Chemical Health Assessment & Treatment Process
Children who abuse or misuse drugs or chemicals need to have a chemical assessment for proper identification of the existing problems. Contact your child’s school counselor to help you locate the closest chemical assessment agency where you live. This article will provide you other factors, terminology and conditions to consider before you seek professional help for your child.
Physical Signs and Symptoms of Chemical Use
Droopy eyelids
Tremors
Dry mouth
Small or large pupils
Pale or flush skin color
Odor of alcohol, marijuana, vomit, chemical, urine
Facial
itching
Raspy voice
Warm body
Headaches
Poorly kept appearance
Perspiring
Drug paraphernalia, pills, small pill bottles, syringes, paint residue
Grinding teeth
Behavioral Sign of Chemical Use
Loss or change in positive peer group or friends
Personality changes
Attitude changes
Lack of attention and focus
Withdrawn from family and friends
Memory problems
Secretive behaviors
Unexplained wealth or material wealth
Mood swings
Numerous phone calls, instant messaging or text messages
Overreaction to criticism
Drop in grades and poor quality work effort
Inability to sleep or insomnia
Change in eating habits
Accident prone
Uncommon illness
Blaming
Sensitivity to noise
Stages in Chemical Use
Stage I
Occasional to infrequent use
Social settings or alone
Some secrecy and anxiety about getting caught
Curiosity of chemical side effects
Stage II
Controlled use and avoidance of intoxication
Party and weekend use
Uses to socialize, not for enjoyment
Stage III
Change friends and peer group
Parents and other adult become suspicious
Behavioral signs of memory loss, mood swings and more begin to appear
Increase problems in school or a change in grades
Change in interest that includes more “partying.”
School, sports and other activities become secondary and less important
Signs of depression, sleep loss begin to appear
Stage IV
Blackouts
Sleeping, insomnia issues
School problems that may result in suspensions or other disciplinary action
Apathy
Increase in chemical use not limited to weekends
Chemical use and abuse becomes a major part of life
Rationalization for hiding chemicals and drugs
How Should A Parent Respond To Teen Chemical Use
Begin to speak with your child before they enter stage one of chemical or drug use. Begin to look for the physical and behavioral signs listed above. Let your child know that you have a right to search their room, backpack and other areas of your home if you suspect drug use. Do not be afraid to contact your school counselor and ask for help. The school counselor may provide you with other steps to take which may include meeting with your child, speaking with your child’s teachers, school nurse and other school officials. The school counselor can not help you if you keep your suspicions or information about your child’s chemical use a secret.
There are also numerous chemical and drug use agencies that can provide you with additional help. The school counselor can refer you to some of the best outside sources in your area.
Additional steps may include:
- Educate yourself about alcohol, club drugs and other chemicals by clicking on ScottCounseling Links.
- Stay calm while speaking to your child about your suspicions of their chemical use.
- Speak with other parents and join a support group.
- Speak with a school counselor, school nurse or the school district Drug Prevention Coordinator.Have your child assessed by an agency that is designed to do teen chemical assessments. This should be done before your child moves from Stage I to Stage II.
What Is A Chemical Assessment
The chemical assessment process is a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation that determines if an adolescent has a problem with alcohol or drug abuse dependency. This assessment may also determine other concerns such as mental health (depression etc.). There may be a cost involved with the assessment. Many assessment facilities will verify with your insurance company if you have benefits to cover the cost. If your health insurance does not cover the cost, the agency that you are contacting may refer you to a county agency that will do the assessment for free.
The school counselor or school administrator may request an assessment, especially if there has been a school drug policy violation. Schools do not do comprehensive chemical or drug assessments.
What Do I Do If I Find Drugs in My Child’s Possession?
1) Talk to your child about it. Stay calm. Be honest. Take turns talking.
2) Your child may say it belongs to a friend. Say, “if it’s in your room or possession, it belongs to you.”
3) If you do not know what the drug is, a pharmacist or police officer may be able to tell you.
4) It’s important to have your child receive a chemical assessment to evaluate the situation.
5) Contact a school counselor or e-mail ScottCounseling with other extenuating circumstances.
What do I do If My teen Come Home High Or Drunk?
1) You always have the option of contacting the police or bringing your child to detox to monitor their condition.
2) Bring your child in for a chemical assessment.
ANYTIME YOUR CHILD HAS A SERIOUS HEALTH CONDITION CAUSED BY A CHEMICAL OR DRUG, CALL 911.
3) Parents can purchase at home drug test (urine analysis) at many drug stores or order a kit online at: www.rapidcup.com.
Common Insurance Company and Non-Insurance Coverage Question
Insurance Coverage:
- What chemical dependency assessment programs are considered “in network?”
- What amount is covered by insurance?
