RECOGNIZING AND RESPONDING TO SIGNS OF A POSSIBLE SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROBLEM WITH YOUR ADOLESCENT: GUIDANCE FROM HAZELDEN BETTY FORD
“As parents, most of us would rather not even think about the possibility that our son or daughter could develop an addiction to alcohol or other substances. But putting our head in the sand only increases the risks. Dr. Leslie Adair, Director of Mental Health & Family Services at Hazelden Betty Ford’s adolescent and young adult facility in Plymouth, MN, brings the information we need to recognize signs of possible addiction, to seek evaluation by an experienced professional and if needed, to get appropriate treatment and family support. Leslie also answers Marti & Erin’s questions about addressing the needs of siblings and helping family members know how to talk to others about the problem. TUNE IN HERE
What has been your experience with substance abuse and addiction among people close to you? What did you learn in this Mom Enough discussion about signs of a possible addiction in teens and young adults? What resources are available for evaluation and treatment in your community? Leave a comment below!”
For more information on Teen Intervene, click here.
For tips for if you suspect teen alcohol or other drug use, click here.
For additional fact sheets from Hazelden Betty Ford, click here.
For other resources from Hazelden Betty Ford, click here.
I am a substance abuse counselor and parent. Though my child is not an adolescent yet, it is my hope that when he does become of age I will be prepared to assist him in navigating the world of peer pressure and social groups in general. I believe that by creating that miss fear of open dialogue and trust is the the first step. As a counselor, I help my clients understand that the people whom they associate have an impact on their decisions. For my clients, lifestyle changes are crucial to getting and staying clean from mind altering substances. It’s interesting that the above survey found that 49% of students would rather not have alcohol available parties. That’s a higher number that I would have guessed. Decreasing drug and alcohol use and carbs does take a concerted effort and one that needs to have a multifaceted approach. I do not recall many policies back when I was in college in the 90s, at least policies that were enforced. It was always a strong culture of drinking present. I am a recovering alcoholic. It is my believe that I environment in some ways did contribute to my addiction.