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 Bureau of Substance Abuse funds a number of programs to provide Baltimore County adult and adolescent residents with substance abuse treatment. Call 410-887-6465 and ask to speak to an addictions counselor.
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Q. I think my child is using alcohol or drugs, and I'm worried. 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 . There are several adolescent treatment programs that provide assessments for adolescents and can recommend whether substance abuse services are needed. The addictions counselor can make that referral.
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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, if needed, to an early intervention program. In addition, you can call this Bureau's Adolescent Services Unit at 410-887-7671.
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Q. How can I get educational material about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs?
A. The Department of Health, Bureau of Substance Abuse has literature racks 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 to you.
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Q. Are there web sites that give additional information about alcohol and drugs?
A. Yes, there are several. Sites that parents may find useful are www.drugabuse.gov and www.drugfreeamerica.org. For information about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, visit www.samhsa.gov or www.erowid.org .
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Revised March 15, 2007
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