Suspect Your Teen is Using?

Have you been suspicious about your child's behavior lately? Are they more irritable than they used to be? Are their grades dropping in school? Did your child recently start hanging out with a new group of friends? Is your child not coming home when they are supposed to and lying about what they are doing?

It could be possible your teen is using substances and addiction is very common. Nearly 9 million people under the age of 26 currently have an alcohol or drug abuse problem. Addiction affects all types of people and it is treatable. Talk to a professional to assess your teen and get them the right type of treatment.

I have worked with many teens with addiction problems and have seen firsthand how important early intervention is along with the support of the family. Casual substance use can quickly lead to addiction which can cause bigger problems (think DUI, car accident, overdosing) so the earlier you ask for help, the more future problems you can avoid. Understanding as a parent that helping your child get sober is going to require work on your part as well will help prepare you for treatment.

Here are some resources that can help you deal with these substance abuse issues:

• http://www.drugfree.org/
• great comprehensive website to help you prevent and intervene with your child
• Call 1-855-DRUGFREE 
• Parents Toll-Free helpline to answer your questions and suggest resources
• http://www.drugabuse.gov/
• National Institue on Drug Abuse
• http://teens.drugabuse.gov/
• Information for teens and parents about substance abuse and addiction
• http://www.samhsa.gov/
• substance abuse and mental health services administration

Please comment and share any other resources that could be helpful!