Our adolescent services focus on prevention and early intervention for youth experimenting with substances. We provide education, counseling, and support to help young people make healthy choices and avoid the development of substance use disorders.
Many adolescents in our community experiment with:
- Vaping
- Marijuana
- Alcohol
Services Offered
- Individual counseling
- Family sessions
- Educational groups
- School-based programs
- Risk assessment
- Skill-building activities
Signs Your Teen May Be Using Substances
Behavior Changes
- Sudden mood swings, irritability, or aggression
- Secretive behavior or lying about whereabouts
- Breaking curfew or locking bedroom doors
- Loss of interest in hobbies or extracurriculars
- Decline in academic performance or skipping school
- Increased need for money or unexplained spending
Physical Indicators
- Bloodshot eyes or dilated/constricted pupils
- Frequent nosebleeds or runny nose (especially with snorted substances)
- Changes in sleep or appetite patterns
- Unusual body odors or poor hygiene
- Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination
Emotional & Psychological Signs
- Apathy, sadness, or withdrawal from family
- Anxiety, paranoia, or confusion
- Sudden drop in motivation or self-esteem
- Signs of depression or emotional numbness
Evidence of Use
- Finding paraphernalia (pipes, rolling papers, vape cartridges, pill bottles)
- Missing prescription medications or alcohol
- Social media posts referencing drug use
- Signs of intoxication (e.g., stumbling, unusual laughter, slurred speech)
Social Shifts
- Change in peer group, especially toward riskier crowds
- Avoiding longtime friends or family interactions
- Attending parties where substances are present
- Vague or evasive responses about plans or whereabouts
How to Talk to Your Teen
Use These 5 Goals When Talking to Kids about Alcohol and Other Drugs
1. Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse.
Over 80 percent of young people ages 10–18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision whether to drink. Send a clear and strong message that you disapprove of underage drinking and misuse of other drugs.
2. Show you care about your child’s health, wellness, and success.
Young people are more likely to listen when they know you’re on their side. Reinforce why you don’t want your child to drink or use other drugs—because you want your child to be happy and safe. The conversation will go a lot better if you’re open and you show concern.
3. Show you’re a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs.
You want your child to make informed decisions about alcohol and other drugs with reliable information about their dangers. You don’t want your child to learn about alcohol and other drugs from unreliable sources. Establish yourself as a trustworthy source of information.
4. Show you’re paying attention and you’ll discourage risky behaviors.
Show you’re aware of what your child is up to, as young people are more likely to drink or use other drugs if they think no one will notice. Do this in a subtle way, without prying.
5. Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding underage drinking and drug use.
Even if you don’t think your child wants to drink or try other drugs, peer pressure is a powerful thing. Having a plan to avoid alcohol and drug use can help children make better choices. Talk with your child about what they would do if faced with a decision about alcohol and drugs, such as texting a code word to a family member or practicing how they’ll say “no thanks.”
Keep it low-key. Don’t worry, you don’t have to get everything across in one talk. Plan to have many short talks.
Taken from to “Talk They Hear You” Campaign from SAMHSA (Parent Resources: Five Goals – Talk. They Hear You | SAMHSA)
We partner with schools, counselors, and healthcare providers to identify and support at-risk youth. Our referral process is simple and confidential.
Email us at info@mountainhighrecovery.org for a link to our confidential, online referral form.
Call us at 530-600-6505 for a warm hand off with clients.
Fax us your organizations referral form to 530-600-1339
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