IS THIS SITUATION FAMILIAR?
2008-03 - 
What should I do - my son was kicked out of school for smoking pot?

Susie Answers an anxious parent's concern:
I am sorry to hear about the trials you are going through with your son right now. I know it is very upsetting and emotionally painful/draining to have a child with alcohol or drug problems going on.

In my experience, it is a common symptom for an alcohol or drug  user to deny they have a problem, so don't expect your son to admit it. I think it is very important to recognize that if he got kicked out of school for using pot, he's very likely to be using more than you imagine or that he will ever admit. It is also possible that he is using other drugs/alcohol as well. Pot is an easy starter drug and then pot smokers get eager for bigger and better highs, plus they hang with friends who are using and often offer them other "fun" substances as well.

I encourage you to go to Al-Anon as soon as possible. You will learn a great deal about how to deal with a child using drugs or alcohol and have a chance to meet other parents who have dealt with similar problems. There are 150 meetings per week in OC and you can find meetings near you at 
www.al-anon.alateen.org

I also recommend you consider taking him to a child psychologist and exploring the option of sending him to a rehab facility. In my experience, we all try to think the problem is smaller than it is, hoping it will go away or that they will "grow out of it." In today's world, too many kids are way too addicted at a young age and it becomes a long-term debilitating problem to them and the whole family. Deal with it now if you can. Do NOT expect any school even with counselors to fix this for your child. That is not their job. It is the parents' job. 

I have recommendations for some rehab options on my website: 
www.legacyofhope.com/rehab_options.htm
You can call them just to explore how serious they think your son's pot use is or is not. 

I support you with my prayers and hope for nipping your son's drug use now.

Susie Vanderlip