My Child Is Using Drugs. What Do I Do?

You tried telling yourself nothing was wrong and ignored the warning signs. When your son started coming in late at night with red-rimmed eyes and he avoided you, you chalked it up to being a normal teenager. When he started to become irritable and moody beyond belief, you blamed it on the same reason. When he stopped eating well and became restless, you figured he was having trouble with a girl at school. When the report card came home and his grades had plummeted, you hoped it was just a phase. Then you found the bag of pills in his dresser drawer. You and your husband confronted him about using drugs, forcing him to admit that he bought them from someone at school. He doesn't even know what they are! You know you have to take action before it's too late, but you don't know what to do and you need a sense of direction.

You Are Not Alone

According to an annual survey of high school students released by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, teen drug use is common across America. Findings are as follows:

• 86% of the American student body has used some form of drug
• 17% of American youth actually use drugs at school
• 60% of high school students consider their schools to be infected with drugs
• Over half of the student body at private schools say drugs are on campus
• 44% of high school students say they know someone who sells at school

With such alarming statistics, it is obvious that many households in America are dealing with the epidemic of drug abuse. Before your son becomes another statistic, it is time to reach out to one of the many resources to get the help that you need.

Young Adult Treatment Centers are a Solution

If you feel that the problem is too big for you to handle on your own, or your son is in too deep, young adult treatment centers stand at the ready to assist families like yours. While treatment is most effective when the individual admits to having a problem, you may find yourselves being forced to make the decision for your son. Young adults are easily swayed by their peers and their cognitive functioning is not fully developed until they are 25. They truly may not be equipped with the understanding that their drug use is taking control. If you feel as if your son is heading over the edge, you need to find the right placement as soon as possible.

Choose a Facility Dedicated to Young Adults

When you opt for a young adult treatment center, you can count on a program that is tailored to suit the needs of your son. Each child and situation is unique. A quality treatment program will recognize that fact and devise a form of therapy that is right for each patient. By choosing an inpatient facility, your son will avoid temptation, outside distractions, and all of the pressures that may have led to drug abuse in the first place. Trained, compassionate staff members will provide around the clock supervision. They will be able to monitor and ease any effects of detoxification. From that point, counseling services will begin to teach your son healthy alternatives in life. Upon completion of the program, your son can continue with 12-step meetings to continue on the road to recovery. There is always help available. Meta: My child is using drugs, what do I do? If this is your concern, there is professional help available for you take the right action before it's too late.