My cousin is afraid that her 15-year old daughter might be using drugs. Her grades are dropping, she’s been caught telling lies, and her personality has drastically changed. Her parents have no idea what to do or where to turn. Can you help?

There are a variety of resources available within our community where your cousin might find support for herself and her daughter. While not all behavior of this nature is explained by substance abuse, it is important not to ignore potential warning signs. Substance abuse/dependence is a progressive disease and the earlier the intervention, the greater the chances the intervention will be successful. Preferred Family Healthcare, located in St. Charles, offers adolescent substance abuse evaluations free of charge by calling 636-946-6376. If treatment is needed, Medicaid/MC+ covers the full cost of care. Some private insurance is accepted and sliding fee scale arrangements are also available for those who are uninsured or underinsured. Additionally, we have several strong community based support groups available. AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) and NA (Narcotics Anonymous) offer a safe, supportive environment to share struggles and find solidarity. There is a “young persons” AA meeting held weekly in O’Fallon that is more appealing to many teens. Al Anon (those with loved ones struggling with substance abuse/dependence) and BILY (Because I Love You) offer parents support and validation that theirs is not the only family overwhelmed by these issues. Meeting times and places can be found on the internet at www.aastl.org (AA) or by calling 636-946-5650 (NA), 314-391-0305/314-872-8509 (Al Anon), and 314-993-7550 (BILY). However, if substance abuse is an issue, the most critical thing your cousin can do is to actively participate in her daughter’s recovery plan.  

Chris Cressler
Preferred Family Health
St. Charles, MO
636-946-6376

Your cousin needs to be commended for her willingness to act now. It is not unusual for parents to “write off” these types of behaviors as “a phase” or “normal adolescent rebellion.”  And, in reality, sometimes they are. However, there is also the possibility that they are not. Your cousin has already taken the first steps by taking note of her daughter’s behavioral changes and seeking out assistance. The next thing she should do is rule out any physical illness with a trip to the doctor, asking the doctor to evaluate for depression or other emotional causes as well. If the doctor gives a clean bill of health, and the symptoms are still present, then she should locate a professional such as a psychiatrist or therapist with experience in adolescent drug abuse. This may be a challenge for your cousin as resources for adolescent drug abuse treatment are not sufficient enough to meet the current need.  However, this lack of adequate resources may change in our communities if Proposition “K” for Kids (City of St. Louis), Proposition Healthy Kids (Jefferson County), and Proposition 1 (Putting Kids First) in St. Charles County passes in the November election.  As you are aware, these initiatives will provide revenue for much needed programs specifically for kids; programs which are currently unavailable or not large enough to meet the need of your community. 

Ghada Sultani-Hoffman, M.A., LPC, LCSW
Vice President of General Counseling Services
COMTREA, Inc.

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