Best resource for spotting drug abuse?

[Anonymous]

Our 16-year-old DS, dx inattentive ADHD/HFA, has always been very passive and noncompliant. Now he is raging and noncompliant. I'm wondering if it may be Strattera or a harder drug. (He also thinks he has OCD, and his tendencies do seem to be getting worse.)

So much information out there. What is the best online source you have found?

[Anonymous]

What exactly is your question?

[Anonymous]

A mirror.

Look in it. That's your clue.

[Anonymous]

Why would you go straight to drugs? I have no idea what to make of this post.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Let's try this again: my teenage son has had a major personality shift, going from passive to raging, and I am trying to account for it. Could be normal hormones, his ADHD medication (Strattera), or a new twist in our journey through HFA. Or something else. I don't know much about drug abuse, and hoped others who have been in this situation would be a good resource. So I am asking them: Of all the online resources out there dealing with drug abuse and how to recognize it, which one has helped you most?

[Anonymous]

OP, I think your question is valid and was well-worded. I have no idea why people are giving you a hard time. I don't have the answer for you, unfortunately. I would say, however, not to act too reflexively if you find out it is drugs. Many of the "treatments" (rehab centers) only worsen the situation. And, if it is just weed or alcohol, tread very gently. Remember top that it may just be being a teen - it is an awful time in life.

[Anonymous]

This happened with my similar DS at 15. It was severe anxiety. Do you see a psychiatrist?

[Anonymous]

5:42 and 13:22, thank you for your thoughtful replies. No, he doesn't see a psychiatrist, but I think the anxiety possibility is a good one, since it runs very strong on DHs side, and DS definitely takes after that side in other ways. Any recommendations? Preferably on the nonexorbitant or insurance-accepting side, as we are apparently part of the 1% of DCUM with a HHI < 100K.

[Anonymous]

ADHD kids who are medicated are much LESS likely to get involved with drugs. I'd suspect depression or anxiety first....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:5:42 and 13:22, thank you for your thoughtful replies. No, he doesn't see a psychiatrist, but I think the anxiety possibility is a good one, since it runs very strong on DHs side, and DS definitely takes after that side in other ways. Any recommendations? Preferably on the nonexorbitant or insurance-accepting side, as we are apparently part of the 1% of DCUM with a HHI < 100K.

Where are you? I have one in Gaithersburg...

[Anonymous]

Yeah I still don't see why you're going straight to drugs, OP. Have you, I don't know, tried talking to him? Taken him to a counselor he's willing to talk to? Talked to a psychiatrist about adjusting his meds?

Teenagers are pretty known for mood swings and personality changes, I wouldn't jump straight to accusing your kid of anything.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:5:42 and 13:22, thank you for your thoughtful replies. No, he doesn't see a psychiatrist, but I think the anxiety possibility is a good one, since it runs very strong on DHs side, and DS definitely takes after that side in other ways. Any recommendations? Preferably on the nonexorbitant or insurance-accepting side, as we are apparently part of the 1% of DCUM with a HHI < 100K.

J
Where are you? I have one in Gaithersburg...

Takoma Park. We could travel for the right kind of help. Do you know if this person has any experience with HFA patients? Thanks in advance for the name.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:5:42 and 13:22, thank you for your thoughtful replies. No, he doesn't see a psychiatrist, but I think the anxiety possibility is a good one, since it runs very strong on DHs side, and DS definitely takes after that side in other ways. Any recommendations? Preferably on the nonexorbitant or insurance-accepting side, as we are apparently part of the 1% of DCUM with a HHI < 100K.

J
Where are you? I have one in Gaithersburg...

Takoma Park. We could travel for the right kind of help. Do you know if this person has any experience with HFA patients? Thanks in advance for the name.

Dr. Sasha Hileman with Quince Orchard psychotherapy associates in the Kentlands. We go for ADHD and anxiety. Her speciality is autism. They take Blue Coss and some other insurance. I don't remember which others, though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:5:42 and 13:22, thank you for your thoughtful replies. No, he doesn't see a psychiatrist, but I think the anxiety possibility is a good one, since it runs very strong on DHs side, and DS definitely takes after that side in other ways. Any recommendations? Preferably on the nonexorbitant or insurance-accepting side, as we are apparently part of the 1% of DCUM with a HHI < 100K.

J
Where are you? I have one in Gaithersburg...

Takoma Park. We could travel for the right kind of help. Do you know if this person has any experience with HFA patients? Thanks in advance for the name.

Dr. Sasha Hileman with Quince Orchard psychotherapy associates in the Kentlands. We go for ADHD and anxiety. Her speciality is autism. They take Blue Coss and some other insurance. I don't remember which others, though.

http://quinceorchardpsychotherapy.com/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yeah I still don't see why you're going straight to drugs, OP. Have you, I don't know, tried talking to him? Taken him to a counselor he's willing to talk to? Talked to a psychiatrist about adjusting his meds?

Teenagers are pretty known for mood swings and personality changes, I wouldn't jump straight to accusing your kid of anything.

Why are people jumping on OP? She's not jumping straight to drugs. She's asking for a resource to help determine if that could be the issue, presumably because she'd like to rule it out if possible...