If a Loved One or Child Is Using

We understand how frightening it can be for a parent or friend to either suspect or know that someone they love is abusing drugs or alcohol. Faced with this dilemma, we often don't know where to go for information, who to trust with our suspicions, or what to do to help. Here at The 24 Group, we know because we have been there - our families have been touched by addiction. We've had to face the pain and feelings that come along with the discovery that our child or loved one is an addict.

That is why we are here - to share our experience, strength and hope with other people who are facing addiction with their loved ones - especially if it is their children.

We invite you to explore the information on this page, on our Resources page, and within our Facebook Community page. We also encourage you to reach out for help. You do not have to face this alone. There are other families, willing youth and trained professionals who share the desire to help others find freedom from active addiction. There is no shame or stigma with this disease, and there is definitely no shame in asking for help. 

Warning Signs of Adolescent Addiction

  • Loss of interest in hobbies, sports or other favorite activities
  • School grades have declined dramatically
  • Difficult time concentrating on tasks
  • Change in sleeping patterns, up all-night or sleeping all day
  • Withdrawn, depressed, tired, careless, or manipulative
  • Hostile, disrespectful, untruthful, and uncooperative
  • Relationships with family members and friends has deteriorated
  • Money is missing from the household
  • An increase in borrowing money from family members and friends
  • Physical health has declined, bloodshot eyes, bulging veins, runny nose
  • Dramatic mood swings
  • Missing prescription drugs, cold medicines, alcohol, aerosol containers in the home
  • Increased secrecy about possessions or activities
  • Personal hygiene has deteriorated
  • Dramatic weight loss
  • Finding drug paraphernalia hidden in the home, pipes, rolling papers, eye drops, butane lighters, soft drink containers made in to pipes, etc.
  • Inhalant products, rags, computer duster, paint, nail polish, paper or plastic bags etc. hidden in the home
  • Truancy and tardiness to school or a job
  • Changes in fashion, hairstyle, use of breath mints, fascination with the drug culture
  • Sudden change in friends, numerous secretive phone calls
  • Use of room deodorant or incense in their room
  • Physically abusive, aggressive, punching holes in walls, etc.
  • Has anyone told you that your child is using drugs?
  • Odd phone calls, sneaking out of the house, etc.

Steps to Take if a Loved One or Teen is Using

  • Have your loved one evaluated by a professional drug counselor or treatment facility
  • Immediately admit them to a drug treatment program if it is recommended
  • Educate yourself and your family about addiction
  • Seek family counseling from a group or a professional specializing in addiction
  • Consider attending Al-Anon or Al-A-Teen meetings
  • Understand that addiction may lead to prison, institutions or death if not addressed
  • Understand that no one has any control over the addicted person except the addict himself
  • Do not give them cash or credit cards
  • Recognize that addicted people do not reason the same way as non-addicted
  • Do not make excuses for your loved one’s behavior; let the natural consequences of their actions occur
  • Do not feel guilty about your parenting skills or friendship - they made the decision to abuse drugs, not you
  • Set and communicate clear behavior standards for the person if living in your home, no fuzzy or gray areas
  • Hold them accountable for their actions
  • Be wary of the addict’s skills at manipulating people and events
  • Consider removing or securing all alcohol, narcotic prescription medication, cold medication, etc. from your home
  • All family members should try to be of the same mind set when setting behavioral expectations for the addicted, and when holding them accountable
  • The addicted person's recovery is his/her program, you should not try to work harder than them at that program
  • Relapses are common, recovery is achieved one small step at a time
  • Learn to live life with an addict one day at a time, and be grateful for the time you have together