Alcohol is one of the most commonly abused substances by young adults. For many adolescents, alcohol is the first substance they experiment with. Ease of access and legality make it incredibly easy to obtain. Even if your child is not old enough to buy alcohol for themselves, chances are they know someone who can or they have access to it in someone’s home. If you suspect your child is using … [Read more...]
Common Hiding Spots to Check if You Suspect Your Child is Using Drugs
If you suspect your child is using drugs, you may be tempted to find evidence. While you may be reluctant because it may feel like snooping, sometimes it is vital in helping your child. Identifying what substances they are using can help you determine what course of action to take and what resources to connect with in searching for treatment options. Teens can be innovative when it comes to … [Read more...]
For Parents: What is Your Role in Your Child’s Early Intervention & Recovery?
If your child is struggling with addiction, you may also be grappling with a tidal wave of emotions. Feeling unsure, confused, sad, or stressed is natural; it may make you question what you can do, or where you can go from here. For parents of children with addiction, some days may feel hopeless, but it is important to strategize and continue working towards getting your child help. Learn about … [Read more...]
How to Confront Your Child if You Suspect They’re Using Drugs
If you suspect your child is using drugs, it is usually because there are indicators that something is off. You may notice their grades are slipping, they are becoming more secretive, their behavior is worsening, or they are hanging out with the wrong crowd. They may be taking money from you, their physical appearance may be changing drastically, or maybe you have found concrete evidence of … [Read more...]
How to Tell if Someone is on Drugs by Their Eyes
If your child is experimenting with drugs or alcohol, they may be able to hide some of the signs from you, but their eyes can often reveal what they are doing. Substance use can have numerous effects on the eyes that cannot be easily concealed. From the size of their pupils to redness, their eyes can reveal what substances they may be using. Because drugs and alcohol affect neurotransmitters in … [Read more...]
Learn Street Names For Opiates To Help Determine If Your Child Is Using
Most people are familiar with the name of prescription drugs, but many of these medications have generic names, street names, and slang terms that are used to refer to them or how they are used. With all of these varying names, it can be difficult to know what your child may be using. Identifying what your child is using is key in understanding how to move forward with treatment options. … [Read more...]
Methadone Withdrawal Symptoms
Opioid addiction often requires medication-assisted treatment in order to improve the success of withdrawal and jump-start the recovery process. Methadone is one of several medications available that can help people stop using opiates. However, it also has its own addiction risks, problems, and withdrawal symptoms. Methadone is an opioid itself, but it works by reducing physical withdrawal … [Read more...]
For Parents: How to Cope with Guilt & Shame About Your Child’s Addiction
In many ways, a parent’s actions can have a profound impact on a child’s development and who they ultimately become as they grow older, but not everything is inherently in a parent’s hands. Raising a child in itself can be a guilt-rendering experience. From even early years, parents may struggle with feeling guilt over their child’s struggles. If they fall and hurt themselves or if they struggle … [Read more...]
Signs Your Child is Smoking Pot
Marijuana is often one of the first substances a person experiments with. Weed is one of the most accessible drugs today and with a changing legal status, the drug is easier to acquire than ever before. Like any substance, use of weed has the potential to lead to dependency and addiction. While many discussions about marijuana use intend to paint a positive picture, marijuana largely remains a … [Read more...]