure you're in control and focused on providing the support your family member needs.

What should you do after finding drugs in your home?

After finding drugs in your home, the most important first steps are to take a deep breath to calm your emotions, then identify who the drugs belong to and what the substance is. This initial information will allow you to prepare for a confrontation that is both supportive and direct.

Finding drugs in your home is a challenging situation, but knowing how to react properly is the first step toward a positive resolution. Keep reading for a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to approach this difficult conversation with a loved one while maintaining a supportive and unified front.

What should I do if I find drugs in my home?

Coming across drugs in your own home can be a harrowing experience. Whether they belong to a spouse, child, sibling, or even parent, feelings of resentment or anger can rush to one’s head. While it is tempting to take action and immediately confront the person who is suspected of using drugs, it is important to go into these confrontations with a plan.

Knowing what to do if you find drugs is a complicated issue, but there are steps that can be taken in order to approach the situation in control, and with the health and care for a loved one in mind. 

Step One: Take a Breath

Step Two: Identify Owner and Substance

Knowing who the drug belongs to as well as exactly what kind of drug it is can be either very easy or very difficult. If drugs are found in a person’s own bedroom that they don’t share, then it can be reasonable to assume that they were the ones in possession of the drug. However, finding drugs in another hiding spot around the house can make identifying the owner more difficult.

Knowing the other effects of drugs can help inform likely owners, but it is important to avoid accusing everyone in the household until someone admits, as this can be easier to deflect and creates an antagonistic view of the situation, rather than the atmosphere of support and change needed to address addiction and drug use. Not only is it crucial to know the “who,” but also the “what.”

It is important to identify the exact kind of drug that was found. Internet searches can aid with identification, and one can use the symptoms of the drug to further collect evidence and take appropriate measures for addiction and addiction recovery based on the drug that is being abused. Knowing what kind of drug is being used can further accountability and make the subsequent dialogue more honest and direct.

Step Three: Prepare for a Confrontation

It is also important to have some literature about the drug, addiction as a whole, and recovery facilities (if necessary). This can help all parties stay informed throughout the conversation, as well as guide the person to the next step that will best benefit them. 

Step Four: Create a Plan

Creating a plan also involves a number of steps. It comes with setting new rules, such as curfews or limitations on one’s freedoms or social circles. When imposing any and all of these new rules or responsibilities, it is important to also have a reason described to let each person know the purpose behind employing these restrictions, rather than them being arbitrarily imposed.

Curfews, for example, are to ensure that someone is safe each night, and has access to their support system, rather than being out while their support systems may be asleep, or otherwise unable to reach them in a difficult time.  Consequences also need to be made clear, and it is important to stick strongly to any consequences imposed, as to not compromise the severity of the situation. Enforcement can be difficult, but also necessary.

Consequences can be financial in nature, but might also include things like, “If drugs are ever found again, you are being admitted to a detox/recovery facility.” These consequences can vary, depending on each person and whether or not they had already agreed that it would be beneficial for them. This will also involve compromising some privacy for the person in question, as their personal spaces may become susceptible to searches for drugs.

There can be any number of stash spots for drugs, including cuts in mattresses or stuffed animals, empty soda cans or other innocuous items, inside vents that can only be accessed with intention, and within picture frames or books. There are just a few places that someone could hide their drugs, but knowing where to start and the methodology behind selecting hiding spots can help someone be more proactive before relapses occur. 

Step 5: Reinforce Unity and Support

Finding drugs in one’s home is difficult, and there can be a million feelings and thoughts rushing through your head. However, there is a need for structure and support through this process, rather than an air of aggression and accusation.

While it can be an emotionally taxing experience, there is help available for both families and sufferers of addiction to drugs — and professional help may be necessary. In these cases, it is more important than ever that these issues are addressed as a unified front between the one in recovery, as well as their families. 

Frequently Ask Questions:

• Is it okay to confront the person immediately after finding the drugs?

While it's tempting to confront the person right away, it's important to take a breath and have a plan first. Going into the conversation with a plan allows you to approach the situation with control and focus on your loved one’s health.

• How do you identify the owner of the drugs?

Identifying the owner can be straightforward if the drugs are found in a private bedroom. However, if they are found in a shared space, it's best to avoid accusing everyone until someone admits ownership.

• What kind of information should I gather before confronting someone?

Before confronting someone, you should try to identify the exact substance found and have literature available about the drug, addiction as a whole, and potential recovery facilities to keep the conversation informed.

• What are some examples of new rules you can set?

You can set new rules like curfews or limitations on social circles. It's important to clearly explain the purpose of these rules, for example, that curfews are meant to ensure the person is safe and has access to their support system.

• What is the importance of a unified front?

Addressing these issues as a unified front between the person in recovery and their family is crucial. It creates an atmosphere of support and change rather than one of aggression and accusation, which is essential for recovery.

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Finding drugs in your home is a deeply unsettling experience, and we understand the overwhelming emotions that come with it. When you're ready to take the next step, we at Chateau Health and Wellness Treatment Center are here to help. Our team provides a supportive and understanding environment for both you and your loved one. We believe in a collaborative approach to recovery, and we are committed to being your partner in this journey. If you need guidance on how to navigate this situation or are looking for professional support, please don't hesitate to reach out. Call us at (435) 222-5225 to start a conversation about how we can help your family heal together.

About The Author

Ben Pearson, LCSW, Clinical Director

Ben Pearson, LCSW - Clinical Director

With 19 years of experience, Ben Pearson specializes in adolescent and family therapy, de-escalation, and high-risk interventions. As a former Clinical Director of an intensive outpatient program, he played a key role in clinical interventions and group therapy. With 15+ years in wilderness treatment and over a decade as a clinician, Ben has helped countless individuals and families navigate mental health and recovery challenges.

Danny Warner, CEO

Danny Warner, CEO of Chateau Health and Wellness

Brings a wealth of experience in business operations, strategic alliances, and turnaround management, with prior leadership roles at Mediconnect Global, Klever Marketing, and WO Investing, Inc. A graduate of Brigham Young University in Economics and History, Danny has a proven track record of delivering results across diverse industries. His most transformative role, however, was as a trail walker and counselor for troubled teens at the Anasazi Foundation, where he directly impacted young lives, a personal commitment to transformation that now drives his leadership at Chateau.

Austin Pederson, Executive Director

Austin Pederson, Executive Director of Chateau Health and Wellness

Brings over eight years of experience revolutionizing mental health and substance abuse treatment through compassionate care and innovative business strategies. Inspired by his own recovery journey, Austin has developed impactful programs tailored to individuals facing trauma and stress while fostering comprehensive support systems that prioritize holistic wellness. His empathetic leadership extends to educating and assisting families, ensuring lasting recovery for clients and their loved ones.