Does someone you care about need help?

Teens are usually very good at hiding alcohol and other drug abuse -- especially from parents and teachers. Friends are often the only ones to know that something's wrong. If you are concerned about one of your friends, one of your students, children, or a friend's child, remember: people -- whether they're teens or adults -- rarely ask for help with alcohol and or other drug problems. If the warning signs remind you of someone you care about, please call one of the phone numbers provided in the following links. Your call will be completely confidential, but can be the first step in getting someone the help they need. Treatment works!

Warning Signs:
•     Drop in grades; dropping out of activities without adding other positive interests.
•     Change in friends; especially to people who are known users.
•     No interest in activities or parties unless alcohol or other drugs are going to be available; drinking or using before attending drug-free events.
•     Chronic lateness to school or work; missing school or work.
•     Blaming others for problems that are consequences of their own behavior.
•     Personality change; change in personal cleanliness or grooming.
•     Wearing drug slogans, pictures, jewelry; decorating room with drug posters; admiration for stars who promote drug use.
•     Blackouts -- not knowing or remembering what happened when they were drinking even though they were conscious the entire time.
•     For inhalant use, check for the odor of solvents on clothing, rashes around the nose or mouth, coordination problems, spray cans such as Scotchguard, secretiveness and isolation.

School-Based Resources
Area schools also offer counseling via their guidance offices or student advocate offices. Specific contact information is below.

Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake: 399-9141
Galway High School: 882-1221 x 125
Saratoga BOCES: 581-3630
Saratoga Springs High School: 587-6690 x 323
Maple Avenue Middle School: 587-4551 x 2020
Shenendehowa High School: 371-4763 x 2376

Recovery & Support
Call The Prevention Council at 518-581-1230 for information on 12-step groups, including AA, NA, Rational Recovery, Alanon, Alateen, and others. Please also visit Hazelden, a national nonprofit organization founded in 1949, that offers a comprehensive approach to addiction, including treatment and continuing care for youth and adults, research, higher learning, public education and advocacy, and publishing.

For a personalized, confidential screening, visit AlcoholScreening.org, a free service of Join Together, which is a project of the Boston University School of Public Health.