Youth can develop unhealthy coping strategies and addictive behaviors at a very young age. The ‘cycle of addiction’ can negatively affect all areas of their lives. Many of the youth we serve have multiple life problems or other mental health disorders in addition to their substance abuse. Consequently, caring, professional help is often needed to help them regain control and move forward with normal teen development.  Our  program is based on treatment approaches that have demonstrated positive results with such substance abusing teens.  Our staff is carefully selected and trained to demonstrate acceptance of each teen and  hold them accountable for changing. Teens aren’t responsible for being addicted,  but they are  responsible for their recovery.

Is My Teen Using Alcohol or Drugs?

Teens May Be Using When...

Problems at school-Truancy, Grades, Sleeping, Suspensions, Forged Notes

Problems at home-Chores, Curfew, AWOL, Missing Money or Liquor, Secretive, Violent

Emotional problems-Unexplained Mood Changes, Low Motivation, Reduced Memory, Depressed, Paranoid, Angry, Agitated

Physical problems-Weight, Hygiene, Injuries, Hangovers, Tremors, Chronic Cough, Red Eyes

Behavior and legal problems-Fights, Lying, Stealing, Tagging, Robbery , Assaults, Prostitution, Blaming Attitude

Things don’t add up? Consider Drugs.

Teens VERY Likely Using When...

Friends use drugs

Bored by drug information presentations

Clothing, etc., promotes drug use

Drugs, packaging, paraphernalia found

Smells of marijuana or alcohol

Denies when confronted with evidence

Refuses or delays drug tests

You feel used/manipulated, make excuses, fear for his/her safety

Note discrepancies between your teens words and their behavior.

If You Suspect Your Teen is Using

Discuss suspicions with a professional who can assess the situation and suggest next steps.

Don't be afraid to intervene. You are acting due to reasonable suspicions and concern. Handled properly, no harm is done if the symptoms you see are not due to substance abuse.