Childhood Drug and Alcohol Use
Parents often worry about their child's potential use of illegal substances and fear the possibility of addiction. The legalization of medical marijuana in Montana, legalization of marijuana in neighboring states, and increased availability of methamphetamines and heroin have provided greater access for youth and more challenges for parents. If you suspect your child is using illegal substances, seek help from a licensed addiction counselor who specializes in substance abuse treatment for adolescents. The resources below identify possible warning signs and provide helpful suggestions.
Fact Sheet
Learn more on the Partnership to End Addiction website.
Training
The Center's course on drug paraphernalia and common drugs will equip you to better recognize drug paraphernalia.
Electronic Resources
Websites
RevoveryHub is an online search tool to find treatment resources.
Prescription Drug Dropbox locations in Montana.
Substance use disorders. Mayo Clinic provides information about symptoms, signs of intoxication, diagnosis and treatment, and prevention efforts.
Substance Abuse in Rural Areas. Rural Health Information Hub overviews common questions, signs of SUD, the impact of SUD on rural communities, and rural treatment options.
Harm Reduction Guide. American Addiction Center reviews the harm reduction model as a model for treatment with examples of utilization with various substances.
Additional Readings
Fact Sheets
Articles
The Impact of Covid-19 on Patients with Alcohol or Substance Use Disorder. Psychiatric Times explores substance use disorder during a pandemic.
Substance Use in Montana: A summary of statewide initiatives for the Department of Justice. Statewide report on substance use enforcement, monitoring, treatment, and prevention.
Recommended Books for Parents
