Teen hospitalized for drug use last night

[Anonymous]

Not sure where to start. Anyone been here. Interested in parent support groups, in and out patient treatment. I'm v v strapped for cash, just getting back on my feet after a divorce a few years ago, but have good health insurance and maybe family could help but no one knows at this moment. First person experiences would be v helpful right now. Pretty sure I'm canceling school for next week, already called his job and told him he's out for the foreseeable future. What did you do first, second, third in this situation. In DC.

[Anonymous]

This will get bumped to Teens, in case you come looking for the post and it's missing.

[Anonymous]

Did kid OD or just get caught using? Obviously neither is desirable but there could be a difference between an addiction problem and experimentation. If it were my kid I'd get them into therapy and possibly rehab if addiction is the problem. Also restrictions on everything from now on. But I spent many years on drugs and don't want that for my kid.

And if you're wondering, despite my dad being a drug/mental health specialist, I got none of these resources in HS when I was first getting caught. So several more years of increasingly serious drug use ensued before DH came along and made me straighten up. I'd be lying if I said I didn't still get urges to use, though. Just no access.

In short: professional help ASAP. If you're short on $$ try GWU Center Clinic, they do sliding scale and offer therapy and group help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not sure where to start. Anyone been here. Interested in parent support groups, in and out patient treatment. I'm v v strapped for cash, just getting back on my feet after a divorce a few years ago, but have good health insurance and maybe family could help but no one knows at this moment. First person experiences would be v helpful right now. Pretty sure I'm canceling school for next week, already called his job and told him he's out for the foreseeable future. What did you do first, second, third in this situation. In DC.

First, talk to a doctor or professional b/f you pull him out of school. I think you jumped the gun on calling the job. Lack of structure would probably make things worse, but I realize you're in panic mode at the moment.

Try al-anon or other similar group: http://www.al-anon.alateen.org

[Anonymous]

I would cross post this on special needs

[Anonymous]

OP here, this was an OD so there is physical stuff to handle in the upcoming days, thus no school and no work. Need to create structure ASAP and in this moment not sure of the answer

[Anonymous]

I'm so sorry, OP. I'm in Montgomery County and know a lot of resources there. But not in DC. Was s/he arrested, too? Because arrests can offer some programs. Not as good as private, of course.

Was it heroin? That's a tough one to beat. And it requires inpatient hospitalization, IMO, for treatment. You should also be able to get a prescription for Narcan to keep at home, in case of another overdose.

I'd also call your health insurance company to see what coverage is available to him.

Here is some general information.

https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/treatment/what-to-do-if-your-teen-or-young-adult-has-problem-drugs

[Anonymous]

Is there a social worker at the hospital who you could talk to? I would ask doctor/nurse about that if they haven't offered.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is there a social worker at the hospital who you could talk to? I would ask doctor/nurse about that if they haven't offered.

This, or your child's school social worker. They are there to help in situations like this.

[Anonymous]

No advice, just support. Hugs to you, make sure you find support too.Al anon is a great resource-although the focus is alcohol-the behaviors are the same regardless of addiction.

[Anonymous]

Was the overdose on purpose (suicide attempt) or accidental? Agree with above posters to talk with social worker at the hospital and make plans from there.

So sorry you are going through this OP. If your child needs rehab, I know there have been threads about that before with specific recommendations.

[Anonymous]

Many of the private rehab facilities, like Ashley, have substantial financial aid (scholarships) and become quite affordable when combined with insurance (which typically pays next to nothing). Start calling and ask about aid. And don't just call locally. Also call out of state and start with the big ones, like Hazleton or Betty Ford. They will help point you in the right direction if they can't help directly.

And stay AWAY from Delray Beach Florida! While it is the rehab capital of the US, the places there are more often than not scams that are nothing more than cash cows for the owners.

[Anonymous]

OP you should probably call your child's guidance counselor at school so they are aware of what's going on. If your child has to have an extended absence, they will coordinate that and make sure they can get the work/make it up later. They can also make sure teachers know as necessary. Possibly they can link you up with some counseling or other resources as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Many of the private rehab facilities, like Ashley, have substantial financial aid (scholarships) and become quite affordable when combined with insurance (which typically pays next to nothing). Start calling and ask about aid. And don't just call locally. Also call out of state and start with the big ones, like Hazleton or Betty Ford. They will help point you in the right direction if they can't help directly.

And stay AWAY from Delray Beach Florida! While it is the rehab capital of the US, the places there are more often than not scams that are nothing more than cash cows for the owners.

Hazleton and Betty Ford are big leagues. Hugely expensive, and for SERIOUS long-term addicts. Not a teen who may have been experimenting or is new to drugs. You don't go that hard for something at this age.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP you should probably call your child's guidance counselor at school so they are aware of what's going on. If your child has to have an extended absence, they will coordinate that and make sure they can get the work/make it up later. They can also make sure teachers know as necessary. Possibly they can link you up with some counseling or other resources as well.

I'd be wary of sharing details with the school.