Adolescent Drug & Alcohol Use

PARENTS are the greatest influence on their kids - even more than friends, TV, music, the Internet, and celebrities. A teen's experimentation with drugs and alcohol can quickly escalate to weekend or daily use. It is critical that parents have conversations with their children to discuss the dangers and parent expectations regarding drug and alcohol use. 

Be on the lookout for these symptoms of substance abuse among friends and loved ones:

  • Sudden weight loss

  • Chronic coughing, runny nose 

  • Loss of appetite or excessive hunger

  • Change in sleep patterns, sleeping in class 

  • Skipping school or a sudden drop in grades

  • Uncommon behavior problems at home and school

  • Showing drastic changes in behavior or personality

  • Change in friends

  • Stealing

  • Loss of interest in activities and/or pastimes

  • Secretive behavior and frequent absences from home

  • Posts on social media referencing drugs and/or alcohol

Early treatment can lead to:

  • Improved quality of life for the individual and their family.

  • Better education is a result of a clear, healthy mind ready to learn and excel.

  • Higher productivity in school, in their future employment, and in every aspect of their lives. 

  • Less opportunity to get in trouble at school or with the law because of fewer behavior problems.

Where to find help:

  • Allen ISD's Community Resource List

  • Contact your health insurance for a list of local providers

  • Reach out to your child's counselor or an AISD Support Counselor for additional resources

  • The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides a list of treatment centers that can be searched using an address, city, or zip code -  http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov.

  • Some companies provide Employee Assistance Program (EAP) benefits to their employees and their family members. These are free counseling sessions that can range from 1-10 office visits. Contact your company’s Human Resources Department for more information.

AHS 2015 Graduate, Riley Christiansen, interviewed Eric Brown in April 2015. Eric lost his son, Montana, to a drug overdose in December 2013. To watch Riley's interview, click here.