As a Parent,
Do You ask Yourself:
How do I know if my teen is using alcohol or other drugs??
What should I do if I know my child has used marijuana??
Could my college student's falling grades
and behavior swings be caused by drug or alcohol abuse??
Positive Directions' Youth Evaluation Services is an innovative program designed to help parents and their children address behavioral issues and the potential of drug and substance abuse. Parents can learn how to determine if their child is at risk to the dangers of drug abuse and what they can do to help their child make the right decisions. We serve youth age 13 through young adulthood.
Working with the family, the caring and professional counselors from Positive Directions develop effective treatment and prevention plans that work. Even highly resistant youth are treated with respect and become engaged in the process of evaluation.
Our experienced staff can also offer guidance in a crisis situation such as a drug arrest or a school disciplinary situation. Counselors work with schools and other treatment providers helping teens and young adults succeed even if they have experienced significant problems and failure in the past.
Professional Consultations
Youth & Parental Coaching
Psychological & Substance Abuse
Evaluations
Educational & Learning Disability Assessments
Resources for School Guidance
Treatment & Prevention Plans
Crisis Intervention
Dealing with substance abuse can be frightening and overwhelming for a family.
Our goal at Positive Directions is to provide parents and youth with the best professional support in the most welcoming and non-threatening environment possible.
Please call Positive Directions to talk personally with a counselor who will help you determine if Youth Evaluation Services can be helpful to you and your child. The phone call is free, confidential, and anonymous if you choose.
203 227-7644
This list is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or emotional condition. If you have any questions or concerns regarding observation of any of these symptoms in your adolescent we advise you to call one of our counselors to help you interpret your observations and to offer you professional feedback.
Parents might observe the following behaviors in a child who is using alcohol or drugs:
- School work has declined; grades suddenly slipping or dropping dramatically; missing school (skipping secretly or too "tired" or "sick" to go)
- Mood changes (irritable, crying jags)
- Dropping out of usual activities (music, sports, hobbies)
- Physical appearance changing (poor hygiene, unusual style changes)
- Friends suddenly change; the child doesn't introduce new friends
- Furtive or secretive behavior (e.g., bedroom door locked often and takes long time to answer)
- Hostile, aggressive outbursts
- Seems to have "lost" motivation
- Forgetfulness
- Unusual sleeping habits (changing over time or dramatic change)
- Depressed
- Anxious
Parents who notice a shift in their child's normal patterns and behavior that cannot be attributed to the ordinary stresses of adolescence and changing level of independence should pay particular attention to their child's appearance, speech, and behavior. Their independence should not simply be allowed regardless of behavior, but should be dependent upon meeting certain basic expectations. If your teen now refuses to do chores, misses curfew regularly, creates a chaotic and hostile environment in the home, and frequently appears to be depressed, agitated, or "sleepy," you should investigate further and maintain clear channels of communication.
If you are concerned about changes in your adolescent's behavior please call us:
203 227-7644