I have had reason lately to suspect my teenager may be using alcohol or other drugs, although he denies it. Without over-reacting, I feel the need to respond to this situation but am unsure what to do next. Any suggestions?

For a situation such as yours, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (NCADA) – St. Louis Area offers a program for teens between the ages of 13 and 17. The program, Adolescent Assessment Services, is an interview process with a qualified substance abuse professional. The purpose of the assessment is to determine whether the adolescent has a dependency or addiction, if so, what options are available for them to address the problem.

Sensitive to each young person’s needs, NCADA staff offers direct, yet compassionate services to the teens. This service is designed to move teens forward in a positive direction and to encourage them to receive appropriate assistance, if necessary.

NCADA does not provide any treatment services. If treatment is recommended, NCADA provides a comprehensive referral list of the various treatment and self-help options in the St. Louis area. A typical assessment lasts approximately one and one half hours. Any adolescent assessment must be approved and accompanied by a parent and/or legal guardian. To schedule an assessment, call NCADA at 314-962-3456. Through a grant provided by the Dana Brown Charitable Trust, NCADA is able to offer these services at no charge.

Daniel K. Duncan, LCSW
Director of Community Services
NCADA – St. Louis Area

Alcohol and drug use/abuse is a problem many teens face today. Teenagers may use drugs as a way to fit in or to cope with the normal stresses of adolescence.

Some of the things to look for if you suspect your child may be using alcohol or other drugs are changes in behaviors at home and/or school. You may see a change in grades, the child may be skipping school, a change in peers, and extracurricular activities may be dropped. At home, you may see a refusal to do chores, changes in communication, mood swings, depression and isolation from family activities.

If you suspect your teenager may be using, it is important to follow up with your child's pediatrician who can provide you with more information about having your child tested for substance use. Counseling would also be beneficial for your child as well as the family. You can obtain more information through the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse located at 8790 Manchester Road in St. Louis, MO 63144. Their phone number is 314-962-3456. You can also obtain additional information, resources, and support for your teen and family at www. FocusAs.com.

Tara Schaper, MSW, LCSW
Family Therapist
Family Support Network
(314) 963-1450

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