Substance Use

Figuring out if your child is using substances can be challenging. Many signs of drug use in teens are typical young adult behavior. Other signs of drug use are also symptoms of mental health issues, including depression or anxiety. Shifts in mood or personality, behavioral habits, hygiene, appearance, as well as physical signs can all be indicators of substance use. Look your child in the eyes, watch their behavior, and consider searching their spaces (including electronic devices) if you suspect use. Absence from class and not being willing or able to account for their whereabouts before and after school may also be cause for concern.

Risk factors are characteristics or circumstances in a child’s life that increase the likelihood that they will experience more difficult challenges. This includes mental health problems like anxiety and depression as well as struggling to connect to school and other positive relationships that help kids navigate natural aspects of adolescence. On the other hand, protective factors are characteristics or circumstances that can serve as buffers against negative outcomes, such as positive friends, engagement in school, and solid coping and problem solving skills. Learn about risk and protective factors at https://youth.gov/youth-topics/risk-and-protective-factors.

Take time to prepare for conversations with your child around drug and alcohol use. As you navigate the discussion, try to speak from a place of curiosity and compassion rather than from fear or anger. Here are some sentence starters: "I've been learning about substance use in Yelm, and I want to hear your perspective. Would you tell me what you’ve seen and heard?" Ask direct questions like “Have you been drinking, vaping or using drugs?” No parent wants to hear “yes,” but being prepared for how you would respond can be the starting point for a more positive outcome. Prepare for your conversation with the guides available from Partnership to End Addiction at https://drugfree.org/article/having-tough-conversations.

Overdose deaths remain a leading cause of injury-related death in the United States. The majority of overdose deaths involve opioids. If you have prescription opioids in your home, lock them up so they are inaccessible to your children and dispose of them once their purpose has concluded. If you check your child's backpack or bedroom and find substances, talk with them. If they deny using any found substance or state that it belongs to someone else, you can gently say, "I know it’s upsetting that I searched your space, but it's my job to support your safety in this way."

All Yelm Community Schools have the life saving drug Naloxone on hand for use by trained staff. Naloxone is effective in reversing a potential opioid overdose.  If your child is at risk for witnessing or experiencing overdose, consider having a dose available. Naloxone is available over the counter at most pharmacies and has zero copay with Medicaid. Find Naloxone at StopOverdose.org.

You are not alone. Your child's School Counselor is a partner and advocate with you. They can help connect you to resources as you navigate difficult conversations and decisions. Find School Counselor contacts on your school’s website, or email substanceuse@ycs.wednet.edu.

Refer to our resource How Do I Access Substance Use Services for My Child? for a directory of local resources, including services available on your child’s school campus. Refer to our resource How Do I Access Mental Health Services for My Child? if you have mental health concerns for your child. When a child struggles with both mental health and substance use, substance use services typically begin before mental health services, as substance use may impact engagement in mental health counseling.