Help For My Child

                                             Help for My Child
 

   You don't have to do this alone.  Telling others about teenager's drug use can be scary.  You
   may feel guilty or ashamed, fear you're going to embarrass your child or believe that you can "deal
   with it" on your own.  But you can't handle this problem by yourself — and you shouldn't have to.
   It's important to get outside help.

   Your child's drug use can be an act of teenage rebellion, a sign of full–fledged addiction, or 
   anything in between. What you need help with first is identifying the actual problem. Professionals
   can use these methods to help you pinpoint the issue you're dealing with.  These methods will also
   help you decide the best course of action for your child:

• Drug and Alcohol Assessment
  This is a phone interview or face–to–face meeting between the user and a doctor or counselor. It is usually conducted at or by a treatment facility. Find the treatment facility closest to you.
• Evaluation or Screening
  This is an extensive assessment in which a user stays at a treatment center for a few days to be observed by experts. He or she also takes part in a series of tests during this time.
• Drug Test
  While home drug tests can be unreliable, having a doctor perform a drug test can be a helpful tool, Although be aware that teens find all sorts of ways to beat these tests and even professional tests can be inaccurate.

Helpful guides are ready for you to download to read about the differences between and intervention and treatment.