Addiction Substance Abuse Mental Health What to do!
Substance Abuse SA / Addiction
Youth with mental/emotional/behavioral health conditions are also at risk for experimenting with substances to self-treat their psychological discomfort. This can occur when they have unwanted side effects to medication or their conditions are untreated or unsuccessfully treated. Some youth may have stopped taking their medication because they don’t want to be different or sick.
Youth may not understand why they feel the way they do, and they may discover that drinking or taking drugs alleviates their discomfort as well as their "friends" can have a huge influence on their choices as well.
For many youth, this use can progress to dependence and addiction in many forms such as cigarettes, vaping, marijuana, illegal drugs, and even someone else's prescription drug.
Gambling and pornography also pull at many youth these days.
Find support: You are not alone. Others have been where you are and can guide you to where you are going. They can walk alongside you. Peers will have information about support groups and knowledge of what to expect and be prepared for in this world.
Obtain an assessment: Get your youth an in-depth, integrated, trauma-informed substance use and mental health assessment and evaluation. Contact your county office for mental health information.
https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Disabilities-Aging/Pages/ODP-County-MH-ID-Office-Contacts.aspx
Decide what is best for your family: Determine the best course of action given the identified needs of your family and the options presented to you.
Ask questions: Screen treatment providers to find out whether they can meet your youth and family’s needs. There are questions you can ask to help you decide.
Investigate costs and coverage: Find out as much as you can about the costs and what is covered by your health care plan and if your youth is eligible for PA state Access Medicaid Insurance. Ask the caseworker at the SCA Office/the D&A Provider or contact the County Assistance Office.
https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/CAO-Contact.aspx
Plan for after treatment: Prepare an “after” plan for ongoing healing and health maintenance after co-occurring treatment. The caseworker should be able to assist you in this area.