Q. I need treatment for a substance abuse problem but don't have insurance or money to pay. How can I get help? A. The Baltimore County Department of Health offers a number of substance abuse treatment programs for Baltimore County adult and adolescent residents. For more information, call 410-887-7671 to speak to an addictions counselor. Back to top Q. I think my child is using alcohol or drugs. What can I do? A. An addictions counselor can talk to you about the possible warning signs of alcohol and/or other drug use. To reach an addictions counselor specializing in adolescents, call 410-887-7671. The addictions counselor can make that referral to several adolescent treatment programs that provide assessments and recommendations as to whether substance abuse services are needed. Back to top Q. I'm worried that my adolescent will start using alcohol, tobacco or other drugs. What can I do to prevent this from happening? A. There is no guaranteed way to predict if your adolescent will use alcohol or other drugs, but there are steps you can take to help decrease the chances of this from happening. The most important role a parent plays in keeping their child alcohol and drug free is to be involved with their child. Know who your child's friends are, where they are going, and how they are spending their time and money Talk with your adolescent about the dangers of alcohol and drugs Listen when your child talks about what is important to him/her Keep your child involved in healthy after-school activities Become informed about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs and how they affect the body Remain alert regarding whether your child is having problems in school, has behavior changes at home or suddenly changes his/her group of friends
If you notice problems, contact the school guidance counselor or trusted teacher who can assist with assessing your child and making a referral to an early intervention program if necessary. In addition, you can call our Adolescent Services Unit at 410-887-7671. Back to top Q. What are the signs that someone is chemically dependent?
A. Here are some signs that might indicate that you are chemically dependent: - Trying to quit using or trying to use less of some substance, and failing at it
- "Blackouts," or lapses of memory, after use
- Using the substance while alone, or hiding the evidence of use
- Using the substance to forget about problems or worries
- Doing things while "under the influence" that you regret afterwards
- Not being able to enjoy an event or activity without the substance
- Using much more than other people in a social gathering
- Neglecting responsibilities in order to use the substance
- Family, friends, or co-workers expressing concern about your substance use
- Being willing to do almost anything to get the substance
Back to top Q. How can I get educational material about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs? A. The Baltimore County Department of Health has literature in most of the Baltimore County Public Libraries that provide information about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs as well as referral information. You can also call 410-887-3828 to request that information be sent directly to you. Back to top Q. Are there web sites that give additional information about alcohol and drugs? A. Yes, there are several that parents may find useful that contains information on alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs: Back to top Revised June 17, 2009 | 
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